something to chew

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "something to chew" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a topic or idea that is worth considering or thinking about deeply. Example: "The lecture provided us with something to chew on regarding the implications of climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Definitely something to chew on.

The New York Times

Now there's something to chew on.

The New York Times

It's certainly something to chew over.

Independent

That might give religious conservatives something to chew on.

The Economist

There is also something to chew on for governments.

The Economist

Something to chew on over your next prawn cocktail.

The Economist

At least he has something to chew on.

The New York Times

It gives viewers something to chew on, too.

The New Yorker

After all, Hollywood's chattering class — agents, producers — has to have something to chew over at lunch.

The New York Times

The activists have something to chew on, as well as a doctrine to rely on.

The Economist

Something to chew over, along with pizzas, in flash offices in Mumbai.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "something to chew" to introduce a complex or intriguing idea, especially in contexts where you want to invite reflection and deeper thought from your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "something to chew" repeatedly in the same piece of writing. While it's a useful idiom, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less engaging. Vary your language by using alternatives like "food for thought" or "a point to consider".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something to chew" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a direct object or subject complement. As Ludwig AI indicates, it denotes a subject or matter warranting careful consideration. Examples show its role in introducing ideas that require thoughtful analysis.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "something to chew" is a versatile idiom that introduces topics or ideas requiring thoughtful consideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for many contexts, though it is best used sparingly and with awareness of your audience. Alternatives like "food for thought" offer similar meanings and can help you diversify your language. While prevalent in news and media, "something to chew" is also found in more informal settings, making it a useful addition to your writing toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

food for thought

A common idiom that means something worth thinking about, similar to "something to chew" but more concise.

a concept to digest

Emphasizes understanding and internalizing a new idea, analogous to processing food, making it similar to "something to chew".

an idea to ponder

Suggests a reflective consideration of an idea, maintaining the thoughtfulness of "something to chew".

a point to consider

Focuses on a specific aspect or argument, suitable when highlighting a particular element for deliberation.

a matter for consideration

Implies a formal or serious topic needing careful thought, making it slightly more weighty than "something to chew".

a subject for reflection

Emphasizes the act of reflecting on a topic, implying deeper introspection than simply considering.

an issue to mull over

Suggests a casual, internal debate or consideration, implying a problem-solving approach.

worthy of contemplation

Highlights the significance of a topic, meriting serious and prolonged consideration.

a question to explore

Framing the topic as a question invites investigation and analysis, rather than simple consideration.

a premise to analyze

Highlights the need to break down and examine the components of an idea, implying a more structured approach.

FAQs

How can I use "something to chew" in a sentence?

"Something to chew" is typically used to introduce an idea or piece of information that requires careful thought or consideration. For instance, "The new policy changes offer "something to chew" for the management team".

What does "something to chew" mean?

The phrase "something to chew" is an idiom that means something worth thinking about or pondering over. It implies that the topic is complex or intriguing enough to warrant careful consideration.

What are some alternatives to "something to chew"?

Some alternatives to "something to chew" include "food for thought", "a point to consider", and "an idea to ponder". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "something to chew" formal or informal?

"Something to chew" is generally considered to be informal but acceptable in most contexts. However, in very formal writing, it might be better to use a more formal alternative, such as "a matter for consideration".