thing for someone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thing for someone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a particular interest, preference, or attraction that someone has towards another person or thing. Example: "She has a thing for classic cars and often attends car shows to admire them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Neither is a good thing for someone running for president.

The Guardian - Opinion

SATURDAY'S PUZZLE — It's one thing for someone to think that we are immature.

The New York Times

This would just about be a rational thing for someone who supports Mr Obama.

The Economist

It seemed an odd thing for someone who was charged with protecting the public to say.

The Guardian

"It's a great thing, for someone to feel that they can draw inspiration from you.

The Guardian - Film

That's a very uncool, unfashionable thing for someone to say, but I really mean it".

The Guardian

"To do this to irises is a rotten thing for someone to do," Mrs. Plank said.

The New York Times

"Yet, paradoxically, 'coming out' can be the best thing for someone with a mental illness.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

To me it seemed a strange thing for someone to write who was going to college to go to sea.

The New Yorker

It is one thing for someone to be suspended as a result of a genuine complaint of abusive behaviour.

The Guardian

"Doing a kind thing for someone else is actually doing a happy thing for yourself, I suppose.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "thing for someone", ensure the context clarifies whether it refers to a general interest, a romantic inclination, or a specific responsibility. Clarity prevents misinterpretation.

Common error

Be careful using "thing for someone" in formal contexts where a more precise term like "responsibility", "interest", or "attraction" would be more appropriate and less ambiguous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thing for someone" functions as a noun phrase often acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It expresses an interest, preference, obligation, or fondness towards a particular person. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "thing for someone" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote interest, fondness, or duty towards another person. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it's important to consider the context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "interest in someone", "attraction to someone", or "responsibility for someone" may be more appropriate in formal settings. The phrase is most common in news and media, as well as informal contexts. When using "thing for someone", ensure the intended meaning – whether it's attraction, fondness, or duty – is clear to your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

interest in someone

Focuses specifically on the feeling of being interested in someone.

affection for someone

Emphasizes a feeling of fondness or love.

fondness for someone

Highlights a gentle liking or warm feeling.

attraction to someone

Specifically denotes a physical or romantic pull.

penchant for someone

Implies a strong inclination or liking, often unexpected.

concern for someone

Highlights worry or care about someone's welfare.

responsibility for someone

Emphasizes a duty to care for or manage someone.

weakness for someone

Suggests a vulnerability or susceptibility to someone's charms.

soft spot for someone

Indicates a particular liking, often despite flaws.

predilection for someone

Formal term for a preference or bias towards someone.

FAQs

How can I use "thing for someone" in a sentence?

You can use "thing for someone" to express a particular interest, preference, or fondness. For example, "She has a thing for someone with a great sense of humor", or "He always had a thing for someone who challenged him intellectually".

What's a less ambiguous alternative to "thing for someone"?

Depending on the context, consider using alternatives like "interest in someone", "attraction to someone", "fondness for someone", or "responsibility for someone" to avoid misinterpretation.

Is "thing for someone" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "thing for someone" might be too informal for academic or professional writing. Opt for more precise and formal alternatives when necessary.

What does it mean when someone says they have a "thing for someone"?

It typically implies a strong interest, attraction, or fondness towards that person. The exact nuance depends on the specific context of the conversation.