such a thing

USAGE SUMMARY

"such a thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an item or concept that has already been mentioned, or to refer generally to something that is unspecified. For example, "I can't believe he would do such a thing!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If such a thing exists.

Independent

Who'd do such a thing?

The Guardian - Film

There's probably such a thing.

The New Yorker

"Such a thing would have been unthinkable.

The New York Times

How is such a thing calibrated?

The New York Times

Never would he do such a thing.

The New York Times - Sports

I never heard of such a thing".

The New Yorker

Why would Pepsi do such a thing?

Independent

How could such a thing happen?

The New York Times

"No Muslim would do such a thing".

The New Yorker

He should try for such a thing.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "such a thing" to refer back to a previously mentioned idea or event to avoid repetition and maintain flow in your writing.

Common error

While versatile, avoid overusing "such a thing" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and descriptive language to enhance clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "such a thing" functions as a determiner phrase, often used to refer to something previously mentioned or something hypothetical. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

17%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "such a thing" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to reference previously mentioned or hypothetical concepts, often conveying surprise or disbelief. While predominantly found in news and media, its usage extends to academia and science, though careful consideration of formality is advised. When aiming for precision in formal writing, alternatives like "something of that nature" or "an event of this kind" may prove more fitting. Ultimately, "such a thing" remains a valuable tool in English communication, adaptable to diverse contexts with mindful application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a thing like that

Replaces "such a" with "like that", maintaining a similar level of generality but with a slightly more informal tone.

something of that nature

Substitutes "thing" with "something of that nature", creating a more formal and abstract expression.

an event of this kind

Replaces "thing" with "event", specifying a particular type of occurrence.

a circumstance like this

Replaces "thing" with "circumstance", focusing on a specific situation.

a phenomenon of this sort

Substitutes "thing" with "phenomenon", indicating a more formal and scientific context.

an item of that description

Replaces "thing" with "item", specifying a particular object or element.

a matter of that kind

Substitutes "thing" with "matter", focusing on an issue or concern.

a concept of this nature

Replaces "thing" with "concept", emphasizing an abstract idea.

a situation of that type

Substitutes "thing" with "situation", emphasizing a specific set of circumstances.

an instance like that

Replaces "thing" with "instance", specifying a particular occurrence or example.

FAQs

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

"Such a thing" is used to refer to something already mentioned or something hypothetical. For example, "I never thought I would see "a thing like that" happen."

What can I say instead of "such a thing"?

Alternatives include "something of that nature", "an event of this kind", or "a circumstance like this", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "such a thing" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "such a thing" can sound informal. In formal writing, consider using more precise terms like "a phenomenon of this sort" or "a matter of that kind" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

What is the difference between "such a thing" and "something like that"?

Both phrases are similar, but "such a thing" can imply a sense of disbelief or surprise, while "something like that" is generally more neutral. Consider the emotional tone you want to convey.