under this thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under this thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that is physically or metaphorically beneath an object or concept being discussed. Example: "The documents you need are located under this thing on the table."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

I was sweating under this thing, it was summer and I feared discovery".

The Guardian

"I looked at this photograph and I realized I walked under this thing for 30 years and I'd never been up there".

The New York Times

He told us, when you writin', you got this surface thing, you understan', goin' on up here" — he moved his left hand in a circle with his fingers spread apart, as if rubbing a flat surface — "an' then once you get that goin' on, now you got to come under it" — he brought his right hand under his left, as if throwing an uppercut — "come under this thing here that's goin' on up here, you understan'.

The New Yorker

He told us, when you writin', you got this surface thing, you understan', goin' on up here"—he moved his left hand in a circle with his fingers spread apart, as if rubbing a flat surface—"an' then once you get that goin' on, now you got to come under it"—he brought his right hand under his left, as if throwing an uppercut—"come under this thing here that's goin' on up here, you understan'.

The New Yorker

He's convinced us just how seriously he takes it and that's why we've had to draw a line under this thing.

BBC

"If they had worked together in 1989, they could be out from under this thing.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

At under $200 this thing is absolutely a steal.

TechCrunch

So under any excuse this thing starts up.

The New York Times

"We are so under water on this thing," he said.

The New York Times

President Arafat is under siege, and this thing must end".

The New York Times

"I feel like we could drive under water in this thing," exclaims Whitney.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "under this thing", ensure the context clearly identifies what "thing" refers to. Avoid ambiguity by using a more specific noun if possible.

Common error

Avoid using "under this thing" when the reference is unclear or distant in the text. This can confuse the reader. Replace "thing" with a precise noun to improve clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under this thing" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun. It indicates a state of being influenced, controlled, or positioned relative to a specified but often vaguely defined "thing". As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in writing.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Tech

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "under this thing" is a grammatically sound but often vague prepositional phrase. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Its function is to indicate influence or containment. While correct, it leans toward informality due to the non-specific term "thing". Its usage appears most frequently in news media and technology contexts. For clearer communication, consider substituting "thing" with a more precise noun. When precision matters, opt for alternatives like "beneath this object" or "below this item".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beneath this object

Replaces "thing" with a more specific noun, indicating a physical object.

below this item

Similar to 'beneath this object', but "item" might suggest something less tangible.

subject to this matter

Indicates a condition or influence related to the topic at hand, changing the context slightly.

governed by this aspect

Suggests a rule or principle dictating a certain facet.

within this scenario

Focuses on the environment in which something occurs.

under this pretense

Implies a false or assumed reason for doing something.

in light of this detail

Highlights the significance of a particular element.

considering this factor

Emphasizes the importance of a specific element when making a decision.

according to this method

Specifies a procedural approach that's being followed.

pursuant to this regulation

Indicates an action taken in accordance to legal rules.

FAQs

What does "under this thing" mean?

The phrase "under this thing" generally refers to something that is controlled, influenced, or covered by a particular item, situation, or concept. The specific meaning depends on the context in which it is used.

What can I say instead of "under this thing" to be more specific?

Consider using more precise alternatives such as "beneath this object", "below this item", or "subject to this matter" to clarify your meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "under this thing"?

Yes, the phrase "under this thing" is grammatically correct, but it can sound informal. It's important to ensure that the context makes the meaning of "thing" clear to the reader or listener.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "under this thing"?

The phrase "under this thing" is appropriate in informal contexts where the meaning of "thing" is easily understood. In formal writing, it's usually better to use a more specific and precise phrase.