things such as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'things such as' is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to introduce examples that fall within a given category. For example, "We must protect our environment, even for small things such as not littering."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Things such as crosswords.

The Guardian

Tax harmful things, such as carbon emissions.

The Guardian - Opinion

It pays for things such as "communications".

The Guardian - Opinion

"Mainly it's things such as broken arms.

The Guardian - Travel

Things such as: Does this require a sunny day?

Harvard University

That is fine for small things, such as chips.

The Economist

Other things, such as the proposal, did not follow tradition.

Independent

You could spend it on worse things (such as pies).

Independent

Each borough looks after local things such as waste collection.

The Economist

It features outmoded things such as editorials and paid reporters.

The Economist

Things such as Skype might prevent these things.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "things such as", ensure that the examples you provide are genuinely representative of the category you are referring to. This enhances clarity and avoids misleading the reader.

Common error

Avoid using examples that are too broad or unclear after "things such as". Ensure your examples add specific value and illustrate the category effectively. For example, instead of "things such as problems", specify "things such as technical glitches or budget constraints".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "things such as" functions as an exemplifier, introducing specific instances that clarify a broader category. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It helps in providing context and making abstract concepts more concrete.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

50%

News & Media

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "things such as" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to introduce examples that clarify a broader topic. According to Ludwig AI, it's a correct and effective way to provide context and enhance understanding. It's most commonly found in wikis, news articles, and scientific publications. When employing this phrase, ensure your examples are specific and representative of the category you're illustrating. Though generally neutral, more formal alternatives like "for instance" may be preferable in academic or professional contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

such as

A shorter version of the original phrase, useful for brevity.

for example

More concise and direct, suitable for a wide range of contexts.

for instance

Similar to "for example", but can imply a more specific or illustrative case.

including

Focuses on listing items that are part of a larger group.

like

More informal; best suited for casual contexts.

to illustrate

Introduces an example that clarifies a point.

as an illustration

More formal, used to introduce a clarifying example.

namely

Used to specify or identify something more precisely.

comprising

Similar to "consisting of", indicating what something is made up of.

consisting of

Highlights the components or elements that make up something.

FAQs

How can I use "things such as" in a sentence?

Use "things such as" to introduce specific examples that belong to a more general category. For instance, "Consider daily habits, "activities such as" exercise, meditation, or a balanced diet, to improve overall well-being".

What are some alternatives to using "things such as"?

Alternatives include "for example", "including", or "such as". The choice depends on the desired level of formality and the specific context.

Is there a difference between "such as" and "things such as"?

While both introduce examples, "things such as" often refers specifically to objects or concepts, whereas "such as" can be used more broadly. For example, "Consider elements "such as" hydrogen or oxygen."

When is it appropriate to use "things such as" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "things such as" when you want to provide specific examples to clarify a general statement, especially when referring to tangible items, ideas, or concepts. If you want to show more emphasis you could also use "aspects like".