this kind of stuff

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this kind of stuff" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used informally to refer to a category of things or situations that are similar in nature. Example: "I really enjoy this kind of stuff, like documentaries and educational podcasts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No one does this kind of stuff".

The New York Times

This kind of stuff happens.

The Guardian - Sport

This kind of stuff might seem silly.

The Washington Post

Or even better, how to learn this kind of stuff.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But you can never predict this kind of stuff.

The New York Times

You've got to preëmpt this kind of stuff.

The New Yorker

I'm not above doing this kind of stuff.

The New York Times

When we have to believe this kind of stuff.

The New Yorker

Franklin wrote heaps of this kind of stuff.

The New Yorker

We need to write about this kind of stuff.

The New Yorker

Independent schools are quite good at this kind of stuff".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this kind of stuff" in informal contexts when referring to a general category of items or activities. Avoid it in formal writing where more precise language is expected.

Common error

Avoid using "this kind of stuff" in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more specific and professional alternatives like "these types of items" or "matters of this nature" to maintain a consistent tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this kind of stuff" functions as a demonstrative phrase, pointing to a category of items, activities, or concepts. It operates as a general reference, often used when specific details are either implied or not necessary. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its versatility in various conversational scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this kind of stuff" is a common and versatile phrase used to refer generally to a range of items, activities, or topics. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and most appropriate for informal contexts. While it's commonly found in news and media, its use should be limited in formal or academic writing where more precise language is preferred. Alternatives such as "this sort of thing" or "these types of things" may be more suitable for those settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this sort of thing

Replaces "kind of stuff" with "sort of thing", maintaining the informal and general reference.

these types of things

Changes "kind" to the plural "types" and replaces "stuff" with "things", making it slightly more formal.

this variety of things

Uses "variety" instead of "kind", suggesting a collection of different items.

matters of this nature

More formal alternative, replacing "stuff" with "matters" and "kind" with "nature".

things of this character

Similar to "matters of this nature" but uses "character" to describe the type of things.

this category of items

Replaces "stuff" with the more specific "items" and "kind" with "category".

such things as these

Emphasizes the demonstrative aspect, pointing to specific examples.

this general area

Refers to a topic or field rather than specific objects, broadening the scope.

this realm of activity

Suggests a sphere of actions or pursuits, making it more abstract.

this class of object

Uses more formal and technical language, suitable for academic or scientific contexts.

FAQs

What does "this kind of stuff" mean?

The phrase "this kind of stuff" is an informal way to refer to a general category of things, activities, or topics that share common characteristics. It's often used when the specific items are either obvious from the context or not particularly important to enumerate.

What can I say instead of "this kind of stuff"?

You can use alternatives like "this sort of thing", "these types of things", or "this variety of things" depending on the context.

Is "this kind of stuff" appropriate for formal writing?

No, "this kind of stuff" is generally considered too informal for academic or professional writing. In those contexts, it's better to use more precise and formal language, such as "these types of items" or "matters of this nature".

When is it okay to use "this kind of stuff"?

It's perfectly acceptable to use "this kind of stuff" in casual conversation, informal emails, or other situations where a relaxed and conversational tone is appropriate. It helps to keep the communication light and relatable.