something such as

USAGE SUMMARY

"something such as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when mentioning an example or instances of a particular thing. For example, "The city has many attractions to enjoy, such as museums and parks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Look at something such as The Krypton Factor.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

People like getting something, such as a personal savings account.

The New York Times

Developing a network is essential in science for exchanging something, such as information, ideas, or favors.

Success Strategies for Women in Science A Portable Mentor

The judges say something such as: "Well, unfamous person, I have made my decision".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Failing that, you could try encrypting your email using something such as PGP.

The Guardian - Tech

"If you continue your mind, you learn something, such as the hazard of the perspective.

The New York Times

Something such as a massive holiday party would be a goal, not a start.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It will never be used to make something such as nails.

MIT Technology Review

Something such as "mathology" or "paleontognomy".

Science Magazine

One might say something such as the following.

SEP

Is it our awareness or experience of something, such as the street's being wet?

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "something such as" to introduce examples that clarify a general statement or concept. It is particularly effective when you want to provide a range of possible examples rather than a definitive list.

Common error

While "something such as" is versatile, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more concise alternatives like "such as" or "for example" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something such as" serves as an exemplifier. It introduces examples to clarify a general statement. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, offering a way to illustrate concepts with specific instances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

39%

News & Media

33%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "something such as" is a versatile phrase used to introduce examples for clarification. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and frequently employed across various contexts. While highly common in general writing and news, it's advisable to use alternatives like "such as" in more formal contexts to enhance conciseness. Its purpose is primarily to enhance understanding by grounding abstract concepts in concrete examples. The prevalence of the phrase across sources like WikiHow, The Guardian, and the BBC confirms its widespread usability. Remember to use it to clarify ideas rather than create redundancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

such as

Shorter and more concise way to introduce examples.

for example

More direct and common way to introduce an example.

for instance

Another common way to introduce an example, slightly more formal than "for example".

like

More informal way to introduce an example.

including

Focuses on listing items that are part of a larger group.

e.g.

Abbreviation for 'exempli gratia', used in formal writing.

as an illustration

More formal and elaborate way to introduce an example.

to illustrate

Highlights the purpose of providing the example.

in particular

Emphasizes a specific example.

namely

Used to specify or identify something more precisely.

FAQs

How to use "something such as" in a sentence?

Use "something such as" to introduce one or more examples that clarify a preceding statement. For instance, "You might need something such as a screwdriver or a wrench to fix that."

What can I say instead of "something such as"?

You can use alternatives like "for example", "such as", or "like" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to use "something such as"?

While "such as" alone is often sufficient, "something such as" can be useful when you want to emphasize that you're providing examples of a more general category or concept. It adds a slight nuance of generality.

What's the difference between "something such as" and "something like"?

"Something such as" is generally used to give concrete examples, whereas "something like" can suggest an approximation or a less precise comparison. For instance, "something such as a car" implies a specific type of vehicle, while "something like a car" could refer to any vehicle.