one of my things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "one of my things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a personal interest, hobby, or preference that is significant to you. Example: "Photography is one of my things; I love capturing moments and telling stories through images."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"If you had a regular laptop on a plane and plugged one of my things into it, you could put your elbows anywhere," he said.

The New York Times

"One of my things?" "Having another, you know, episode".

The New Yorker

"One of my things is to help promote and encourage workers to get into the practice of lifelong learning," she said.

The New York Times

"One of my things was to get her better at backstroke, learn different techniques and models.

BBC

Music is one of my things.

Huffington Post

One of my things is "encounter cloaks".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"One of my favorite things to do is sit there and look out," he said.

The New Yorker

One of my favorite things about Bjork is how playful she is.

The New York Times - Arts

Writing on trains is one of my favourite things.

The Guardian

Also, one of my favourite things I've seen on TV was Olive Kitteridge.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It's still one of my favourite things on TV.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "one of my things" to casually introduce a personal interest or activity in conversation or writing. It's suitable for informal and semi-formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid relying heavily on "one of my things" in formal documents or professional reports. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives such as "a key interest of mine" or "an area of expertise" depending on the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one of my things" functions as a subject complement or a predicate nominative, identifying or describing the subject. It typically follows a linking verb (e.g., is, are, was, were) and provides additional information about the speaker's interests, hobbies, or habits, as indicated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

29%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "one of my things" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a personal interest, hobby, or characteristic. As supported by Ludwig, it's acceptable in various contexts but most appropriate for neutral to informal communication. When aiming for a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "a key interest of mine" or "an area of expertise". While "one of my things" is versatile, be mindful of your audience and adjust your language accordingly to maintain the desired level of professionalism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

something I enjoy

Focuses on the element of pleasure and enjoyment derived from the activity or interest.

a personal interest of mine

Highlights the individual and private nature of the interest.

one of my passions

Emphasizes the strong enthusiasm and dedication associated with the interest.

something I'm keen on

Indicates a strong liking or enthusiasm for something.

a favorite activity of mine

Directly refers to a specific action or pursuit that is liked.

a hobby I pursue

Specifically refers to a recreational activity done regularly.

something I'm interested in

A more general way of expressing interest in a topic or activity.

a thing I'm into

A more informal way to express interest or enthusiasm.

part of my routine

Indicates that something is a regular and habitual part of one's life.

an area of expertise

Highlights a specific skill or knowledge one possesses.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "one of my things" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "a key interest of mine", "an area of expertise", or "a significant passion", depending on the context.

What's the difference between "one of my things" and "one of my hobbies"?

"One of my things" is broader and can refer to general interests or habits. "One of my hobbies" specifically refers to recreational activities you pursue regularly.

Is "one of my things" appropriate for professional communication?

It can be used in casual conversations or informal emails within a professional setting. However, for formal reports or presentations, it's best to use more professional language such as "a professional endeavor" or "an area of focus".

How to use "one of my things" in a sentence?

You can say something like, "Cooking is "one of my things"; I find it very relaxing" or "Helping others is "one of my things", which is why I volunteer regularly".