as a thing of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a thing of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something in a specific context or to describe its nature or essence. Example: "He viewed the painting as a thing of beauty, capturing the essence of nature."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

My letter, as a thing of little worth.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Alex sees himself as "a thing of fragments and disjointure".

The New Yorker

I remember that week as a thing of rare beauty.

The New York Times - Health

"Copper pans are seen as a thing of beauty, something you'll keep for ever.

Independent

Five hundred years ago the turkey starred in a world tour as a thing of wonder.

The Economist

The gown was received as a thing of great and suitably modest beauty the world over.

Independent

But residents speak of all of that as a thing of the past.

The New York Times

Every school an academy and yes – local authorities running schools as a thing of the past".

The Guardian

Firth later signed the visitor's book, describing the mill as a thing of beauty.

The Guardian

Clark then went on to describe birdies as "a thing of the past".

The Guardian - Sport

UNTIL last week, Beirutis had begun to think of air-raids as a thing of the past.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a thing of" to convey a specific quality, purpose, or characteristic associated with something. It's especially effective when describing abstract qualities like beauty, wonder, or the past.

Common error

Avoid using "as a thing of" in overly simplistic sentences where it adds unnecessary complexity. Simpler phrasing is often more effective. For example, instead of "He described the rock as a thing of hardness", consider "He described the rock as hard".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a thing of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It serves to characterize or attribute a specific quality or characteristic to the noun it modifies. Ludwig AI confirms that is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a thing of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to attribute specific qualities or characteristics. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and commonly used, especially in news, media, and academic contexts. While effective for conveying nuanced perspectives, avoid overuse in simple descriptions. Consider alternatives like "regarded as" or "viewed as" for variety and contextual precision. The phrase serves to express a subjective assessment of something, highlighting its essence or nature. With a neutral register, it’s suitable for diverse writing styles. Understanding these nuances ensures effective communication in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regarded as

This is very similar to "considered to be" but can imply a wider consensus.

viewed as

This emphasizes a specific perspective or viewpoint.

perceived as

This highlights how something is understood or interpreted.

as an object of

This alternative focuses on the tangible or conceptual item being considered.

considered to be

This highlights the act of regarding something in a certain way.

as an instance of

This suggests that the subject is being considered as an example within a larger category.

as a form of

This suggests categorization within a broader classification.

as a source of

This emphasizes the origin or cause of something.

in the light of

This frames something in relation to a particular context or understanding.

in the capacity of

This alternative shifts the focus to the role or function something fulfills.

FAQs

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

Use "as a thing of" to describe a quality, state, or characteristic that something embodies. For instance, you could say "She regards the forest "as a place of" peace" or "They remember their childhood "as a time of" innocence".

What's a good substitute for "as a thing of"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "considered to be", "regarded as", or "viewed as". Each alternative offers a slightly different nuance in meaning.

Is it always necessary to use "as a thing of"?

No, sometimes simpler language is more effective. If the phrase feels clunky or adds unnecessary complexity, consider a more direct description.

What is the difference between "as a thing of" and "in terms of"?

"As a thing of" emphasizes a quality or state, whereas "in terms of" focuses on a specific aspect or measurement. For example, "She saw the music "as a thing of" beauty" versus "In terms of musicality, the performance was flawless".