an appropriate thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an appropriate thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that is suitable or fitting in a particular context or situation. Example: "In this meeting, we need to focus on finding an appropriate thing to address the team's concerns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

It's not an appropriate thing".

The New York Times

For that reason, it's just not an appropriate thing.

The New York Times

"We happily cooperated," he said, "because it seemed like an appropriate thing to do".

The New York Times

That was hardly an appropriate thing to tell a 13-year-old boy.

The Guardian - Arts

"This was not an appropriate thing to have happen," a senior official said.

The New York Times

"Yeah, it is an appropriate thing to do," Mr. Ognibene said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

But it's also, like many things, an appropriated thing here in the West.

Vice

But it's also, like many things, an appropriated thing here in the west.

Vice

"The horse trading is nothing but people defending their constituent interests, and that's an entirely appropriate thing for them to do," he said.

The New York Times

"It was a very appropriate thing for The Post to do even if not a lot of people were reading it," he said.

The New York Times

"I think that it is a perfectly appropriate thing to do," Mr. Giuliani said of the renaming today of a two-block section of Cameron Place in University Heights to Anthony Baez Place.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an appropriate thing", consider the context and ensure that the action or item being described is truly suitable and fitting for the situation. Be specific about why it is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "an appropriate thing" without providing specific reasons or details. Instead of saying "Giving feedback is always an appropriate thing", specify when and how feedback should be given to be truly effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an appropriate thing" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the subject complement or object in a sentence. According to Ludwig, this expression is correct and usable in written English to denote something suitable or fitting.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an appropriate thing" is a versatile phrase used to describe something suitable or fitting in a particular context. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and widely used. Its frequency across various authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian indicates its common usage in news and media, science, and general discourse. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context is clear and that the appropriateness of the action or item is well-justified. Consider alternative phrases like "a fitting action" or "a suitable measure" to add variety to your writing. By being mindful of these nuances, you can effectively communicate the idea of suitability and correctness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fitting action

Focuses on the action being suitable or correct for the situation.

a suitable measure

Emphasizes the suitability of a particular action or policy.

a proper course of action

Highlights the correctness and appropriateness of a specific plan or strategy.

a justified decision

Implies that the decision is supported by good reasons and is therefore appropriate.

a reasonable step

Suggests the action is logical and sensible in the given context.

a correct approach

Highlights the accuracy and suitability of a particular method or technique.

an acceptable solution

Focuses on the solution being satisfactory and appropriate for the problem.

a wise move

Indicates that the action is considered prudent and well-thought-out.

a sensible choice

Suggests that the decision is practical and reasonable.

an ethical practice

Emphasizes that the action is morally correct and in accordance with ethical standards.

FAQs

How do I use "an appropriate thing" in a sentence?

Use "an appropriate thing" to describe actions, items or decisions that are suitable and fitting for a specific context. For example: "Wearing a suit to a job interview is "an appropriate thing" to do."

What can I say instead of "an appropriate thing"?

You can use alternatives such as "a fitting action", "a suitable measure", or "a proper course of action" depending on the context.

When is it not appropriate to use "an appropriate thing"?

Avoid using "an appropriate thing" when the action or item is not universally accepted as suitable, or when it requires further explanation to justify its appropriateness. In such cases, be more specific and provide context.

Is there a difference between saying "a suitable thing" and "an appropriate thing"?

While both terms are similar, "appropriate" often implies conformity to a specific standard or expectation, whereas "suitable" may simply mean well-fitted or adaptable. "An "appropriate thing"" is more context-dependent.