things that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "things that" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a list or explanation of specific items or concepts that are related to the main topic or idea of the sentence. For example: "I have many hobbies, but the things that bring me the most joy are reading, painting, and gardening." In this sentence, "things that" is used to introduce a list of hobbies that the speaker enjoys. Another example could be: "The report highlighted the things that need to be improved in the company's marketing strategy." In this sentence, "things that" is used to introduce specific areas or aspects that require improvement. The phrase can also be used in other contexts, such as: "I always make a list of things that I need to buy before going grocery shopping." In this sentence, "things that" is used to introduce a list of items that the speaker needs to purchase. Overall, "things that" can be used to introduce specific ideas, concepts, or items in a sentence and is considered grammatically correct in written English.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Things that are sweet.

The New York Times

"Just things that happen".

The New York Times - Sports

Things that are round.

The New York Times

Things that are important.

The New York Times

Things that are whimsical?

The New York Times

Things that are unsafe.

The New York Times - Arts

The things that sustain us.

The New York Times

Contestant: Things that are dark.

The New York Times

A Things that make sense.

The New York Times

Things that make us sick.

The New York Times

Things that were sharp dulled.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "things that" to introduce a clause that provides additional information or specifies a particular subset of items. This helps to clarify your meaning and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "things that" when a more specific noun or phrase would provide greater clarity. For example, instead of "things that cause stress", consider "stressors" or "stressful situations".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "things that" functions as a relative clause introducer, connecting a noun ("things") to a descriptive clause that further specifies or identifies those things. Ludwig AI shows it's frequently used to add detail or categorize items.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Wiki

28%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "things that" is a versatile and commonly used relative clause introducer, functioning to specify or describe a general category. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently across various contexts, from news and media to scientific and general writing. While alternatives like "aspects which" or "elements that" may offer nuanced variations, "things that" remains a straightforward and widely accepted way to introduce descriptive clauses. Remember to use "things that" to add clarity and avoid vagueness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aspects which

Replaces "things" with "aspects", focusing on particular features or elements. Is useful for emphasizing specifics.

elements that

Substitutes "things" with "elements", suitable when referring to components or parts of a whole.

matters that

Replaces "things" with "matters", implying topics or issues under consideration.

items which

Substitutes "things" with "items", useful for when specifically referring to individual objects or entries in a list.

subjects that

Replaces "things" with "subjects", shifting the focus to topics or themes of discussion or study.

factors which

Substitutes "things" with "factors", appropriate when discussing influences or contributing elements.

details that

Replaces "things" with "details", useful when referring to specific pieces of information.

concerns that

Substitutes "things" with "concerns", emphasizing issues or worries.

issues that

Replaces "things" with "issues", suitable when the topic refers to specific problems.

features which

Replaces "things" with "features", focusing on prominent characteristics or attributes.

FAQs

How can I use "things that" in a sentence?

Use "things that" to introduce a clause that describes or identifies certain items or concepts. For instance, "I enjoy "things that make me laugh"" or "Consider "things that are important" to you."

What are some alternatives to "things that"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "aspects which", "elements that", or "matters that" to convey a similar meaning with slightly different emphasis.

Is it always necessary to use "that" after "things"?

While "that" is commonly used, it can sometimes be omitted in informal contexts if the meaning remains clear. However, including "that" often improves clarity and grammatical correctness, especially in formal writing. Example: "Things I enjoy" vs "things that I enjoy."

How does the choice between "which" and "that" affect the meaning after "things"?

Use "that" for restrictive clauses that are essential to the meaning of the sentence. Use "which" for non-restrictive clauses that add extra information. Example: "Things that matter" (essential) vs "Things, which are often overlooked, can be valuable" (additional information).