what a thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what a thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express surprise, admiration, or disbelief about a particular situation or object. Example: "When I saw the intricate design of the sculpture, I thought to myself, what a thing!"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Film

Books

Music

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

What a thing.

The New Yorker

"Oh, what a thing, Cotell!

The New Yorker

/ What a thing we had.

The New Yorker

What a thing to regret!

The New York Times

What a thing to say!

The New Yorker

What a thing to feel dismissive of!

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

What a terrible thing.

The New York Times

What a wonderful thing.

Independent

What a beautiful thing.

The New York Times

What a sad thing".

The Guardian - Music

What a brilliant thing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience. While widely acceptable, overuse can diminish its impact. Use sparingly for maximum effect.

Common error

Avoid using "what a thing" in highly formal or professional contexts, as it can be perceived as too informal or casual. Opt for more sophisticated expressions to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what a thing" functions primarily as an exclamatory expression, used to convey surprise, admiration, or disbelief. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. Examples show its use in response to unexpected or impressive situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

22%

Film

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what a thing" is a common and grammatically correct exclamatory phrase used to express surprise, admiration, or disbelief. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples confirms its widespread use across various contexts, especially in News & Media and Academia. While versatile, it's best suited for informal or neutral settings and should be used sparingly in formal writing. Consider alternatives like "what a surprise" or "how amazing" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what an event

Replaces "thing" with "event", focusing on a specific occurrence rather than a general observation.

what a surprise

Emphasizes the unexpected nature of something, shifting the focus to astonishment.

what a spectacle

Highlights the visual impressiveness of something, suggesting a grand or remarkable display.

what a marvel

Implies admiration and wonder, suggesting something extraordinary or astonishing.

what a phenomenon

Refers to something remarkable or unusual that can be observed or experienced.

that's remarkable

Changes the structure to a declarative statement, directly expressing the noteworthiness of something.

how extraordinary

Replaces "what a thing" with an adverbial phrase expressing a high degree of unusualness or impressiveness.

how amazing

Expresses a sense of wonder and astonishment, suitable for conveying strong positive feelings.

it's unbelievable

Conveys a sense of disbelief or incredulity, often used when something is surprising or hard to accept.

that's incredible

Expresses amazement and admiration, often used for accomplishments or impressive feats.

FAQs

How can I use "what a thing" in a sentence?

You can use "what a thing" to express surprise, admiration, or disbelief. For example, "When I saw the view from the summit, I thought, "What a thing"!"

What are some alternatives to "what a thing"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "what a surprise", "how amazing", or "that's incredible".

Is "what a thing" grammatically correct?

Yes, "what a thing" is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in informal contexts, to express a reaction to something notable.

When is it appropriate to use "what a thing"?

It's appropriate in casual conversations or informal writing when you want to express a spontaneous reaction of surprise, admiration, or disbelief. Avoid using it in formal or professional contexts where a more sophisticated expression is required.