guiding thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "guiding thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an object, concept, or principle that provides direction or support in a particular context. Example: "In our discussions, the guiding thing has always been our commitment to sustainability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

That's been my guiding thing".

The New York Times

That onstage architecture was a guiding thing in everything they wanted to do.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

I was there guiding things.

The New York Times

We're guiding things for an audience we can't address".

The New York Times

No release dates in the west have been set for Monk Comes Down the Mountain, but are presumably forthcoming with Sony guiding things.

The Guardian - Film

The movement function of the controller has not been used well by many game makers since the PlayStation 3 was introduced, but Heavenly Sword shows that the controller can work nicely for guiding things through space.

The New York Times - Tech

"What's great about Frank is that he really is the person guiding things, because he said it, he played it, he shot it.

Los Angeles Times

"Volunteers were swarming around, but every situation should have had local people to guide things".

The New York Times

There's got to be a narrative to guide things before they're even created".

The Guardian - Music

In 1998, Rice guided Things Change to victories in the juvenile filly centerpiece races here, the Adirondack and Spinaway.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Pohjonen, a virtuoso on an accordion wired for sound, guided things along and became so excited at the end that one worried about his well-being.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "guiding thing", ensure the context clearly identifies what is being guided and the nature of the guidance provided. Specify whether it's a principle, idea, or object that influences decisions or actions.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "guiding thing" in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated vocabulary such as "principle", "tenet", or "driver" to enhance clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "guiding thing" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI points out, it denotes a concept, principle, or object that provides direction or influence. It identifies what is essential in decision-making or actions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "guiding thing" is a grammatically sound but infrequently used noun phrase that denotes a key principle or influence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, while correct, it might be considered somewhat general for formal contexts, where more precise vocabulary is recommended. Predominantly found in news and media sources, "guiding thing" serves to highlight the primary factor in decisions or actions. For more formal writing, alternatives like "central principle" or "primary driver" might offer enhanced clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

central principle

Emphasizes the importance as a core belief or idea.

core tenet

Refers to a fundamental doctrine or belief.

key influence

Highlights the power to affect decisions or outcomes.

underlying principle

Suggests a foundational rule that supports a system or idea.

primary driver

Focuses on the element that propels or motivates action.

governing concept

Highlights how the idea rules all activities or decision making.

main factor

Points out the most important element contributing to a result.

central focus

Suggests a core point where activities should be oriented.

defining aspect

Points out a particular part or feature that serves as the defining quality.

basic guideline

Points out a basic, non-compulsory recommendation or instruction.

FAQs

How can I use "guiding thing" in a sentence?

You can use "guiding thing" to describe a principle or idea that influences decisions or actions. For example, "Sustainability was the "guiding thing" in our project planning".

What are some alternatives to using "guiding thing"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "central principle", "primary driver", or "key influence".

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "guiding thing"?

The phrase "guiding thing" is suitable in general and informal contexts. More formal settings may benefit from using more precise and sophisticated vocabulary.

Is "guiding thing" too vague for formal writing?

In formal writing, "guiding thing" might be considered vague. Using more specific terms such as "core tenet" or "underlying principle" can provide greater clarity.