a special thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a special thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that is unique, significant, or holds particular value in a given context. Example: "This necklace is not just a piece of jewelry; it is a special thing that my grandmother passed down to me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is a special thing for her.

The New Yorker

"It's a special thing to witness".

The New Yorker

All football is a special thing.

The Guardian - Sport

The Proms is such a special thing".

The Guardian - Music

I think scent is a special thing, a great accent.

The New York Times

"That would be a special thing for her.

The New York Times

"These girls have a special thing about them.

The New York Times

It's a special thing that's done right here.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm thinking how we do a special thing.

The Guardian

"I mean, the boat is just a special thing".

The New York Times - Magazine

Winning a World Series is a special thing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a special thing" to highlight the unique or cherished nature of an object, event, or quality. For example, "The hand-stitched quilt was more than just bedding; it was "a special thing" passed down through generations."

Common error

While versatile, avoid overuse in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise language to convey the specific quality you're highlighting. For instance, instead of "The experimental results were "a special thing"," use "The experimental results were remarkably consistent."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a special thing" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig, it describes something of particular importance, uniqueness, or emotional value. It is used to highlight the significance of an item, event, or quality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a special thing" is a versatile and frequently used phrase to highlight the uniqueness, importance, or cherished nature of something. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, although it's advisable to avoid overuse in highly formal writing, opting for more precise language instead. While versatile, it has a neutral tone. When aiming for more formal writing, use "a remarkable feature" and "a significant element". It finds its most common use in News & Media and some more professional documentation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a unique aspect

Emphasizes the distinct and unparalleled nature of something.

a remarkable feature

Highlights an attribute that is particularly noteworthy or outstanding.

a significant element

Focuses on the importance and impact of a particular component.

an extraordinary quality

Underscores the exceptional nature of a trait or characteristic.

a treasured possession

Suggests something is highly valued and cherished.

a singular attribute

Points to a characteristic that is one of a kind.

a valuable asset

Highlights the worth and importance of something beneficial.

an exceptional case

Indicates that something is an uncommon instance.

a momentous occasion

Refers to an event that is particularly important or significant.

a noteworthy detail

Emphasizes the importance of a specific aspect that should be observed.

FAQs

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

You can use "a special thing" to describe something that is unique, important, or cherished. For example, "Her grandmother's ring was more than just jewelry; it was "a special thing" that reminded her of her family history."

What are some alternatives to "a special thing"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a unique aspect", "a remarkable feature", or "a significant element".

Is it correct to say "a special thing of"?

While not incorrect, the phrase "a special thing of" is less common. It is usually better to rephrase the sentence for clarity and flow. For instance, instead of "It was "a special thing of" beauty", consider "It was a thing of special beauty" or "It was remarkably beautiful".

What's the difference between "a special thing" and "a unique thing"?

"A special thing" suggests something is particularly valued or significant, while "a unique thing" emphasizes its one-of-a-kind nature. Although they can be similar, "a special thing" often carries more emotional weight.