at thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at thing" is not correct and does not make sense in written English.
It appears to be an incomplete or incorrect expression and cannot be used in any context. Example: "I left my keys at thing" does not convey a clear meaning.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It was oblique, it came at thing sideways, it let silences speak and it let characters' actions speak louder than their words (which could be pretty damn cryptic).

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Sometimes when I talked about her writing, though, her face grew calm as stone, and I felt like a very unsmiled-at thing.

The New York Times - Magazine

I was good at things.

The New Yorker

We all fail at things.

The New York Times

He kept probing at things.

The New Yorker

He stared at things for too long.

The New Yorker

I had been good at things.

The New York Times - Sports

I try to look at things differently.

The Guardian

"We do come at things differently.

Independent

You have to look at things differently".

The New York Times

"These curators look at things more broadly.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "at thing" in formal or academic writing. Replace it with a more specific noun or a clearer prepositional phrase to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using overly general terms like "thing" without proper context. Instead, identify the specific subject, object, or idea you're referencing to ensure your writing is precise and easily understood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at thing" functions as a prepositional phrase, but due to its grammatical incorrectness, it fails to clearly define a relationship between elements in a sentence. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase lacks a clear meaning in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at thing" is flagged by Ludwig AI as grammatically incorrect and vague, advising against its use in formal writing. Its communicative purpose is unclear, and it lacks a defined grammatical function. While it may occasionally appear in informal contexts, substituting it with precise language significantly improves clarity. Consider alternatives like "regarding the matter", "concerning the issue", or "about the subject" to convey your intended meaning effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Regarding the matter

Replaces "thing" with a more formal noun "matter", emphasizing a specific issue or subject.

Concerning the issue

Similar to "regarding the matter", but uses "issue" to highlight a problem or point of discussion.

About the subject

Uses "subject" to refer to a broader topic under consideration, replacing the vague "thing".

With respect to that

Introduces a level of formality and precision, replacing "thing" with a more specific referent.

In relation to it

Emphasizes a connection or relationship, providing a clearer context than "at thing".

Towards the object

Specifically directs focus to the object of the action or preposition.

Regarding this point

Replaces "thing" with “point” to address something directly relevant to the situation.

In connection with that

Adds a formal tone and implies a link or association.

In reference to this

Offers a formal way to introduce a topic.

Concerning this item

Replace the unspecific “thing” with “item”, and has a more precise meaning.

FAQs

How can I improve the grammar when I want to use "at thing"?

Since "at thing" is grammatically incorrect, rephrase your sentence using more specific language. For instance, use "at that point", "regarding the matter", or "concerning the issue" depending on the intended meaning.

What alternatives can I use instead of "at thing" to sound more professional?

Instead of the vague "at thing", opt for phrases such as "with respect to that", "in relation to it", or "about the subject". These offer greater clarity and formality.

Is "at thing" ever appropriate in writing?

Given that Ludwig AI identifies "at thing" as grammatically incorrect, it's best to avoid this phrase in formal writing. Informal contexts might tolerate it, but clarity is always improved by using more precise language.

How does using more specific language instead of "at thing" affect my writing?

Replacing "at thing" with specific terms such as "towards the object" or "regarding this point" makes your writing clearer and more impactful. This specificity helps avoid confusion and enhances the overall quality of your communication.