a standard thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a standard thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that is commonly accepted or typical in a particular context or situation. Example: "In our industry, working late on Fridays has become a standard thing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"It's a standard thing that clearly goes out to everyone.

Independent

This was a standard thing, that you looked after everyone.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"That's probably not a standard thing we'd do, moving onto land," Dr. Marty said.

The New York Times

"Every time I went on it, it made me worry… I knew from reading other people's posts that I was going to struggle with my GP, because it seems to be a standard thing that they say no, we don't believe in this".

The Guardian

We can have a standard thing in the middle, we can translate them through.

TechCrunch

And it could be a standard thing for the core franchises.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

English folk singer Sam Lee is sitting under the shade of a green oak tree – which is a fairly standard thing for an English folk singer to do of course, except that we are in the botanic gardens of Adelaide where oak trees and, indeed, English folk singers are an exotic species.

The Guardian - Music

That's a fairly standard thing in star casting.

The New York Times

So that's a very standard thing we do in science.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

That is a fairly standard thing for companies in takeovers to say, but in the case of Bell Atlantic and GTE the facts actually do appear to support the assertion.

The New York Times

"This is a very standard thing, and I think most people appreciate it," she says.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a standard thing" when you want to convey that something is not unusual or surprising within a particular context. It suggests that the event, practice, or item is well-established and generally accepted.

Common error

While "a standard thing" is perfectly acceptable in many contexts, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated vocabulary to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a standard thing" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a predicate nominative or an object in a sentence. It describes something that is typical, common, or generally accepted within a certain context. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a standard thing" is a noun phrase used to describe something that is common, typical, or expected within a given context. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it is grammatically correct and functions to convey familiarity or acceptance. While its register is generally neutral and suitable for news and media, it may be too informal for academic or professional settings. When aiming for a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "a common practice" or "an established norm". The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, highlighting its widespread applicability. The analyzed authoritative sources further support its proper usage and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an established norm

Focuses on societal or group-accepted standards.

a common practice

Focuses on established behaviors or routines.

a usual occurrence

Points out the frequency with which something happens.

a customary action

Highlights the traditional or habitual nature of a behavior.

a typical phenomenon

Emphasizes the common occurrence of something.

a normal procedure

Implies adherence to established protocols or methods.

a routine matter

Highlights the ordinariness and lack of surprise associated with something.

a regular feature

Indicates something that consistently appears or is included.

a conventional aspect

Highlights the conformity to widely accepted customs.

an ordinary event

Stresses the everyday nature of an occurrence.

FAQs

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

You can use "a standard thing" to describe something common or typical. For example, "Providing a warranty is "a standard thing" when selling electronics".

What phrases are similar to "a standard thing"?

Similar phrases include "a common practice", "a typical occurrence", or "an established norm" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "a standard thing"?

While generally acceptable, "a standard thing" might be too informal for certain academic or professional contexts. Consider your audience and the desired tone.

What's the difference between "a standard thing" and "a common thing"?

While similar, "a standard thing" often implies that something is not just common, but also somewhat expected or prescribed, whereas "a common thing" simply means it happens frequently.