vain things

USAGE SUMMARY

"vain things" is correct and can be used in written English.
It usually refers to things that are done for the purpose of impressing others or to appear successful, but result in no actual benefit. For example: She constantly brags about her accomplishments, but they're nothing more than vain things.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

" Very immaterial and unconcerned by vain things like trophies"Arf.

The Guardian - Sport

"One of the few vain things I ever saw my father do," his own son said.

The New York Times

Why taketh in hand the people fond, vain things to bring about?

The Guardian

The feeling of renewal within doom, of gearing up for the last time, colors the poem: Antique mud wrestlers shape up for the last time, no scuttling of vain things left undone.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Handy, because the selfies you'll be taking, you vain thing, will probably be in dim light conditions.

Independent

Jamaican popular music, from ska to dance hall, is replete with quotations from the King James Bible: "Why boasteth thyself / o evil men" (Bob Marley); "I pray thee / why do the heathen rage and the people imagine a vain thing?" (Big Youth); "Deliver me, o my God, from my enemies" (Yabby U and the Prophets) – the list is endless.

The Guardian - Books

I would normally view posting selfies as quite a vain thing to do.

BBC

Psalm 2 1 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?

Huffington Post

and why do the people imagine a vain thing?... against the Lord and against his Anointed".

Huffington Post

If you fancy replicating your own real-life visage (you vain thing you), look to creating 3D data files on applications like Cubify Capture and 123D Catch, before printing out the finished piece.

Vice

While by this point we're absolutely certain this one has been made many, many times over by myriad different trolls and otherwise Lulz-chasing characters, one infallible law of the universe is that there will always be enough room in this world for GIFs of terrible things happening to people who are doing the most vain thing the world has ever known.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "vain things", ensure that the context clearly indicates the futility or lack of substance associated with the actions or objects being described.

Common error

Avoid using "vain things" to describe actions that are merely unsuccessful. It should be reserved for situations where the action is inherently self-serving or ultimately pointless, regardless of outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vain things" functions as a noun phrase where "vain" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "things". The adjective "vain" implies emptiness, futility, or excessive pride. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vain things" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe actions or objects considered futile, superficial, or self-serving. While its frequency is rare, according to Ludwig AI, it appears primarily in News & Media contexts. When writing, ensure that the context appropriately reflects the critical undertone of the phrase, highlighting the lack of genuine value or substance. Alternatives such as "futile endeavors" or "empty gestures" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

futile endeavors

Focuses on the effort being wasted, highlighting the lack of positive outcome.

empty gestures

Emphasizes the lack of sincerity or meaningful action behind outward displays.

hollow pursuits

Highlights the lack of substantial value or fulfillment in the activities undertaken.

worthless efforts

Highlights the absence of any real value or positive result from the attempted actions.

superficial matters

Shifts the focus to the shallow and unimportant nature of the topics or concerns.

pointless activities

Emphasizes the lack of purpose or meaningful outcome from the actions taken.

trivial concerns

Underscores the insignificance and lack of importance of the issues at hand.

insignificant details

Focuses on the unimportance and lack of impact of the specific elements being considered.

idle fancies

Suggests whimsical and unrealistic desires or thoughts that lack practical value.

shallow ambitions

Highlights the lack of depth or substance in the desired goals or aspirations.

FAQs

What does "vain things" mean?

"Vain things" refers to actions, objects, or pursuits that are ultimately futile, pointless, or done for the sake of appearances rather than genuine value or benefit.

How can I use "vain things" in a sentence?

You can use "vain things" to describe activities or possessions that lack substance or meaning, such as: "He spends all his time pursuing "hollow pursuits", neglecting his family and responsibilities."

What are some synonyms for "vain things"?

Synonyms for "vain things" include "futile endeavors", "empty gestures", and "superficial matters".

Is it correct to use "vain things" in formal writing?

Yes, "vain things" can be used in formal writing, especially when discussing the futility or superficiality of certain actions or pursuits. However, ensure the context warrants the use of such a critical term.