something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an unspecified object, idea, or concept. Example: "I need something to help me focus while I study."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then something happened.

The New York Times - Arts

Or something.

The New York Times

Something clicked.

The New York Times

But something is missing.

The Economist

And it is not just something verbal with the coach but something that is written in the contract.

The Guardian - Sport

And now it's about giving something back".

The Guardian - Sport

This is a whole new road for me, something I can get my teeth into but I just felt it was something I had to do.

The Guardian - Sport

We may, we may not, decide that it's relevant to put something out there about some of those changes.

The Guardian

He added: "I bring something new to the table.

The Guardian - Sport

That wish to pass something on is about the most basic, human and natural instinct there is.

The Guardian

There is something in that.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "something" when you want to refer to an unspecified object, idea, or event without being specific. It's particularly useful when the exact nature of the thing is unknown or unimportant.

Common error

Avoid using "something" excessively in formal or academic writing where precise language is preferred. Replace it with a more specific term whenever possible to enhance clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "something" is that of a pronoun, serving as a substitute for a noun or noun phrase when referring to an unspecified or unknown object, idea, or situation. Ludwig shows examples where "something" acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sport

10%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Opinion

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "something" functions as a versatile pronoun that allows speakers and writers to refer to an unspecified object, idea, or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and high frequency in general use, particularly in news and media contexts. While it's perfectly acceptable in many situations, formal writing may benefit from more precise language. Remember to use "something" when the specific identity of a thing is unknown or unimportant, but consider more specific alternatives to enhance clarity in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a thing

Refers to an unspecified object or entity.

an item

Denotes an unspecified object, often tangible.

a matter

Indicates an unspecified issue or topic.

a situation

Refers to an unspecified set of circumstances.

a case

Denotes an instance or occurrence of something unspecified.

an event

Describes an unspecified occurrence or happening.

a circumstance

Refers to an unspecified condition or situation.

a detail

Indicates an unspecified piece of information.

a factor

Denotes an unspecified element or influence.

a development

Describes an unspecified new event or stage.

FAQs

How can I use "something" in a sentence?

"Something" can be used as a pronoun to refer to an unspecified thing. For example, "I need "something" to drink" or "Something happened yesterday".

What are some alternatives to the word "something"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a thing", "an item", or "a matter" to replace ""something"".

Is it correct to use "something" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, using ""something"" in formal writing should be done judiciously. More specific terms might be preferable for clarity. For instance, instead of "There is "something" wrong", you might say "There is an error".

What's the difference between "something" and "anything"?

"Something" refers to an unspecified thing, while "anything" suggests any possible thing. For example, "I need "something"" implies a specific but unknown need, whereas "Do you need anything?" asks if any need exists at all.