intellectual things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intellectual things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to concepts, ideas, or activities that require mental effort or are related to the intellect. Example: "In our discussion, we focused on various intellectual things, such as philosophy, science, and literature."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

It grasps intellectually either the intellectual things or the sensible ones.

SEP

Intellectual things.

The New York Times - Arts

"Tears are intellectual things," argues Dixon.

The Guardian

His first book, 'Intellectual Things,' is an event..

The New Yorker

His first book, 'Intellectual Things,' is an event...

The New Yorker

Roethke read "Intellectual Things" and wanted to get to know Kunitz, too.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

It was much more an intellectual thing".

The New Yorker

He told me, "Her instincts — this is not an intellectual thing.

The New Yorker

It's an intellectual thing — she loves the many, not the individual".

The New Yorker

"But we didn't even touch what happened to Jyoti [the victim]." "There is an intellectual thing about violence," adds Mitchell.

Independent

Woody usually pulls on an east coast intellectual thing, Owen is from Texas, lives in California – he's a different kind of personality.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more specific terms instead of "things" to provide clarity. For instance, instead of "intellectual things", you could say "intellectual pursuits" or "intellectual disciplines" to give more precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "intellectual things" as a catch-all phrase for complex ideas without providing context. Vague usage can diminish the impact of your writing and leave the reader confused. Provide specific examples to clarify your meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intellectual things" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. According to Ludwig, it is considered correct and usable. It refers to concepts, ideas, or activities that are related to mental effort.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intellectual things" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase referring to concepts and activities that require mental effort. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is considered correct and usable, although it benefits from contextual clarity. It appears most often in news and media sources, as well as academic and scientific writings. When using this phrase, it's beneficial to provide specific examples to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "intellectual matters" or "intellectual pursuits" can provide more precision. By following best practices and avoiding overgeneralization, writers can effectively convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intellectual matters

Replaces "things" with "matters", focusing on subjects or issues of intellectual interest.

intellectual pursuits

Focuses on activities and endeavors related to intellectual development and exploration.

intellectual endeavors

Highlights the effort and dedication involved in intellectual activities.

cognitive matters

Emphasizes the cognitive aspects of the subjects or issues being discussed.

mental concepts

Draws attention to the abstract and theoretical nature of intellectual ideas.

abstract ideas

Focuses on the non-physical and theoretical aspects of intellectual thought.

scholarly interests

Highlights the academic and research-oriented aspects of intellectual pursuits.

academic subjects

Emphasizes the connection to formal education and learning.

intellectual disciplines

Points to established fields of study and areas of knowledge.

thoughtful considerations

Highlights the importance of deep and careful thinking in intellectual activities.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "intellectual things" in a sentence?

To effectively use "intellectual things", provide specific examples or context to clarify what you mean. For example, instead of saying "He is interested in intellectual things", you could say "He is interested in intellectual things like philosophy, literature, and history".

What are some alternatives to using "intellectual things"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "intellectual matters", "intellectual pursuits", or "abstract ideas" to add more precision to your writing.

Is "intellectual things" a formal or informal expression?

"Intellectual things" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is generally more suitable for informal or general discussions. In formal writing, consider using more precise terms like "intellectual disciplines" or "cognitive matters".

What's the difference between "intellectual things" and "cultural things"?

"Intellectual things" refer to concepts, ideas, or activities that require mental effort and are related to the intellect, while "cultural things" encompass the customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people, or group. They both can overlap when culture stimulate our intellect.