a typical thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a typical thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is common or usual in a particular context or situation. Example: "It's a typical thing for students to feel overwhelmed during exam season."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"It is a typical thing that takes place," she said.

The New York Times

"When you look at the season, that's a typical thing.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was a typical thing of trying to replace what I'd lost," she recalled.

The New Yorker

"It is a typical thing with Rosetta, things seem to occur at the weekends and usually on Sunday".

The Guardian

For example, a typical thing Bernd would say was 'You have to understand the Paris photographs of Atget as the visualization of Marcel Proust.' " I said, "I don't get it.

The New Yorker

Socially, a typical thing would be to watch a football match in a pub or bar – I'm a massive Paris St-Germain fan – or to listen to a jazz band in a bar.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

"I lived in a storefront the typical thing, with the bed on the floor and water bugs," she recalled.

The New Yorker

"So Warhol completely flips it to the other side of the coin by depicting the most-wanted men of New York City—felons, drug dealers, the downtrodden and that's not a very typical thing.

The Economist

To have written an able and occasionally excellent first novel, filled with pleasures for the reader, flawed by pretentiousness, top-heavy with "meaning," wobbly in tone, hobbled, ultimately, by a failure to bring off the grand message it seeks to deliver, is a very typical thing in the literary world.

The New York Times - Books

That's a pretty typical thing that would happen.

Forbes

"I lived in a storefront — the typical thing, with the bed on the floor and water bugs," she recalled.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a typical thing", ensure the context clearly establishes what is considered normal or expected within that specific situation. Avoid using it in ambiguous scenarios where typicality is subjective.

Common error

Avoid using "a typical thing" without providing enough context. For instance, stating "It's a typical thing" is vague. Instead, specify: "It's "a typical thing for students" to feel stressed during exams".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a typical thing" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or object, describing something as common, usual, or expected. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

23%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a typical thing" is a common phrase used to describe something that is normal, usual, or expected in a particular context. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and can be found in various sources, particularly in News & Media and Wiki. While generally acceptable, it's important to ensure that the context makes it clear what is considered typical. For formal writing, consider using alternatives like "a common occurrence" or "a usual situation". By providing enough context and choosing the right register, you can effectively use this phrase in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a common occurrence

Focuses on the event happening frequently.

a usual situation

Emphasizes the normality and expectedness of the scenario.

a standard practice

Highlights that the activity is accepted and established.

a regular event

Points to the recurring nature of the happening.

a normal phenomenon

Indicates that the event is not unusual or extraordinary.

a characteristic trait

Highlights the event as a distinctive feature.

a run-of-the-mill affair

Suggests the event is unremarkable or ordinary.

an everyday matter

Indicates the event is mundane and commonplace.

a general trend

Suggests the event reflects a wider pattern.

a widespread habit

Highlights the event as common across a population.

FAQs

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

You can use "a typical thing" to describe something common or expected. For example: "It's "a typical thing to happen" when you're learning a new skill."

What are some alternatives to "a typical thing"?

Alternatives include "a common occurrence", "a usual situation", or "a standard practice", depending on the specific context.

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

While grammatically correct, "a typical thing" may sound informal in some contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives in professional or academic writing.

What's the difference between "a typical thing" and "something typical"?

"A typical thing" refers to a specific instance, while "something typical" is more general. For example, "That mistake is "a typical thing" for beginners", versus "He said "something typical" of his generation".