things people do

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "things people do" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to various actions or behaviors that individuals engage in, often in a general or informal context. Example: "In this workshop, we will explore the different things people do to maintain a healthy lifestyle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a lot nicer than other things people do.

The New York Times - Magazine

They are a result of things people do to nature.

The New York Times

There are 100 things people do against man.

The New York Times - Sports

Yet another approach is by activity, focusing on things people do, such as walking, looking, reaching, and speaking.

Human Motor Control

Most things people do to improve things don't work".

The New York Times

"Some things people do are bad for them".

The New York Times

"That it's protected from all those things people do wrong?

The Guardian - Arts

Before it, she says, she couldn't do the "normal things people do".

Independent

Criminal law punishes things people do, not things they do not do.

The New York Times

Things people do are: search for supernovae, search for asteroids/comets, or monitor variable stars.

Cornell University

"I am here to say things people do not want to hear and do things people do not want to see.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "things people do" when you want to refer to general human behavior without specifying any particular action.

Common error

Avoid using "things people do" as a filler phrase when you could be more specific. Instead of saying "one of the things people do", try to describe the action directly to enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "things people do" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It acts as a general referent to activities, behaviors, or actions carried out by individuals. Ludwig shows that it is frequently used to broadly categorize human actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "things people do" is a versatile phrase used to broadly refer to human actions and behaviors. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While useful for general discussions, it's advisable to use more specific terminology in formal writing. The phrase is generally neutral in register, adaptable for different situations by adding specificity, as seen in the provided examples. Consider alternative phrases like "human activities" or "common practices" for enhanced precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

human activities

Focuses on actions done by humans, replacing 'things' with a more specific noun.

common practices

Highlights actions that are routinely performed, emphasizing their habitual nature.

typical behaviors

Emphasizes observable actions or reactions of individuals, focusing on conduct.

everyday actions

Refers to routine or mundane tasks, highlighting their ordinary quality.

human endeavors

Focuses on pursuits and efforts made by people, suggesting ambition or purpose.

actions individuals take

More formal phrasing, specifically mentioning the actor.

activities people engage in

Emphasizes active involvement in various pursuits or pastimes.

what people are doing

Uses a more conversational structure and present continuous tense.

ways of acting

Focuses on the manner in which people conduct themselves.

the usual stuff

A colloquial way to refer to common activities, implying familiarity.

FAQs

How can I use "things people do" in a sentence?

You can use "things people do" to refer generally to human actions or behaviors. For example, "Understanding the "things people do" in response to stress can help improve mental health programs."

What are some alternatives to "things people do"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "human activities", "common practices", or "typical behaviors" to replace "things people do".

Is it always appropriate to use "things people do" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "things people do" can sometimes sound informal or vague. In formal writing, consider using more precise language to describe specific actions or behaviors to maintain a professional tone.

What is the difference between "things people do" and "actions people take"?

"Things people do" is more general and can encompass a broader range of activities, while "actions people take" often implies a more deliberate or conscious decision. The choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.