thing to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thing to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an object, concept, or situation that is intended to exist or occur. Example: "The most important thing to be aware of is the deadline for submissions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

The New Yorker

The New York Times

The Guardian

Independent

BBC

Los Angeles Times

Huffington Post

Vice

Forbes

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Horrible thing to be near.

Independent

A strange thing to be preoccupied with".

The New York Times - Books

It is a holy thing to be".

The New Yorker

A thing to be removed.

The New Yorker

"It's one thing to be fashionably late.

Independent

Now it is one thing to be absolutely false, and another thing to be absolutely impossible.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"The thing to be questioned is violence".

The New York Times

It's a good thing to be starstruck.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Which isn't the worst thing to be.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Assuming the thing to be proved.

The New Yorker

That's the thing to be concerned about.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "thing to be", ensure the context clearly defines what the 'thing' refers to, providing clarity and avoiding ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "thing to be" as a placeholder when a more specific noun or concept would enhance clarity. Replace it with a precise subject to strengthen your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thing to be" functions as a general noun phrase that requires further specification to convey a complete meaning. It sets up an expectation that is completed by a following adjective or participle phrase, adding detail to what the "thing" actually is. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "thing to be" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression, functioning as a general noun phrase that introduces a concept needing further specification. While versatile and appearing in both formal and informal contexts, clarity is paramount; avoid vagueness by providing precise details about the 'thing' you're referencing. Ludwig AI confirms the validity of this phrase, and while acceptable in a wide array of contexts, more direct and descriptive alternatives might strengthen your message. So be attentive to that, and happy writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

matter to consider

This alternative focuses on the aspect of deliberation and thoughtfulness.

aspect to focus on

This alternative highlights a specific element that requires attention.

point to address

This alternative emphasizes the need to deal with a particular issue.

item to examine

This alternative suggests a closer look at a particular object or subject.

area to explore

This alternative opens the door to further investigation and discovery.

subject to discuss

This alternative introduces a topic for conversation or debate.

issue to resolve

This alternative directs attention toward solving a particular problem.

challenge to overcome

This alternative highlights a difficulty that needs to be conquered.

task to complete

This alternative emphasizes the action of finishing a specific assignment.

goal to achieve

This alternative concentrates on attaining a desired outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "thing to be" in a sentence?

The phrase "thing to be" is versatile. For example, "The most important "matter to consider" is safety" or "It's a wonderful "aspect to focus on"." Consider replacing "thing to be" with something more specific.

What are some alternatives to "thing to be"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like ""aspect to focus on"", ""matter to consider"", or "point to address".

Is "thing to be" formal or informal?

The phrase "thing to be" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal options may exist for specific situations. It's best to check the context.

How to avoid vagueness when using "thing to be"?

To avoid vagueness, ensure that the noun or concept that "thing" refers to is clearly defined or immediately apparent within the sentence or surrounding context. Replacing it with a precise subject enhances clarity.