thing like that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thing like that" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to similar items or situations in a casual or informal context. Example: "I enjoy outdoor activities, hiking, and things like that."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It wasn't the only thing like that.

The New York Times - Arts

I'd never do a thing like that.

The Guardian - Film

You don't get over a thing like that.

The New Yorker

He thought you shouldn't do a thing like that.

The New York Times - Arts

They immediately set up a howl, Let a thing like that into the United States?

The New Yorker

"Not that it ever got him very far, always running after the next new thing like that.

The New Yorker

What came next, well — you don't forget a thing like that.

The New Yorker

Just taking care of a little thing like that makes the whole garden look crisp".

The New York Times - Travel

I didn't ever believe he'd do a thing like that.

BBC

"Social media has a life of its own, a thing like that can have a life of its own".

BBC

There will be one thing like that.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thing like that" to refer to a category of items or situations when you don't need to be overly specific. It's suitable for informal contexts where precision isn't crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "thing like that" in formal or academic writing, as it can make your writing sound vague and unprofessional. Opt for more precise language that clearly identifies what you're referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thing like that" functions as a general placeholder, referring to items or situations similar to those already mentioned. It serves to avoid excessive detail or repetition, as shown by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "thing like that" is a common and versatile expression used to refer to similar items or situations in a general way. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news media and informal contexts. While useful for casual conversation, it should be used sparingly in formal writing to maintain clarity and precision. Alternatives such as "something of that nature" or "items of that kind" offer more formal options when needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

something of that nature

Replaces "thing" with "something" and uses "of that nature" for a slightly more formal tone.

stuff like that

Substitutes "thing" with "stuff", making it more casual and informal.

items of that kind

Uses "items" for a more specific reference to objects, and "of that kind" to indicate similarity.

matters of that sort

Replaces "thing" with "matters", focusing on issues or topics rather than objects.

actions of that type

Specifically refers to actions, replacing "thing" with a focus on activities.

incidents along those lines

Highlights specific events or occurrences, adding a sense of direction or similarity.

aspects of that variety

Focuses on particular features or elements, emphasizing diversity or type.

occurrences of that ilk

Refers to events of a similar nature, adding a slightly archaic or formal tone.

details along those lines

Emphasizes specific pieces of information, suggesting a thematic connection.

phenomena of this type

Addresses observable events or situations, highlighting their shared characteristics.

FAQs

How can I use "thing like that" in a sentence?

You can use "thing like that" to refer to similar items or situations in a casual manner. For example: "I enjoy outdoor activities, hiking, and "thing like that"."

What's a more formal alternative to "thing like that"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "something of that nature" or "items of that kind", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "thing like that" in academic writing?

Generally, no. In academic writing, it's better to be specific and avoid vague terms. Use more precise language instead.

What is the difference between "thing like that" and "stuff like that"?

The phrase "thing like that" is slightly more versatile and can fit into slightly more formal contexts than "stuff like that", which is considered quite informal.