in thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to something that is currently popular or trendy. Example: "Wearing vintage clothing is the in thing this season, with many fashionistas embracing the retro style."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Gangs are the "in" thing and if you are not part of something, you're nothing.

Independent

Classically cut and styled clothing doesn't date as quickly as the latest "in" thing.

WikiHow

Entrepreneurship has become a trend in Sweden, it is the "in" thing to do.

Science Magazine

In the '50s, smoking was the "in thing".

Huffington Post

By not conforming to the "in" thing, what you're really doing is creating your own "thing".

Huffington Post

(Namibia, 27-year-old man) I used to think sugar daddies were the "in thing" that youth should do … I was thinking of getting one before taking part in BVV sessions and peer pressure possibly could have accelerated my thinking.

AIDS Care - Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of AIDS/HIV

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

"This is an all-in thing," Renney said.

The New York Times - Sports

"It just sounded like a terrible cash-in thing".

The Guardian

And it had a built-in thing that said we had the right to use clips from the film.

The New York Times

Also, this is important because Foursquare is basically saying to Facebook "That whole check-in thing you did?

TechCrunch

Dijit, too, had done the social check-in thing and has also pivoted a couple of times.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in thing" to describe trends, fashions, or behaviors that are currently popular or considered desirable within a specific group or culture. Ensure that your audience understands the context of the trend you're referencing.

Common error

Avoid using "in thing" to describe something that was once popular but is no longer trendy. Always ensure the subject matter aligns with current trends to maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in thing" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object. It identifies something currently popular or fashionable, as seen in Ludwig AI examples. The phrase often indicates a trend or activity that is en vogue at a particular time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

23%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in thing" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something currently popular or fashionable. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, predominantly in news, media, and wiki sources. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to informal settings; more formal contexts may benefit from alternatives like "current trend". When using "in thing", ensure you're accurately reflecting current trends and avoid using it for outdated fads to maintain credibility and relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

current trend

Focuses on the temporal aspect of being a trend now.

latest craze

Emphasizes the enthusiastic and widespread adoption of the trend.

fashionable item

Highlights the aspect of being aligned with current fashion.

popular fad

Implies a short-lived but intense period of popularity.

what's trending

Directly refers to the state of being popular or widely discussed.

the 'it' thing

Uses a more concise and informal expression.

the thing to do

Focuses on actions or behaviors that are currently popular.

the latest fashion

Highlights the aspect of current trends in clothing and style.

the 'in' crowd's choice

Associates the trend with a specific group of trendsetters.

vogue

A single-word synonym indicating current fashion or popularity.

FAQs

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

You can use "in thing" to describe current trends or popular activities. For example, "Sustainable living is the "in thing" right now".

What is a good alternative to "in thing"?

Alternatives to "in thing" include "current trend", "latest craze", or "fashionable item", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "in thing" in formal writing?

While "in thing" is widely understood, it may be too informal for academic or professional writing. Consider using a more formal alternative like "contemporary trend" or "prevailing fashion" in those contexts.

What's the difference between "in thing" and "fad"?

"In thing" generally refers to a current trend that may have some staying power, while a "fad" usually describes something that is intensely popular for a short period and then quickly fades away.