human thing

USAGE SUMMARY

"human thing" can be used in written English.
It is a colloquial term that refers to something that is typical or characteristic of human behavior or nature. Example: It's just a human thing to feel nervous before a job interview.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's a human thing.

The New York Times

"It's a very human thing".

The Guardian - Tech

"It's the human thing to do".

The New York Times

There's still the human thing there.

The New York Times - Arts

But terrorism, that is a human thing.

The New York Times

It's such a very basic human thing".

The Guardian

Listen, it's a human thing to do.

The Guardian

It's a simple, lovely, human thing.

The Guardian - Books

"It was a human thing," Valentine said.

The New York Times - Sports

TER: No, it's a human thing.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Psychology aspires to be the operating manual for how the 'human thing' works.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "human thing" to emphasize the normalcy or universality of an action, feeling, or trait. For example, "Making mistakes is a "human thing"; everyone does it."

Common error

While "human thing" is a valid phrase, avoid overusing it in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "human nature" or "human condition" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "human thing" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a predicate nominative or an appositive. It identifies or describes something as being characteristic of or related to human beings. As Ludwig AI states, it is used to describe something typical of human behavior or nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

13%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "human thing" is a frequently used noun phrase that describes something as typical of human behavior or nature. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and acceptable in written English. It's most commonly found in News & Media, and less frequently in formal academic writing, indicating a generally neutral to informal register. When using this phrase, remember to consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing to ensure appropriateness. While it's a useful way to emphasize the universality of certain experiences, be mindful of overuse and consider using synonyms like "human nature" or "part of being human" to maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

human nature

Focuses on the inherent qualities and behaviors characteristic of humans.

human condition

Emphasizes the universal experiences and challenges faced by humans.

part of being human

Highlights that something is an expected or unavoidable aspect of humanity.

characteristic of humans

Directly points out that something is typical or distinctive of human beings.

inherently human

Stresses that something is deeply and essentially connected to humanity.

a common human trait

Highlights the ubiquity of a particular behavior or characteristic among humans.

a facet of humanity

Suggests that something is one aspect of the multifaceted nature of humans.

human element

Refers to the presence or influence of human qualities in a situation.

quintessentially human

Highlights that something is the most typical or representative example of humanity.

a human attribute

Focuses on a specific quality or characteristic possessed by humans.

FAQs

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

You can use "human thing" to describe an action, feeling, or trait that is common to all or most people. For example, "Forgetting things sometimes is a "human thing"".

What's a more formal alternative to "human thing"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "human nature" or "human condition". These alternatives convey a similar meaning but with a more sophisticated tone.

Is "human thing" always appropriate in writing?

While generally acceptable, "human thing" may sound informal in some professional or academic contexts. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when deciding whether to use this phrase or opt for a more formal alternative such as "part of being human".

What does it mean when someone describes something as a "human thing"?

It means that the action, feeling, or trait being described is considered typical, common, or understandable within the context of human behavior and experiences.