as a thing for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a thing for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the purpose or function of an object or concept in a specific context. Example: "She viewed the old building as a thing for community gatherings and events."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

These are, supposedly, the unsmiling giants; men who regard emotion as a thing for weaklings.

The Guardian - Sport

When we refuse to consume animal products, we reject the injustice of treating any sentient creature as a thing for us to use.

The New York Times

"I think it attracted so much attention because, in the black community, not believing in God is seen as a thing for white people," said Mr. Branch, a marketing strategist in Raleigh, N.C.

The New York Times

It'll start off as a thing for people interested in self-branding, then it'll get popular with the masses, and then it will reach the point where it will be weird for you not to have one.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Stare at a thing for as long as you can manage, and try not to blink.

WikiHow

Next Wave: Do you see this--more postdocs in computer science--as a thing for the future?

Science Magazine

They still did go with Will Smith in "Concussion" — a bubble candidate for most Oscar pundits but as sure a thing for the Globes as you'll find.

Los Angeles Times

And a broad church is, as well as a metaphor (itself a thing) for things, also a thing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Extra points for the visible bra – underwear as outerwear is totally a thing for SS16.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Generally it is not regarded as a good thing for a small company if a big drug company drops a partnership.

The New York Times

The construal of death as a thing allows for its subclassification into different types, and the assignment of properties, which in this case, tend to belong to the interpersonal domain rather than the experiential.

Functional Linguistics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a thing for", ensure the context clearly establishes the purpose or function being described. This phrase works best when specifying a role or utility, rather than simply indicating possession or association.

Common error

Avoid using "as a thing for" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated alternatives like "for the purpose of" or "as a means to" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a thing for" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used to specify the purpose or role of an object, concept, or action. It denotes what something is intended or suitable for. Ludwig examples showcase its usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as a thing for" serves to define the purpose or role of something. It is grammatically sound, yet it's relatively rare, with Ludwig examples showing usage primarily in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts. While the phrase is generally acceptable, it might be too informal for academic or professional writing, where more precise alternatives such as "for the purpose of" or "as a means to" are preferred. Ludwig AI confirms the acceptability of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serves as a

Highlights the active function or utility of something.

as a means for

Emphasizes the instrumentality or method aspect rather than general purpose.

functions as a

Emphasizes the operational role or task that something performs.

acts as a

Similar to 'functions as a', but may imply a more dynamic or situational role.

for the purpose of

More formal and explicitly states the intention or objective.

designed as a

Focuses on the intended design or purpose from the outset.

as a vehicle for

Highlights the role of something as a carrier or enabler.

intended as a

Similar to 'designed as a', but emphasizes the intention behind the design.

considered to be for

Focuses on perception or evaluation regarding the intended use.

in the capacity of

Indicates a specific role or function that something fulfills.

FAQs

How can I use "as a thing for" in a sentence?

You can use "as a thing for" to describe the purpose or function something serves, such as, "She viewed the library "as a thing for" community gatherings." You can also say "as a means for" or "for the purpose of".

What are some alternatives to "as a thing for"?

Alternatives to "as a thing for" include phrases like "as a means for", "for the purpose of", or "as a vehicle for", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "as a thing for" formal or informal?

"As a thing for" leans towards being less formal. In academic or professional contexts, consider using more precise alternatives such as "for the purpose of" or "as a means to".

When is it appropriate to use "as a thing for"?

It's appropriate to use "as a thing for" when you want to describe something's role or utility in a straightforward manner. It's suitable for general descriptions but can be replaced by stronger alternatives in formal settings.