same old thing

USAGE SUMMARY

"same old thing" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to express boredom or familiarity with a situation or routine. Example: "Every time we meet, it's the same old thing—talking about work." Alternative expressions include "same old story" and "business as usual."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's the same old thing.

The New York Times

"We're not getting stops -- same old thing.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's the same old thing for us.

The New York Times - Sports

"Tired of the same old thing every year.

The New York Times - Sports

"To me, it's still the same old thing".

The New York Times

Or emerge as another form of the same old thing.

The New York Times

"Every time something went wrong, same old thing.

The New York Times

But Mr. Kissin's same old thing is pretty remarkable.

The New York Times

"People get tired of looking at the same old thing".

The New York Times

"They wanted me to do the same old thing.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Don't wear the 'same old thing' either.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "same old thing" when you want to express a sense of boredom, frustration, or resignation about a situation that is repetitive or predictable. It's suitable for informal and conversational contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "same old thing" too frequently in your writing, as it can make your tone sound monotonous or uninspired. Vary your language with synonyms or more descriptive phrases to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "same old thing" functions as a nominal phrase, often used as a direct object, predicate nominative, or appositive. It serves to summarize a situation, activity, or experience as familiar and often undesirable, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Sports

13%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science & Research

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "same old thing" is a common and informal expression used to convey boredom, frustration, or resignation towards repetitive or predictable situations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news media and casual conversation. While versatile, overuse can lead to monotony, so consider alternatives like "same old story" or "business as usual" to maintain reader engagement. Remember to reserve it for informal contexts to maintain a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

same old story

Emphasizes the repetitive and predictable nature of events or situations.

the same as always

Emphasizes the lack of change or deviation from a typical state.

business as usual

Highlights that things are continuing in their normal, expected way, often despite disruptions.

the usual routine

Focuses on the repetitive aspect of a daily or regular series of actions.

more of the same

Indicates an expectation or experience of continued similarity to what has come before.

a familiar tune

Implies that a situation or argument is predictable and has been heard many times before.

same old grind

Implies a wearisome and monotonous repetition of tasks or experiences.

old hat

Suggests something is out of date or no longer interesting or effective.

status quo

Highlights the desire to maintain current conditions.

nothing new under the sun

Suggests that everything has already been experienced and that there is no originality.

FAQs

How can I use "same old thing" in a sentence?

You can use "same old thing" to express boredom or familiarity with a situation. For example: "Every time we meet, it's the "same old thing"—talking about work."

What can I say instead of "same old thing"?

You can use alternatives like "same old story", "business as usual", or "the usual routine" depending on the context.

Is "same old thing" formal or informal?

"Same old thing" is generally considered informal and is best suited for casual conversations or less formal writing. For professional communications, consider using a more precise alternative.

What does "same old thing" imply?

"Same old thing" generally implies a sense of dissatisfaction or weariness with a repetitive situation or routine, suggesting a lack of change or excitement.