a definite thing

USAGE SUMMARY

"a definite thing" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you need to refer to something that is certain and clear, as opposed to something vague or uncertain. Example sentence: "I need to come up with a definite thing to do tonight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

A frightened child is a definite thing.

The New Yorker

Now, New Zealand electro is a definite thing: downbeat, minimalist, performed by young musicians with whom Little seems to collaborate carefully, spinning their raw, unformed talent into something cool, listenable, effortless.

The Guardian - Music

Anyways, this is a definite thing to get if you're friends with any of the punks who contributed or if you live in a punk house.

Vice

Things might be clearer by the time he was about 4. His mum was obviously relieved to know that it was not a definite thing.

BMJ Open

Your vocal range is not a definite thing.

WikiHow

Tiny impulses of delight garnered from social media is a definite Thing.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"Eraserhead" was "a real, definite thing in my head," he says.

The New Yorker

And I just thought that was a more definite thing, and, uh, the most challenging thing to me was that nobody would tell me, nobody would tell me what to do.

BMC Women's Health

There is no such thing as existence other than as some definite thing with a specific identity; identity is the form that existence takes.

SEP

There was a definite denial thing going on.

The Guardian - Music

Marc Albrighton, midfield – Matt Smith A boyish 26, Leicester's eager-beaver wide man isn't especially high in recognition terms, but floppy-haired former Doctor Who Smith has got a definite lookalike thing going on.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a definite thing" to clearly indicate something that is certain, established, or real, avoiding ambiguity or speculation.

Common error

While "a definite thing" is grammatically correct, avoid using it repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language with alternatives like "certainty" or "established fact" for better readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a definite thing" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object. It serves to categorize or describe something with a sense of certainty. As Ludwig indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

30%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a definite thing" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express certainty or to describe something established. While not overly common, it appears consistently across news, scientific, and academic contexts. Ludwig confirms its correctness and provides helpful examples. When using it, ensure it accurately reflects certainty and consider varying your language to avoid redundancy. Related phrases include ""a sure thing"" and ""a certainty"". Consider context and register to optimize your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sure thing

Emphasizes the certainty of an outcome or result.

a certainty

Highlights the state of being undoubtedly true or real.

a concrete thing

Focuses on the tangible and real nature of something.

an established fact

Highlights the acceptance and validation of a particular idea.

a clear certainty

Combines clarity and sureness.

a guaranteed thing

Stresses that something is assured or promised.

an undeniable thing

Highlights that something cannot be disputed or denied.

a demonstrable thing

Emphasizes that something can be proven or shown.

a tangible entity

Shifts focus to a real, touchable existence.

a settled matter

Indicates that something is resolved and no longer subject to debate.

FAQs

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

You can use "a definite thing" to describe something that is certain or clearly established. For example, "Having a plan is "a definite thing" when starting a business".

What are some alternatives to "a definite thing"?

Alternatives include "a sure thing", "a certainty", or "an established fact". Choose the alternative that best fits the nuance of your sentence.

Is "a definite thing" formal or informal?

The phrase "a definite thing" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal writing might benefit from alternatives like "an established fact" or "a certainty".

When is it inappropriate to use "a definite thing"?

Avoid using "a definite thing" when discussing abstract concepts or uncertain situations. It is best suited for describing something tangible or clearly confirmed.