a kind thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a kind thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an action or gesture that is considerate, compassionate, or helpful towards others. Example: "She did a kind thing by volunteering at the local shelter every weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

What a kind thing to say!

The New Yorker

So she sent along both letters, and it was a kind thing to do.

The New York Times

"Doing a kind thing for someone else is actually doing a happy thing for yourself, I suppose.

The Guardian

Here it was a kind thing to do, making sure Daisy went out with her ridiculously beautiful head held high.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It was a kind thing to do, not to punish the dog because its owner was a mindless young fool.

The New Yorker

I'm glad I can't find anyone later, when I remember that it is not a kind thing to tell human beings that they can live under your house.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"I think it's a one-of-a-kind thing for our state," said Mr. McCombs, who admitted to having little interest in the sport itself.

The New York Times

What's sold out? "Several one-of-a-kind things," Mr. Friedland said.

The New York Times

"I thought it was a very kind thing.

The Guardian - Books

Clara thinks that sounds like a very kind thing to do.

The Guardian

He said, 'I'm sorry, you must go there tomorrow.' It was a very kind thing".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an action, follow "a kind thing" with a "to" infinitive to explain the purpose or result of the kindness. For example, "It was "a kind thing" to do to help her move."

Common error

Avoid using "kind" directly before the noun it modifies without the article "a". Instead of saying "That was kind thing", always include the article: "That was "a kind thing"".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a kind thing" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes an action or gesture characterized by kindness or consideration. Ludwig indicates that the expression is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a kind thing" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe an action characterized by kindness or consideration. According to Ludwig, it is used across various contexts, including news, wikis, and even scientific publications, with a neutral register. The phrase is valuable for expressing gratitude or appreciation for the positive actions of others. When using the phrase, ensure you include the article "a" for grammatical correctness and consider related phrases like "a thoughtful deed" or "a generous act" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a thoughtful deed

Replaces "thing" with "deed" to emphasize the action performed with consideration.

a generous act

Substitutes "kind" with "generous" to highlight the magnanimity of the action.

a compassionate gesture

Replaces "thing" with "gesture" and "kind" with "compassionate" to focus on the empathetic nature of the action.

a considerate action

Emphasizes the thoughtfulness behind the action by using "considerate" instead of "kind".

a benevolent act

Uses "benevolent" to suggest a more formal or significant act of kindness.

a charitable act

Highlights the altruistic aspect of the action, particularly in a context of giving or helping those in need.

a gracious deed

Implies politeness and elegance in the act of kindness.

a humane action

Focuses on the compassionate and ethical dimension of the act.

an altruistic gesture

Highlights the selfless nature of the act, emphasizing that it's done for others.

a sympathetic act

Emphasizes understanding and sharing the feelings of others in the kind action.

FAQs

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

You can use "a kind thing" to describe an action that is considerate or helpful. For example, "It was "a kind thing" of you to offer your help" or "Doing "a kind thing" for someone can make their day better".

What can I say instead of "a kind thing"?

Alternatives include "a thoughtful deed", "a generous act", or "a compassionate gesture" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "kind thing" without the article "a"?

While omitting the article might be understood in informal speech, it's grammatically more accurate and widely accepted to include the article "a" before "kind thing" when referring to a single instance of a kind action.

What's the difference between "a kind thing" and "a good deed"?

"A kind thing" emphasizes the considerate or compassionate nature of an action, while "a good deed" focuses more broadly on the moral or beneficial aspect of the action. The phrases are largely interchangeable, but they have slight nuance.