at the thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the thing" is grammatically correct but may not be commonly used in written English.
It can be used in informal contexts where the specific "thing" is understood by the audience, often referring to a location or event. Example: "We should meet at the thing where everyone is gathering later tonight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

You take a smack at the thing you scorn, and then you take another smack at it, and then what do you do?

The New Yorker

Have you looked at the thing?

The Guardian - Books

My guest pushed at the thing with his fork.

The New York Times - Food

They can't really look at the thing itself.

The New Yorker

The longer I looked at the thing, the more awesome it seemed.

The New Yorker

"Just look at the thing he chose to do for the first movie he directed.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

"Though there's a range of things I'm looking at, the thing they're all linked by is communication".

The Guardian

It's round one of the Spartan Race series, and fit-heads have come from all over to throw themselves at the … thing.

The Guardian - Sport

Before you proceed, you'll want to look at the thing you're trying to do and figure out if there are any parts that are unnecessary.

WikiHow

He just sat there looking at the thing.

Huffington Post

I just arrived at the thing I love to do accidentally.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at the thing", ensure the context makes clear what "thing" refers to. Overuse can lead to vagueness, so consider more specific language where possible.

Common error

Avoid using "at the thing" repeatedly in close proximity within your writing, as this can create ambiguity and weaken your message. Replace some instances with more descriptive nouns or pronouns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the thing" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun by indicating location, direction, or focus. Ludwig examples show its use in describing observation ("looking at the thing"), action directed towards something ("hacking at the thing"), or general reference to a known entity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

20%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the thing" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase commonly used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure contextual clarity to avoid ambiguity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. For clearer and more formal communication, consider alternatives like "regarding the matter" or "concerning the issue". Overuse should also be avoided. Overall, understanding the context and audience is key to effectively using the phrase "at the thing".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

about the subject

A more direct and common way to refer to a topic.

concerning that

Direct and neutral, similar to "about that".

regarding the matter

More formal and emphasizes a specific subject under discussion.

concerning the issue

Similar to "regarding the matter", but focuses on a problem or point of contention.

regarding that

Similar to "concerning that" but slightly more formal.

in reference to it

Positions the phrase as a follow-up on something previously mentioned.

on the topic of that

Emphasizes the thematic focus.

with respect to that

More formal and distanced than "at the thing".

in connection with that

Highlights a relationship or association.

pertaining to that

A more formal and less common alternative.

FAQs

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

You can use "at the thing" to refer to something already mentioned or understood in the context. For example, "They were staring in horror "at the thing"."

What's a good alternative to "at the thing"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "regarding the matter", "concerning the issue", or "about the subject".

Is "at the thing" grammatically correct?

Yes, "at the thing" is grammatically correct, though its appropriateness depends on the clarity of the context. It's generally more suitable for informal communication where the referent is easily understood.

When should I avoid using "at the thing"?

Avoid using "at the thing" in formal writing or when the object of reference is unclear. In these situations, it's better to use a more specific noun or phrase.