stuff like that

USAGE SUMMARY

"stuff like that" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is an informal phrase used to refer to a concept, activity, or object that is similar or related to a topic or previous discussion. For example: "We were talking about how important it is to save money, and stuff like that."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Stuff like that.

The New York Times - Books

Crazy stuff like that.

Independent

Improbable stuff like that.

The New York Times

"He loves stuff like that.

The New York Times

You'll see stuff like that.

The New Yorker

Mad stuff like that.

The Guardian - Music

"He's used to stuff like that.

The New York Times - Sports

We like to do stuff like that.

The New York Times

It was different personalities, stuff like that.

The New York Times

"Every club does stuff like that.

The New York Times - Sports

Stuff like that came up a lot.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stuff like that" in informal contexts to refer to a range of similar items or ideas when you don't need to be specific. It's best suited for conversational or casual writing.

Common error

Avoid using "stuff like that" in formal writing, such as academic papers or business reports. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "similar items" or "related matters" to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stuff like that" functions as a referential placeholder, allowing speakers and writers to avoid explicitly listing items or concepts. It points to a range of similar things implied by the context. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this usage is correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

18%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stuff like that" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to refer generally to a range of similar or related things, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its informality makes it most appropriate for casual conversation and certain types of writing, such as news articles. However, it should be avoided in formal contexts like academic papers or business reports, where more precise and professional alternatives are preferable. While widely understood, keep context in mind for best usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

things of that nature

Replaces "stuff" with "things" and uses a slightly more formal phrasing.

and similar things

Explicitly mentions the similarity of other unspecified items.

and so forth

Indicates that the list of items continues in a similar manner.

and the like

A classic way to imply a continuation of similar items or concepts.

and so on

Implies a continuation of similar elements without specifying them.

similar items

Focuses on the similarity between unspecified items.

and other such things

Adds emphasis and formality compared to the original phrase.

related matters

Emphasizes the connection between different subjects.

along those lines

Indicates similarity in direction or type.

and all that jazz

An informal and expressive way to mean "and similar things".

FAQs

How can I use "stuff like that" in a sentence?

"Stuff like that" is used to refer to similar or related things without listing them specifically. For example, "I enjoy outdoor activities, "stuff like that"."

What can I say instead of "stuff like that"?

You can use alternatives like "and so forth", "and the like", or "similar items" depending on the context.

Is "stuff like that" appropriate for formal writing?

No, "stuff like that" is generally too informal for academic or professional writing. Use more precise language such as "related matters" or "similar items" in those contexts.

What's the difference between "stuff like that" and "things of that nature"?

"Things of that nature" is a slightly more formal alternative to "stuff like that". Both are used to refer to similar or related items, but "things of that nature" is better suited for slightly more formal settings.