at that thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at that thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in informal contexts to refer to a specific object or situation that has been previously mentioned or is understood by the audience. Example: "I was looking at that thing on the table, and I couldn't figure out what it was."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

"Look at that thing.

The New York Times - Arts

"Look at that thing!" Smith said.

The New Yorker

"I looked at that thing for a week before opening and drinking it".

The New Yorker

"I kept looking at that thing and kept it for the longest time".

The New York Times - Sports

"Ski-Doos go 100 miles per hour at that thing," he said.

The New York Times - Travel

Not a single person wanted me at that thing, only Catherine and Kristen".

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

It's at night that things get a little weird.

Independent

It was at this point that things got weird.

The New York Times

It's at that point that things get interesting.

The New Yorker

"When we looked at that, things actually looked quite impressive," he said.

The New Yorker

Look at the highest bid that that thing has at the moment.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at that thing", ensure the context makes clear what "that thing" refers to. Avoid ambiguity by providing prior context or using a more specific noun if necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "at that thing" in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and descriptive language to maintain a professional tone. Alternatives such as "regarding that item" or "concerning that object" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

"At that thing" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often used to specify a direction, location, or focus toward a previously mentioned object or concept. Ludwig AI shows examples of its use in both observational and directional contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at that thing" is a prepositional phrase that functions to direct attention or specify a relationship to a particular subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, primarily in informal contexts and news media. To maintain a professional tone, consider using alternatives like "regarding that item" in formal writing. While the phrase is widely used, ensuring contextual clarity is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regarding that item

Specifies the subject with a more formal tone.

concerning that object

Implies a sense of consideration or relation.

with respect to that matter

Introduces a more formal and specific focus.

in relation to that subject

Highlights the connection between two topics.

pertaining to that issue

Emphasizes relevance to a particular problem or concern.

about that entity

Refers to a specific existence or being.

in connection with that detail

Highlights a relevant fact or piece of information.

on that topic

General and versatile substitution.

towards that idea

Directional shift.

referring to that aspect

Emphasizes a specific feature or characteristic.

FAQs

How can I use "at that thing" in a sentence?

Use "at that thing" to refer to something previously mentioned or easily understood within the context of the conversation. For example: "I was looking at that thing, and I wondered how it worked."

What can I say instead of "at that thing"?

You can use alternatives like "regarding that item", "concerning that object", or "with respect to that matter" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "at that thing" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "at that thing" is generally more suitable for informal contexts. Formal writing benefits from more precise and descriptive language. Alternatives such as "regarding that item" are more appropriate for formal settings.

What's the difference between "at that thing" and "regarding that thing"?

"At that thing" is a more casual way to refer to something, while "regarding that thing" is slightly more formal and implies a more considered approach. The choice depends on the tone and context of your writing.