things to read

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "things to read" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to various materials or items that one can read, such as articles, books, or documents. Example: "I have a list of interesting things to read over the weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Here are some great things to read: Read philosophy.

WikiHow

I've got enough things to read.

The New Yorker

I have learned what the critical things to read are.

The New York Times

How do you find new things to read?

The New York Times

"There're things to read to get ready for committee meetings.

The Washington Post

We give people things to read, including HBR pieces.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

It is one thing to read about Chernobyl from afar.

The New York Times

"It is one thing to read about violence.

The Washington Post

That's an eerie thing to read in 2016.

The Guardian - Books

It is one thing to read a book about Teddy Roosevelt.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It is one thing to read histories or Roman poetry.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "things to read" in contexts where you want to broadly refer to diverse types of reading material, like books, articles, and online content.

Common error

While "things to read" is acceptable, consider using more specific alternatives like "recommended readings" or "suggested materials" in academic or professional contexts to enhance formality and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "things to read" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies a collection of items suitable for reading. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is used in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Academia

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "things to read" is a versatile and frequently used noun phrase that refers to a variety of reading materials. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. While appropriate for general use, consider more specific alternatives like "recommended readings" or "suggested materials" for formal writing. When using "things to read", ensure clarity and specificity by categorizing or describing the type of reading material. Remember to tailor your language to suit the context and audience for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reading materials

Focuses on the physical or digital items meant for reading, instead of implying a selection or recommendation.

items to read

Similar to "things to read" but uses a more neutral term, suitable when not emphasizing preference or importance.

suggested readings

Implies a curated list or recommendation of reading material, often in an academic or professional setting.

recommended books

Specifically refers to books that are being suggested, often for enjoyment or learning.

articles to peruse

Highlights articles intended for casual reading, suggesting a less intensive engagement.

material for review

Indicates readings intended for study or assessment, shifting the focus to learning and retention.

assigned readings

Refers to texts that have been specifically given as part of a course or learning program.

publications of interest

Highlights published works that are relevant or appealing to a particular audience.

literature to explore

Emphasizes the act of discovering and learning through reading, focusing on a broad range of texts.

content to consume

Frames reading as a form of consumption, applicable to digital media and shorter texts like blog posts or articles.

FAQs

How can I use "things to read" in a sentence?

You can use "things to read" to refer to a variety of reading materials. For example, "I have a list of interesting "things to read" this weekend", or "The library offers many "things to read" for all ages".

What's a more formal alternative to "things to read"?

For more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "reading materials", "suggested readings", or "recommended books", depending on the specific context.

Is "things to read" suitable for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "things to read" may sound too informal for academic writing. Opt for more specific terms like "research papers", "academic articles", or "assigned readings" to maintain a professional tone.

How do I find interesting "things to read" online?

You can discover new "things to read" through social media, online recommendations, book reviews, and curated lists from reputable sources. Explore platforms like Goodreads or subscribe to newsletters that highlight new and noteworthy articles and books.