a deep thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a deep thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is profound, significant, or complex in nature. Example: "The conversation we had last night was a deep thing that made me reflect on my life choices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"I didn't want to psychoanalyse Shirley and get into a deep thing about myself," he says.

Independent

Again, it is not a deep thing and you can pass for normal.

The New York Times

"But the control is a deep thing, partly in people's minds.

The New York Times

He's got sort of a deep thing going, but he's not annoying.

The New York Times - Magazine

The need for sacrifice, to obey, to make a gift of your life, is in all of us and it's a deep thing.

The Guardian - Books

Gleason didn't seem to think that there was much new in the realm of sexual conduct, but, rather, the newness was in the end of hypocrisy about it and he brought his lifelong range of passions together in those of the new era: There is a deep thing at work in all of this.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"… but then if there's a Daisy reading this she might feel bad! Look, this isn't a really deep thing, but for me it's a way to appreciate the work that has gone into the car and all the mechanics put into the car".

Independent

Our Taoism is a really deep thing.

The New York Times - Magazine

This is a very spiritual and deep thing for many people".

The New York Times

There was a deep Midwest thing going on".

The New Yorker

"It is a deep psychological thing to understand.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a deep thing" when you want to convey that something has significant emotional, intellectual, or spiritual weight. It's suitable for describing feelings, concepts, or situations that are more than just superficial.

Common error

Avoid using "a deep thing" excessively, especially in formal writing. While grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound vague or less impactful. Opt for more specific and descriptive alternatives when possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a deep thing" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes something that has significant depth, complexity, or emotional weight. Ludwig's examples show that it can refer to feelings, concepts, or situations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a deep thing" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig, employed to describe something of considerable significance, complexity, or emotional weight. While the phrase is found in various contexts, it appears most frequently in news and media sources and might be considered too informal for academic or scientific writing. When seeking alternative expressions, "a profound matter" or "a complex situation" may serve as more precise substitutions, depending on the context. While useful for conveying depth, writers should be mindful of overuse, potentially diluting the impact of their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a profound matter

Replaces "thing" with "matter", emphasizing the seriousness and importance of the subject.

a significant issue

Substitutes "thing" with "issue", highlighting the importance and relevance of the topic.

a complex situation

Replaces "deep" with "complex" and "thing" with "situation", focusing on the intricate nature of the circumstances.

a meaningful concept

Emphasizes the value and importance of the idea being discussed.

a weighty subject

Highlights the importance and potential impact of the subject matter.

a substantial concern

Focuses on the real and considerable worry about the matter.

a serious undertaking

Highlights the commitment, effort, or responsibility something demands.

a fundamental aspect

Underscores something that is an essential and basic part.

a philosophical question

Specifies that something is related to or has significance in philosophy.

an existential matter

Highlights the importance for existence or the defining purpose of something.

FAQs

How can I use "a deep thing" in a sentence?

You can use "a deep thing" to describe something profound or complex, like "Their connection was "a deep thing", rooted in shared experiences."

What are some alternatives to "a deep thing"?

Alternatives include "a profound matter", "a significant issue", or "a complex situation", depending on the specific context.

Is "a deep thing" too informal for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "a deep thing" might be considered informal for academic writing. More precise terms like "a fundamental concept" or "a complex phenomenon" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "a deep thing" and "a profound realization"?

"A deep thing" is a general phrase that can refer to anything with significant depth or complexity. "A profound realization" specifically refers to a moment of deep understanding or insight.