different things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "different things" is grammatically correct and can definitely be used in written English.
It can be used to refer to two or more distinct objects, ideas, or concepts. Here are a few example sentences: 1. "We looked at different things like the price, quality, and design before making our final decision on which car to buy." 2. "I like to try different things when I go to a new restaurant, so I usually order a few dishes to share with my friends." 3. "The teacher asked the students to come up with three different things they learned from the lesson." 4. "Samantha loves to travel and experience different things, from trying exotic foods to bungee jumping in New Zealand." 5. "We come from different cultures and have different backgrounds, but we all have one thing in common: a love for music."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Different things".

The New York Times

"Different things," I said.

The New Yorker

They're totally different things".

Independent

"How different things were".

The New Yorker

"Everybody eating different things.

The Guardian - Books

Everybody promises different things.

The New Yorker

He does different things".

The Guardian - Sport

"We see different things.

The Guardian - Sport

They do different things.

The New York Times - Sports

Explore different things".

The New York Times

"It's two different things".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "different things" to refer to a variety of items or actions when you want to avoid being overly specific.

Common error

In formal contexts, avoid overuse of "different things". Opt for more specific and descriptive language to enhance clarity and precision. For example, instead of "different things can affect the outcome", consider "various factors such as budget constraints, market demand, and resource availability, affect the outcome".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "different things" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving as a general term to refer to multiple distinct items, actions, or concepts. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a grammatically correct and widely used expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "different things" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to denote a variety of distinct items or activities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common phrase applicable across various contexts, though more formal writing may benefit from more specific terminology. It functions as a noun phrase, primarily to indicate diversity without being overly detailed. The phrase is frequently encountered in News & Media, Wiki, and Science sources. For alternative expressions, consider using "various items", "diverse elements", or "distinct aspects" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Various items

Focuses on the variety of objects, removing the action or process aspect.

Diverse elements

Highlights the diversity and components of a set, suitable for abstract contexts.

Distinct aspects

Emphasizes particular features, changing focus from objects to traits.

Varied approaches

Shifts the focus to methods and strategies rather than general items.

Assorted matters

Replaces the generality with a slightly more formal term.

Separate entities

Emphasizes the individuality and separateness of items.

Alternative options

Focuses on choice and possibility rather than inherent difference.

Other stuff

Replaces "things" with an informal term.

Unlike objects

Stresses the contrast and dissimilarity between items.

Miscellaneous items

Highlights the mixed and varied nature of the items.

FAQs

How can I use "different things" in a sentence?

Use "different things" to refer to a variety of items or activities. For example, "I enjoy doing "different things" on the weekend, such as hiking, reading, and cooking".

What is a more formal way to say "different things"?

In formal contexts, you can replace "different things" with phrases like "various factors", "diverse elements", or "distinct aspects", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "differing things" instead of "different things"?

While "differing things" is grammatically correct, ""different things"" is more common and generally preferred in most contexts. "Differing" can imply a more significant divergence or disagreement.

What's the difference between "various things" and "different things"?

"Various things" emphasizes the variety or number of items, while ""different things"" emphasizes the distinct or dissimilar nature of the items. You might say, "I tried various approaches", meaning several approaches. You might say "I like "different things"", meaning dissimilar interests.