all this thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "all this thing" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used incorrectly when referring to multiple items or concepts, as "thing" should be pluralized to "things" in this context. Example: "I don't understand all these things happening at once."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

After all, this thing has history.

Independent

After all, this thing should eventually settle down in a dynamic equilibrium, shouldn't it?

University of California, Berkeley

After all, this thing about using ingredients that don't require scrabbling around in a frosty cabinet might turn out to be a fad.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There's no compelling evidence he was in Tora Prison to start with, and then all this thing about his heart stopped, which seemed just a setup to get him out.

The New York Times

"I can't understand why they're giving me such a hard time over this," Mr. Martinelli said, "when, first of all, this thing has been up here for about two years and, second of all, no one ever complained about the modern sculptures I had next door for 15 years," in front of the adjacent commercial building he owns.

The New York Times

After all, this thing is going to be everywhere...on your website, your t-shirts, your stickers, your flyers, etc.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"When it's all said and done, we're all in this thing together".

The New York Times

Just because I was good at the game doesn't mean I can play at all.' This thing is a lot closer to what the actual instrument's all about".

The New York Times - Tech

"Before you infect us all with this thing".

The New Yorker

"We all love this thing called the theater".

The New York Times

"He thought, well, we all thought, this thing was over with," this person said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to multiple items, use "all these things" instead of "all this thing" for correct grammar. For example, instead of saying "I don't understand all this thing", say "I don't understand all these things".

Common error

Avoid using "all this thing" when you mean to refer to multiple items or concepts. Remember that "thing" is singular; use "things" for plural references. In formal writing, consider using "all of this" to maintain grammatical accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all this thing" functions as a determiner phrase, attempting to specify a particular set of items or a situation. However, its grammatical incorrectness undermines its effectiveness. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically incorrect and should be replaced with "all these things" or "all of this".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "all this thing" appears in some contexts, it's generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. As Ludwig AI points out, it’s often misused when referring to multiple items and should be replaced with "all these things" or "all of this", depending on the context. It's best reserved for informal settings, as it's not appropriate for academic or professional writing. Always prioritize grammatical accuracy to ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

all these things

Changes the singular "thing" to the plural "things" to correct the grammatical error when referring to multiple items.

all of this

Uses the more grammatically correct construction "all of this" to refer to a situation, concept, or collection of items.

all this stuff

Replaces "thing" with the more informal "stuff", which is suitable for referring to a collection of items or matters.

the whole thing

Refers to an entire event, situation, or object, often implying a comprehensive view.

everything about this

Emphasizes completeness, covering all aspects related to "this" situation or item.

this entire matter

Replaces "thing" with "matter" to denote a subject or issue under consideration, suitable in more formal contexts.

all that is involved

Focuses on every element, aspect, or factor that participates in something or some event.

the sum of it all

Suggests a totality, encompassing all details or parts into a comprehensive whole.

all that entails

Highlights the consequences, requirements, or elements inherently connected or necessary to "this"

the entirety of this

Stresses a complete inclusion, bringing into focus that nothing is left out of "this"

FAQs

What's the proper way to use "all this" in a sentence?

When referring to multiple items, use "all these things" instead of "all this thing". For a general concept, "all of this" is grammatically correct.

Is it ever correct to say "all this thing"?

In standard English, "all this thing" is generally considered incorrect. It's usually better to say "all these things" (plural) or "all of this" (singular, referring to a concept).

What are some alternatives to "all this thing" that sound more natural?

Alternatives include "all this stuff", "all of this", or "everything here", depending on the context.

How does "all this thing" differ from "all these things"?

"All this thing" is grammatically incorrect when referring to multiple items. The correct plural form is "all these things". "All this thing" might be used colloquially, but it's not suitable for formal writing.