since the thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "since the thing" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be used in a context where you are referring to a specific event or object that has been previously mentioned, but it lacks clarity without additional context. Example: "Since the thing happened last week, we need to reevaluate our plans."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The source said: "There's been a major rewrite since the thing came out in February.

The Guardian

And since the thing tops out at 25 miles an hour, there is no question of being in a rush.

The New York Times - Style

But the researchers were more skeptical about rural Americans, since the thing that appears to keep them from getting more organs — distance — is unlikely to change.

The New York Times - Health

It would be a fairly senseless act, and a waste of a tenner, and my reputation with the neighbours would reach depths not plumbed since the thing with my… thing; but it would be my right to do so.

The Guardian

Shipping is free, too, which is good since the thing weighs 25 pounds.

TechCrunch

Finally, since the "Thing" is a thing, it must meet a specific need or bring a value to be useful.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

DOLLY PARTON'S celebrity has long since obscured the thing that made her famous.

The New York Times - Arts

And he's right since time is the thing in short supply.

The Guardian - Opinion

"He's been ferociously committed to the thing since the first audition.

The New York Times

Tinsel was not necessary with an aluminum tree since the whole thing was tinsel.

The New York Times

Since the same thing could be said about a brothel, this didn't win over the residents, either.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "since the thing" in formal writing. Replace "thing" with a more specific noun or description to improve clarity and precision.

Common error

Using "since the thing" can be ambiguous and confusing for readers. Always specify what "thing" refers to, or rephrase the sentence for better understanding. Consider alternatives like "since that event" or "since the incident".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "since the thing" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a temporal or causal clause. Its grammatical role is to connect an event or situation to a consequence or subsequent action. However, as Ludwig AI suggests, its vagueness makes it less effective than more specific alternatives.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "since the thing" appears in various contexts, particularly in news and media, it is generally considered grammatically weak and vague. As Ludwig AI pointed out, it lacks clarity and precision. For clearer and more effective communication, it's best to replace "thing" with a more specific noun or description. Alternatives like "since that event", "after that situation", or "due to that circumstance" offer better clarity and are more appropriate for formal writing. The phrase is predominantly informal and should be used cautiously in professional or academic settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

since that event

Replaces 'thing' with a specific noun, increasing clarity.

since that occurrence

Similar to 'since that event', providing a more formal alternative.

after that situation

Focuses on the aftermath of a specific scenario.

following that episode

Highlights a particular incident or event.

because of that matter

Shifts the focus to causality rather than temporality.

due to that circumstance

Provides a more formal way to express causality.

since the aforementioned

Replaces 'thing' with a formal reference to a previously mentioned item.

after what happened

Uses a more generic reference to an event.

subsequent to that

Offers a formal and concise alternative focusing on sequence.

given the circumstances

Focuses on the contextual factors leading to a situation.

FAQs

What does "since the thing" mean?

The phrase "since the thing" is a vague way of referring to a specific event or object. It's better to use more precise language. For example, instead of "since the thing", you could say "since that event" or "since the incident".

How can I make my writing clearer than using "since the thing"?

To improve clarity, replace "thing" with a specific noun or description. For example, instead of "since the thing happened", try "since "since that event"" or "since "after that situation"".

What's a more formal alternative to "since the thing"?

In formal writing, use phrases like "since that occurrence", "due to that circumstance", or "subsequent to that" instead of "since the thing".

Is "since the thing" grammatically correct?

While understandable in informal contexts, "since the thing" is generally considered grammatically weak and vague. Opt for clearer and more specific phrasing to enhance the quality of your writing.