some such thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "some such thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is similar or related to what has been previously mentioned, but not specifying exactly what it is. Example: "I heard he was working on some such thing that could revolutionize the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

It is ridiculous that some people wish to change the name to creme de gaulloise, or some such thing".

The New Yorker

"Khatami was in Lebanon, visiting libraries or some such thing," Karim Arghandehpour, an editor at Nowrooz, the leading reform newspaper, recalls.

The New Yorker

This should be a pretty strong signal to the neighbour in question that his barbecue pit is too close to his porch (or some such thing).

The New Yorker

"If you say, 'There's some such thing as a serotonin deficiency in depression,' then anything you do that specifically increased serotonin would be an antidepressant," Deisseroth told me.

The New Yorker

"Sometimes Liz and Mary will conspire together, and say, 'You've got to get the old man to change his tie,' or some such thing," he said.

The New York Times

"I believe they gave him free beer for life in Prague and made him an honorary citizen of Prague or some such thing".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

In social settings, mean-spirited people will often call the older person a "cradle robber" or some other such thing.

WikiHow

Unfortunately, Aristotle reports that "the Pythagoreans refrain from eating the womb and the heart, the sea anemone and some other such things but use all other animal food" (Aulus Gellius IV. 11. 11 12).

SEP

She asked again: "Positive –means good, right?" And when she found out more details, she couldn't believe it, she was assured that there must be some mistake, such things couldn't occur to her.

Unicef

Some detect a whiff of anti-Jewish prejudice, some swear there is no such thing.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is no such thing as some other country's catastrophe.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "some such thing" when you want to refer to something similar to what you've already mentioned but don't need to be precise. It's useful for avoiding unnecessary detail.

Common error

Avoid using "some such thing" too frequently in a single piece of writing, as it can make your communication seem unclear or evasive. Strive for specificity where possible to maintain clarity and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "some such thing" functions as a vague pronoun or pro-form, standing in for a more specific noun phrase or idea. It's used to refer to something that is similar to, but not exactly, what has already been mentioned. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "some such thing" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a similarity to something previously mentioned without requiring exact details. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability, noting its prevalence across various contexts, especially in news and media, science and wiki. While considered neutral in register, it's advisable to use more specific language in formal settings. Alternatives such as ""something along those lines"" and ""something of that nature"" offer similar levels of vagueness while keeping the meaning similar.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

or something like that

Indicates an inexact or approximate parallel, leaving room for minor variations.

something along those lines

Emphasizes similarity and approximation to a mentioned idea or situation.

something of that nature

Highlights the essence or inherent qualities of what's being discussed.

something to that effect

Focuses on conveying a similar overall meaning or implication.

or similar

Implies a general resemblance without specifying exact details.

something in that vein

Suggests the idea or concept follows a comparable line of thinking or approach.

something or other

Conveys vagueness or lack of specific knowledge about what's referenced.

some similar item

Focuses on the item, suggesting that it is not the exact one previously mentioned but has similar characteristics

a like element

Implies something shares a related part

a comparable detail

Highlights a specific aspect as being alike to something previously mentioned.

FAQs

How can I use "some such thing" in a sentence?

You can use "some such thing" to refer to something similar to what was previously mentioned, without specifying exactly what it is. For instance, "He mentioned a new project or "something of that nature"."

What phrases are similar to "some such thing"?

Alternatives to "some such thing" include "or something like that", "something along those lines", or "something to that effect".

Is "some such thing" formal or informal?

"Some such thing" is generally considered informal and is best suited for casual conversation or less formal writing. In professional or academic settings, more precise language is often preferred.

When is it appropriate to use "some such thing"?

It's appropriate to use "some such thing" when the exact details aren't important or when you don't have specific information. Be mindful not to overuse it, as it can make your communication seem vague. Opt for more specific alternatives when the context demands it.