sweet things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sweet things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to enjoyable or delightful items, often in the context of food or experiences. Example: "At the bakery, they have a variety of sweet things, from cakes to pastries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

If the speaker morally approves of all and only sweet things, then this property is sweetness.

SEP

"I rarely eat sweet things".

The New York Times

After all, people liked sweet things.

The New Yorker

And why stop at sweet things?

The New York Times

I like too many sweet things.

The Guardian

"Rats love sweet things," he said.

The New York Times

Southerners like sweet things, says Philip Mooney, Coke's chief archivist.

The Economist

At breakfast we had peas and sweet things," Mustafa says.

The Guardian

All my positive early food memories are of sweet things.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The new year is everywhere a time for sweet things.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He said two sweet things to me, and that was it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to literal sweet-tasting foods, use "sweet things". For more figurative uses, consider alternatives like "pleasantries" or "kind gestures" for greater precision.

Common error

Avoid using "sweet things" when more specific terms like "desserts", "candies", or "pleasantries" would provide greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sweet things" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig's examples show it denoting both tangible items (like desserts) and intangible concepts (like kind words or gestures).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sweet things" is a common and generally correct noun phrase, typically used in neutral to informal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, demonstrating its use in both literal (food) and figurative (kindness) senses. While versatile, it's advisable to consider more specific alternatives like "desserts" or "pleasantries" in formal settings to enhance clarity. Overall, the phrase enjoys widespread use, particularly in news and media, reflecting its accessibility and broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delightful items

Focuses on the pleasing nature of the items.

enjoyable treats

Emphasizes the pleasurable aspect of specific items.

lovely moments

Focuses on the beauty and joy of specific instances.

pleasant experiences

Shifts the focus to enjoyable encounters or events.

satisfying aspects

Refers to parts that fulfil desires or needs.

charming aspects

Highlights the attractive and pleasing qualities.

welcome gestures

Concentrates on acts that are appreciated and well-received.

gratifying elements

Emphasizes aspects that bring satisfaction or contentment.

agreeable matters

Highlights the pleasing or welcome nature of the subjects.

kind thoughts

Refers to benevolent or considerate ideas.

FAQs

How can I use "sweet things" in a sentence?

You can use "sweet things" to refer to enjoyable items, such as desserts: "I like to bake "sweet things" for my friends" or to refer to kind actions: "She said some "sweet things" to me to cheer me up".

What can I say instead of "sweet things" when referring to desserts?

If you're talking about food, you can use alternatives like "desserts", "treats", or "confections" depending on the specific context.

What can I say instead of "sweet things" when referring to kind actions?

When referring to kind actions or words, you can use alternatives such as "kind gestures", "pleasantries", or "nice things".

Is it appropriate to use "sweet things" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "sweet things" is generally more appropriate for informal or casual contexts. In formal writing, consider more precise terms depending on the intended meaning, such as "desserts" for food or "kind remarks" for actions.