is a thing

USAGE SUMMARY

"is a thing" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe an item, concept, or idea. For example, "Love is a thing that binds us all together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Unhappiness is a thing.

Independent

Age is a thing here.

Independent

Deconstructed, Gingrich is a thing to behold.

The New York Times

It is a thing that loves things.

The New Yorker

It is a thing of beauty.

The New York Times

Here is a thing that happened today.

The New Yorker

Yoga is a thing from India.

The New Yorker

Europe is a thing of the past".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Apparently that's a thing.

The New York Times

That's a thing?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Solidarity was a thing we'd abandoned.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is a thing" to casually introduce a concept or trend that might be unfamiliar to the audience. This can make your writing more approachable and relatable.

Common error

Avoid using "is a thing" excessively, as it can make your writing sound repetitive or informal. Vary your language by using synonyms like "exists", "is prevalent", or "is relevant" where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

"Is a thing" functions as a predicative expression, asserting the existence or actuality of something. As Ludwig examples show, it is used to introduce concepts, trends, or items, indicating that they exist or are relevant in a particular context. Ludwig AI confirms it’s a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is a thing" is a grammatically sound and very common expression used to assert the existence or relevance of something, particularly in informal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While it appears most frequently in news and media sources, it should be used sparingly in formal or academic writing to maintain a professional tone. Consider alternatives like "is prevalent" or "is relevant" to avoid repetition. Remember that overusing it may be repetitive and may indicate lack of a professional tone, so it's important to maintain language variation. Ludwig's examples show various contexts where this phrase is applicable, helping writers understand its nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a reality

Emphasizes the factual nature of something, often used for challenges or difficulties.

is real

Stresses the actuality or genuineness of something.

is prevalent

Focuses on widespread existence or acceptance rather than simple existence.

is relevant

Highlights the importance or pertinence of something.

is commonplace

Emphasizes the ordinariness and frequency of something.

is recognized

Indicates that something is acknowledged or accepted.

is in vogue

Indicates current popularity or fashion.

exists

Simply asserts the presence or being of something.

is around

Informally points out the existence or availability of something.

is happening

Highlights an ongoing occurrence or trend.

FAQs

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

Use "is a thing" to casually introduce a concept, trend, or item. For example, "Sustainable fashion "is a reality" now, with many brands focusing on eco-friendly materials".

What can I say instead of "is a thing"?

You can use alternatives like "is prevalent", "is relevant", or "is real" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "is a thing"?

It's appropriate to use "is a thing" in informal contexts, such as blog posts, casual conversations, or social media. Avoid using it in formal writing or academic papers.

Is "is a thing" grammatically correct?

Yes, "is a thing" is grammatically correct, although it's considered an informal expression. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a usable phrase in English.