for the same thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for the same thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a situation where two or more items, actions, or concepts are being compared or discussed in relation to a common purpose or outcome. Example: "We are both working for the same thing, which is to improve our community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

All for the same thing?

The Guardian - Business

I wished for the same thing.

The New York Times

"I'm looking for the same thing here".

The New York Times - Sports

"We're looking for the same thing as everyone else.

The New York Times

"We are fighting for the same thing," he said.

The New York Times

I'm competing for the same thing he is".

The New York Times - Sports

I've had praise and criticism for the same thing.

The New York Times

The crowds are essentially coming for the same thing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Garbage haulers are hoping for the same thing.

The New York Times

I'm sure they're looking for the same thing.

The New York Times - Sports

I hope for the same thing from England.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for the same thing", ensure the context clearly defines what "thing" refers to. Ambiguity can confuse the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "for the same thing" when the 'thing' is not explicitly mentioned or easily inferred from the context. This can lead to unclear or confusing sentences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for the same thing" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses by specifying the purpose, reason, or goal behind an action or state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sports

20%

General Conversation

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for the same thing" is a versatile phrase used to express shared objectives or motivations. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While it's generally suitable for neutral registers, more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or business writing. When employing this phrase, clarity is key: ensure the 'thing' being referenced is explicit to avoid ambiguity. Its wide adoption and clear function make "for the same thing" a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for the same reason

Focuses on the motivation behind an action, rather than the object or goal.

for the same purpose

Highlights the intended outcome or aim being identical.

towards the same goal

Emphasizes the direction and aim of efforts.

with the same objective

Stresses the identical target or aim.

in pursuit of the same

Highlights the act of striving toward an identical target.

for a similar outcome

Indicates a comparable, though not necessarily identical, result.

in the interest of equivalence

Emphasizes fairness and justice as the underlying motivation.

on a parallel course

Suggests that although the journeys may differ, the destination is the same.

aiming for the same result

Similar to 'outcome', but emphasizes the planning and intention.

working toward a common end

Highlights the collaborative nature of pursuing the same result.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "for the same thing" to avoid repetition?

You can use alternatives like "for the same reason", "for the same purpose", or "towards the same goal" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "for the same thing" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "for the same thing" is generally more appropriate for informal or neutral contexts. For formal writing, consider more precise alternatives like "for the identical reason" or "with the same objective".

What does "for the same thing" imply in a collaborative setting?

In a collaborative setting, "for the same thing" typically implies that individuals or groups are working towards a shared goal or objective, even if their methods or approaches differ.

Can "for the same thing" be used when comparing different items?

Yes, "for the same thing" can be used when comparing different items if they serve a similar function or purpose. For example, "Both tools are used for the same purpose", even if their designs or features differ.