any of those things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "any of those things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a selection of items or options previously mentioned, indicating that any one of them is acceptable. Example: "You can choose any of those things to take home with you from the party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Do I miss any of those things?

The New York Times

Did any of those things help?

The New York Times

It isn't about any of those things.

The New York Times

We don't have any of those things.

The New York Times

That could be any of those things".

The Guardian

We're not doing any of those things".

The New York Times

I don't believe any of those things.

The Guardian - Music

I don't want any of those things.

The New York Times - Books

I don't know any of those things.

The Washington Post

I didn't want to be any of those things.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Business doesn't have to be any of those things.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "any of those things" to refer back to a specific list or group of items already mentioned in the conversation or text. This ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "any of those things" when the items being referred to are not clearly defined or previously mentioned. This can lead to confusion and weaken the coherence of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "any of those things" functions as a determiner phrase that refers back to a previously mentioned set of items or concepts. It indicates a selection or possibility from that defined group. As per Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "any of those things" is a common and grammatically correct determiner phrase used to refer back to previously mentioned items or concepts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, primarily in news and media, academic, and general writing. To maintain clarity, ensure the items being referenced are clearly defined. When aiming for more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "any of those items" or "any of those options". By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "any of those things" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

any of those items

Replaces "things" with a more specific noun, focusing on tangible objects.

any of those options

Substitutes "things" with "options", highlighting choice or selection.

any of those aspects

Replaces "things" with "aspects", focusing on particular features or parts.

any of those elements

Substitutes "things" with "elements", referring to essential components.

any of those matters

Replaces "things" with "matters", emphasizing issues or subjects under consideration.

any of those points

Substitutes "things" with "points", highlighting specific ideas or arguments.

any of those issues

Replaces "things" with "issues", focusing on problems or concerns.

any of those subjects

Substitutes "things" with "subjects", pertaining to themes or topics.

any of those concepts

Replaces "things" with "concepts", referring to abstract ideas or notions.

any of those factors

Substitutes "things" with "factors", emphasizing contributing influences.

FAQs

How can I use "any of those things" in a sentence?

Use "any of those things" to refer back to a specific list of items previously mentioned. For instance, "You can choose tea, coffee, or juice; I don't have "any of those things" here."

What are some alternatives to using "any of those things"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "any of those options", "any of those items", or "any of those aspects" to replace "any of those things".

Is it more formal to say "any of those items" instead of "any of those things"?

Yes, "any of those items" is generally considered more formal than "any of those things". Using items can add a touch of precision to your writing, especially in professional settings, unlike the more general "any of those things".

When should I avoid using the phrase "any of those things"?

Avoid using "any of those things" if the list of items you are referring to is unclear or hasn't been explicitly mentioned. In such cases, rephrasing to include a clearer reference would improve comprehension.