the in thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'the in thing' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that is the currently fashionable or popular thing to do or have. For example, "Going to the beach is the in thing this summer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Mmmm, Abs They are the in thing.

The New York Times

Unusual meats, it seems, are the in thing these days.

Independent

No, now the in thing is to have a news conference to announce the impending retirement.

The New York Times - Sports

Petitions are the in thing at the moment, so I'm planning one of my own.

Independent

Gangs are the "in" thing and if you are not part of something, you're nothing.

Independent

Ballroom dancing has shed its stuffy image and become the in thing to do.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

And let's give it up for the regular old Brits who heard hats were the in-thing, and just wore the whole wedding on top of their heads.

The Washington Post

The country's ballet stars are the in-thing on both sides of the pond: San Francisco Ballet has five Cuban principals, as does Boston Ballet.

The Guardian

Actors making movies appears to be the in-thing at Venice; the model-turned-actress Anna Mouglalis also has a film, 'Les Filles', in the erotica section, which also showcases a short from the 'Broken English' director, Zoe Cassavetes.

Independent

Whoonga was the in-thing at the time so that's why I started smoking it, I wanted to fit in," says 21-year-old Thabane Chamane.

BBC

Going anti-immigrant is the in-thing with Arizona Republicans.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the in thing" to describe trends, fashions, or activities that are currently popular. Ensure your context clearly establishes what the "thing" refers to, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "the in thing" to describe something that was once popular but is no longer trendy. This phrase is specifically for current trends. Use alternative descriptions for past trends.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the in thing" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig shows that it describes something that is currently fashionable or popular. The examples illustrate its use in identifying trends and current practices.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Social Media

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the in thing" is a common phrase used to describe what is currently popular or trendy. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically correct and primarily found in news and media, wiki, and science contexts. The phrase functions as a noun phrase, identifying current fashions and practices. While generally neutral in register, it is important to consider the temporal nature of the phrase, ensuring it accurately reflects current trends. Alternatives include "the latest trend" and "what's trending". Understanding its appropriate use helps ensure clear and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the 'it' thing

Similar meaning, with a slightly more informal and modern tone.

the latest trend

Focuses more specifically on the idea of a current fashion or fad.

the current fad

Emphasizes the temporary nature of the popularity.

what's trending

Highlights what is currently gaining popularity and attention.

the vogue

A more formal term for something that is currently fashionable.

all the rage

Implies widespread enthusiasm and excitement.

the hot ticket

Suggests something desirable and sought after.

the must-have

Highlights something that is essential to possess or experience.

the popular choice

Focuses on widespread selection or preference.

the prevailing fashion

Emphasizes the dominant style or custom.

FAQs

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

You can use "the in thing" to describe something currently fashionable or popular. For example, "Influencer marketing is "the "in" thing" right now."

What is a good substitute for "the in thing"?

Alternatives include "the latest trend", "what's trending", or "the 'it' thing" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "that was the in thing"?

Yes, you can use "that was the in thing" to refer to something that was popular in the past, but it's important to ensure the context clearly indicates you're talking about a past trend.

What's the difference between "the in thing" and "a trend"?

"The in thing" is a specific phrase referring to something currently popular, while "a trend" is a more general term for any direction or sequence of events with some momentum.