type of thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "type of thing" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a particular class of thing or action. An example sentence would be: "I'm not sure which type of thing I should do next."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

That type of thing.

The New York Times

Just that type of thing.

The New York Times

Headache, that type of thing".

The New Yorker

This type of thing ticks me off.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Like a Zamboni type of thing".

The New York Times - Sports

Supply-and-demand type of thing".

The New York Times - Sports

This type of thing could happen anywhere".

The New York Times

"Dog," "cat," that type of thing.

The New Yorker

We couldn't buy that type of thing".

The New York Times

(A sport is a type of thing).

The Guardian - Opinion

People experience that type of thing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "type of thing" to refer to a general category when you don't need to be overly specific. This can help maintain a conversational tone while still conveying your intended meaning.

Common error

While "type of thing" is widely understood, avoid using it excessively in formal writing. Opt for more precise language to enhance clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "type of thing" functions as a general noun phrase, allowing speakers and writers to refer to a category or class of objects, actions, or ideas without being overly specific. Ludwig examples show its adaptability across contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Reference

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "type of thing" is a versatile and commonly used phrase for referring to a general category. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability, particularly in news and media. While useful for conversational and informal contexts, remember to opt for more precise language in formal writing. Consider alternatives like "kind of thing" or "something of that nature" to add variety to your expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kind of thing

Replaces "type" with "kind", maintaining the same general meaning.

sort of thing

Substitutes "type" with "sort", indicating a similar but potentially less specific categorization.

things of that nature

Expands the reference to include multiple items or aspects sharing a common characteristic.

something of that nature

Offers a more formal way to refer to something similar to what was previously mentioned.

something along those lines

Indicates that something is similar to what has been discussed but not necessarily identical.

that sort of business

Replaces "thing" with "business", slightly changing the tone to be more informal.

that kind of activity

Specifically refers to actions or behaviors of a similar nature.

a similar item

Focuses on physical objects or items that are alike in some way.

an analogous situation

Emphasizes the similarity between two different situations or circumstances.

a comparable example

Highlights the comparability of one instance to another, often used in explanations.

FAQs

How can I use "type of thing" in a sentence?

You can use "type of thing" to refer to a general category when you don't need to be overly specific. For example: "I enjoy reading books, especially mystery "type of thing"."

What are some alternatives to "type of thing"?

Alternatives include "kind of thing", "sort of thing", or "something of that nature", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "type of thing" considered formal or informal?

"Type of thing" is generally considered informal and is best suited for conversational or less formal writing. For professional or academic writing, consider more precise alternatives.

What's the difference between "type of thing" and "kind of thing"?

The phrases "type of thing" and "kind of thing" are largely interchangeable and carry the same general meaning. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic variation.