this kind of thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'this kind of thing' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a general idea or concept. For example, "We often have to deal with this kind of thing at work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This kind of thing.

The New Yorker

This kind of thing could happen anywhere.

The New Yorker

This kind of thing almost never happens.

Independent

Francona had seen this kind of thing.

The New York Times - Sports

Everyone does this kind of thing.

The Economist

"I can do this kind of thing.

Independent

"Ukrainians like this kind of thing.

The New Yorker

("MacGruber" did this kind of thing better).

The New York Times

This kind of thing makes me afraid".

The New Yorker

"And kids love this kind of thing".

The New York Times

This kind of thing is discouraging.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this kind of thing" when you want to refer to a general category or type of event, action, or item without being overly specific. It is particularly useful when the exact details are either unknown, unimportant, or implied.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "this kind of thing" without providing context. If possible, follow it with a specific example or clarifying phrase to prevent ambiguity and ensure your meaning is clear.

Linguistic Context

"This kind of thing" functions as a nominal phrase, acting as a placeholder for a more specific noun or concept. It allows speakers and writers to refer to general categories or types without needing to enumerate every possible example. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"This kind of thing" is a versatile phrase used to refer broadly to a category or type of event, action, or item. It's grammatically sound and quite common, particularly in news and media, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While useful for generalization, it’s important to use it judiciously, especially in formal contexts where greater specificity is often required. Alternatives like "this sort of thing" or "such occurrences" can provide subtle shifts in tone and formality. Remember to provide clarifying context to prevent ambiguity and enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this sort of thing

Uses "sort" instead of "kind", offering a near-identical meaning.

this type of thing

Substitutes "type" for "kind", maintaining the same sense of generality.

things like this

Reverses the structure to emphasize the specific examples rather than the general category.

such occurrences

Replaces the informal "thing" with a more formal term, suitable for academic or professional contexts.

incidents like these

More specific, referring to particular events or happenings.

this situation

Focuses on a particular state of affairs or set of conditions at a given time.

this phenomenon

Used to describe something observable and often complex or unusual.

such events

Emphasizes specific happenings or incidents, often with a degree of formality.

these circumstances

Refers to a specific set of conditions or situations.

this practice

Suggests a habitual or customary way of doing something.

FAQs

How can I use "this kind of thing" in a sentence?

You can use "this kind of thing" to refer to a general category or situation. For example, "We often see "this kind of thing" happening in the summer months."

What's a more formal alternative to "this kind of thing"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "such occurrences", "these circumstances", or "this phenomenon" depending on the specific meaning you intend to convey.

Is "this kind of thing" appropriate for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "this kind of thing" is generally too informal for academic writing. Opt for more precise and descriptive language to maintain a professional tone. For instance, instead of saying "This kind of thing affects the results", a better phrasing might be "These factors significantly influence the experimental outcomes".

What is the difference between "this sort of thing" and "this kind of thing"?

The phrases "this sort of thing" and "this kind of thing" are virtually interchangeable and have the same meaning. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic variation.