one thing or another

USAGE SUMMARY

"one thing or another" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to indicate that there are multiple options or possibilities. Example: "I've been so busy lately, I feel like I'm either working or running errands, one thing or another."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

She went on: "We are constantly used to Spain being disgruntled about one thing or another.

The Guardian

"I was neither one thing or another".

The Guardian

You are neither one thing or another.

The Guardian

It doesn't prove one thing or another thing.

The Guardian - Sport

I don't think that Tennyson was one thing or another.

The Guardian - Books

I think people believe one thing or another, and that's not going to change.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"He said, Well, there was a computer glitch, or one thing or another.

The New York Times

Different readers will regret the absence of one thing or another.

The Guardian - Books

Constant hospital visits with one thing or another, crying all the time.

The Guardian - Music

Lots of us use legal steroids and other medication for one thing or another.

The New York Times - Sports

"I don't think anyone's going to persuade him to do one thing or another," Reed said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "one thing or another" to acknowledge that there are various possible factors or options without needing to specify each one.

Common error

Avoid using "one thing or another" excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise language when possible to enhance clarity and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one thing or another" functions as a conjunction phrase, indicating the existence of unspecified alternatives or possibilities. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and widely used. It adds a level of generality to statements, suggesting that specific details are either numerous or unimportant to the main point.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "one thing or another" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate multiple, often unspecified, possibilities or alternatives. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it's acceptable in general conversation and less formal writing, consider opting for more precise language in academic or formal settings to maintain clarity. As demonstrated by the numerous examples, this phrase effectively serves to generalize situations where specific details are either numerous or irrelevant to the overall message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

something else

Focuses on an alternative without specifying the nature of the alternative.

anything else

Broadly indicates any other option or consideration.

some alternative

Directly points to a different option or course of action.

some other possibility

Highlights the existence of a different potential outcome.

some other matter

More formal and specific, suggesting a different subject or issue.

something of that nature

Refers to something similar in type or characteristic.

another item

Emphasizes a different object or element within a set.

a different aspect

Highlights an alternative angle or perspective on a topic.

a separate concern

Suggests an unrelated worry or problem.

a further consideration

Implies an additional factor to be taken into account.

FAQs

How can I use "one thing or another" in a sentence?

You can use "one thing or another" to indicate that there are multiple possible reasons or activities without specifying them. For example, "I've been busy with work, family, or "one thing or another" lately."

What's a more formal way to say "one thing or another"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "various factors", "several considerations", or "a range of issues" instead of ""one thing or another"" for greater precision.

Is "one thing or another" appropriate for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, ""one thing or another"" might be too informal for academic writing. Opt for more specific and detailed language to maintain a professional tone.

What are some alternatives to "one thing or another" that still imply unspecified options?

Alternatives include "various matters", "assorted tasks", or "different activities", which maintain a similar meaning while sounding more varied and descriptive.