ordinary things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ordinary things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to common or everyday items, experiences, or situations that are not extraordinary. Example: "In her art, she finds beauty in ordinary things, like a simple cup of coffee or a quiet street."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Ordinary things looked extraordinary.

The New Yorker

He's easily disturbed by ordinary things.

The New Yorker

"Ordinary things were hard to come by.

The New York Times

"Such as?" "Oh, quite ordinary things.

Independent

So we spoke of ordinary things.

The New York Times

Hindu sculptures are no ordinary things.

The New York Times - Arts

It makes ordinary things extraordinary.

The Guardian - Books

Focus on doing ordinary things, extraordinarily.

Cornell University

Some tried to make parachutes of ordinary things — curtains, clothes.

The New Yorker

Rejoicing in ordinary things is not sentimental or trite.

University of California, Berkeley

But they just talked to me about ordinary things.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ordinary things" to draw attention to the beauty or significance found in everyday life. This can add depth and relatability to your writing.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something involves "ordinary things" without illustrating what those things are. Specific details will make your writing more vivid and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ordinary things" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "ordinary" modifies the noun "things". As supported by Ludwig, this phrase is used to refer to common or everyday items, experiences, or situations that are not extraordinary.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ordinary things" is a versatile noun phrase, correctly used to describe commonplace aspects of life. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely accepted. Its prevalence across diverse sources, particularly in News & Media, underscores its relevance in everyday communication. The phrase serves to highlight the beauty, significance, or even the hidden complexities within the typical and unremarkable. While synonyms like "everyday items" and "common objects" offer similar meanings, "ordinary things" holds its own distinct nuance, emphasizing the conventional and unexceptional nature of the subject. Effective use involves providing specific examples to enrich the writing and avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

everyday items

Emphasizes the routine nature and frequency of use.

commonplace elements

Underscores the frequency and lack of uniqueness.

common objects

Focuses on the tangible aspect, highlighting the commonness of items.

usual aspects

Focuses on the expected and habitual nature.

familiar aspects

Highlights the known and recognizable qualities.

standard elements

Emphasizes the conformity to a norm or expected pattern.

typical occurrences

Stresses the usual or expected nature of events.

regular features

Focuses on aspects that are consistently present or observed.

mundane affairs

Highlights the lack of excitement or interest in the matter.

run-of-the-mill items

Highlights the lack of distinction or uniqueness.

FAQs

How can I use "ordinary things" in a sentence?

You can use "ordinary things" to describe common or everyday items, experiences, or situations. For example, "She found beauty in the "ordinary things", like a cup of coffee or a quiet street".

What are some synonyms for "ordinary things"?

Alternatives to "ordinary things" include "common objects", "everyday items", or "mundane affairs", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "ordinary things" or "everyday things"?

Both "ordinary things" and "everyday things" are correct and often interchangeable. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Ordinary" emphasizes commonness, while "everyday" emphasizes routine occurrence.

What's the difference between "ordinary things" and "simple things"?

While both refer to commonplace aspects of life, "ordinary things" focuses on the typical and unremarkable, while "simple things" emphasizes a lack of complexity. You might appreciate the "simple things" in life, but not necessarily consider them "ordinary".