that kind of thing

USAGE SUMMARY

"that kind of thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to a specific thing or idea that was previously mentioned. For example, "I'm looking for a new job, but I don't know what I want to do exactly - you know, that kind of thing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We typically don't script that kind of thing.

The New York Times

In Oxford that kind of thing happened quite a lot.

Wikipedia

"It's that kind of thing.

The New York Times - Sports

That kind of thing works.

The New York Times

That kind of thing.

Yale University

Will this be that kind of thing?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

London, Paris, that kind of thing".

The New York Times

That kind of thing happened a lot.

The New Yorker

Swing your partner, that kind of thing.

The New Yorker

That kind of thing adds up.

The New Yorker

That kind of thing, yeah.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that kind of thing" to refer back to a specific example or category you've already mentioned, avoiding unnecessary repetition.

Common error

Avoid using "that kind of thing" excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise language to maintain clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that kind of thing" serves as a referential placeholder, substituting for specific examples or details previously mentioned or easily inferred. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and common in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"That kind of thing" is a versatile phrase used to refer to previously mentioned items or concepts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and commonly used, especially in News & Media and Academia. While useful for avoiding repetition and generalizing categories, it should be used judiciously in formal writing, where more precise language is often preferred. Alternatives like "that sort of thing" or "things like that" can provide subtle variations in tone. Remember to consider your audience and context when deciding whether to use this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that sort of thing

Uses 'sort' instead of 'kind', indicating a slight variation in word choice while retaining the same meaning.

things like that

Reverses the structure while maintaining the core meaning of referring to similar items or situations.

stuff like that

Uses 'stuff' instead of 'thing', making it more informal.

and so forth

A more formal way of indicating that a list continues with similar items.

and the like

Indicates that similar items or concepts are included, providing a general sense of continuation.

something along those lines

Refers to an idea or concept that is similar but not exact.

that general idea

Focuses on the overall concept rather than specific instances.

similar matters

A more formal and specific way of indicating related issues.

such occurrences

Emphasizes events or happenings that are alike.

that category of items

Highlights the classification or grouping of similar objects or concepts.

FAQs

How can I use "that kind of thing" in a sentence?

"That kind of thing" is often used to refer to examples already mentioned or implied, such as: "I enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, camping, "that kind of thing"."

What are some alternatives to "that kind of thing"?

Alternatives include "that sort of thing", "things like that", "and so forth", or "and the like", depending on the context.

Is "that kind of thing" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "that kind of thing" is generally more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise and descriptive language.

What's the difference between "that kind of thing" and "this kind of thing"?

"That kind of thing" refers to something previously mentioned or understood, while "this kind of thing" introduces or emphasizes something currently being discussed.