this and that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'this and that' is correct and usable in written English.
It generally refers to unspecified objects or ideas, and is usually used for generalizing or referring to specific items without being too specific. For example: "I picked up some groceries earlier, this and that - just the usual things."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"This and that.

The New York Times - Sports

"Leases for this and that.

The Guardian - Sport

We started bantering about this and that.

The Guardian - Film

So I feed it this and that.

The Guardian

I can point to this and that.

The Guardian - Books

We were told this and that.

The Guardian - Sport

We've got scientists who tell us this and that.

Yale University

That guy is a nut,' and this and that.

The New York Times - Sports

We're going to strip clubs, this and that.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

I hated wi-fi, wii, I-this and that.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There were claims, counter-claims, and contentions about this food and that; this nutrient and that; this supplement and that.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this and that" to avoid listing every single item when a general reference is sufficient. This can make your writing more concise and reader-friendly.

Common error

While "this and that" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overuse in formal or academic writing where more precise language is expected. Replace it with specific details or a more descriptive phrase when possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this and that" functions as a pronoun, referring to various unspecified items or matters. It is often used to generalize or avoid being overly specific. Ludwig AI confirms this is a common and acceptable way to phrase ideas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

18%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

13%

Science

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this and that" serves as a versatile pronoun used to represent unspecified items or topics. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used. While most prevalent in News & Media, and also found in Academia, its informal tone suggests caution in highly formal contexts. For scenarios demanding precision, consider specific alternatives. Remember, this phrase offers a shorthand to avoid tedious listings, but clarity should always guide your choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

miscellaneous items

A formal way of referring to a variety of things not worth mentioning individually.

various things

A more direct and general alternative.

odds and ends

Emphasizes small, unimportant items.

different things

Focuses on the variety of items or matters.

bits and pieces

Highlights fragmented or incomplete aspects.

stuff and things

An informal way to refer to a collection of items.

sundry items

Implies a collection of various, often small, things.

assorted items

Suggests a carefully chosen selection.

incidentals

Highlights minor or additional expenses or items.

knick-knacks

Refers to decorative or ornamental objects.

FAQs

How can I use "this and that" in a sentence?

"This and that" is used to refer to various unspecified items or activities. For example, "I need to pick up "this and that" from the store" or "We talked about "this and that" at the meeting".

What are some alternatives to using "this and that"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "various things", "odds and ends", or "miscellaneous items" instead of "this and that".

Is "this and that" appropriate for formal writing?

While "this and that" is widely understood, it is generally considered informal and may not be suitable for formal or academic writing. Consider using more specific or descriptive language in those contexts.

What's the difference between "this and that" and "etcetera"?

"This and that" is a more casual way to refer to unspecified items or topics, while "etcetera" (or "etc.") is a more formal abbreviation indicating that a list continues beyond the items mentioned.