going through the same thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "going through the same thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express shared experiences or challenges between individuals. Example: "I understand how you feel; I'm going through the same thing with my job right now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Every club is going through the same thing.

Independent

All volunteer organizations are going through the same thing".

The New York Times

I'm going through the same thing now with True Blood.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Everybody's going through the same thing, just about.

The Guardian - Music

The Serbs have been going through the same thing on a smaller scale.

The New Yorker

You don't know other guys are going through the same thing".

The New York Times

They aren't looking for forever friends, just someone going through the same thing who will listen.

The Washington Post

You have to realise that everyone is going through the same thing.

The Guardian

I try to surround myself with mothers that are going through the same thing.

The Guardian

"But then I was able to meet other people going through the same thing I am.

The New York Times - Sports

Finally, he said, "Jeff said: 'Look, we're all going through the same thing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "going through the same thing", ensure clarity by specifying what "thing" refers to. For instance, instead of saying "We're going through the same thing", specify "We're going through the same financial difficulties".

Common error

Be precise about what "thing" represents. Ambiguity can confuse your audience. Rephrase to clarify the shared experience, making your writing more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "going through the same thing" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating a shared experience, situation, or problem. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage in various contexts to express empathy or solidarity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

16%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

14%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "going through the same thing" is a common and grammatically sound way to express shared experiences or challenges. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used in diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, it’s important to clarify what the "thing" refers to in order to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "experiencing similar circumstances" or "in the same boat" can provide nuanced ways to convey the same idea. Overall, "going through the same thing" effectively communicates empathy and shared understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the same boat

Uses a common idiom to express that individuals are in the same situation, often implying shared difficulties.

experiencing similar circumstances

Replaces the idiomatic "going through" with the more formal "experiencing" and "same thing" with "similar circumstances".

facing identical challenges

Substitutes "going through" with "facing" and "same thing" with "identical challenges", emphasizing the difficulties involved.

dealing with the same issue

Emphasizes the act of managing or coping with a problem that is shared.

in a similar situation

Offers a broader scope than "thing", which may refer to feelings or difficulties; "situation" is more about position and related circumstances.

sharing the same plight

Replaces the neutral "thing" with "plight", indicating a difficult or unfortunate situation that is shared.

encountering parallel experiences

"Encountering parallel experiences" is more formal and emphasizes the similarities in the experiences being had.

undergoing a similar ordeal

Uses "ordeal" to highlight a particularly difficult or painful experience that is being shared.

navigating comparable difficulties

"Navigating comparable difficulties" focuses on the process of dealing with problems that are similar.

walking the same path

A more metaphorical alternative, suggesting a shared journey or life experience.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone is "going through the same thing"?

It means that someone is experiencing a similar situation, challenge, or emotion as another person. It implies a shared understanding or empathy.

How can I use "going through the same thing" in a sentence?

You can use it to express solidarity or understanding. For example: "I understand your stress; I'm "going through the same thing" with my job."

What's the difference between ""going through the same thing"" and "in the same boat"?

While both phrases indicate a shared situation, ""going through the same thing"" is more general, and "in the same boat" often implies shared difficulties or misfortunes.

What are some alternative phrases for ""going through the same thing"" that sound more formal?

More formal alternatives include "experiencing similar circumstances", "facing identical challenges", or "encountering parallel experiences".