thing
thing — noun
1. any physical object that people can see or touch, used when the exact name is no
any physical object that people can see or touch, used when the exact name is not known or does not matter
What is that round thing on the kitchen table?
question: what + is + that [adjective] thing + location
Asher asked his mother what the blue thing in the box was.
The small thing next to the computer makes a loud noise.
Can you pass me that red thing beside your cup?
Élise put the wet thing near the fire so it would dry.
文法句型
a [adjective] thing
the [adjective] thing
用法筆記
Frequently used with demonstratives (this/that/these/those) or adjectives before the word to describe the object's appearance or state.
常見錯誤
2. clothes, tools, bags, or other objects that belong to a person or are needed for
clothes, tools, bags, or other objects that belong to a person or are needed for a particular activity
Dewi packed all her things into two big bags.
collocation: pack [possessive] things
Do not forget to take your things when you leave the bus.
Kenji put his swimming things into a bag after practice.
Megan keeps her art things in a special box under the bed.
The teacher asked the children to take their things off the desk.
- belongings
more formal than 'things'; used for everything a person owns
- stuff
informal; uncountable, used in everyday speech for a collection of objects
- possessions
formal; suggests items of value that one owns permanently
文法句型
someone's things
pack one's things
take one's things
用法筆記
Always used in the plural form 'things' when referring to a person's belongings. Used with possessive adjectives (my/your/his/her/their things) or possessive names (Emma's things).
3. a group of objects that are used together for a specific activity, especially in
a group of objects that are used together for a specific activity, especially in or around the home
Please put the tea things on the table for our guests.
phrase: 'the [activity] things' for a set of items
Grandma keeps her sewing things in that old basket by the window.
The campers packed their cooking things before leaving for the lake.
Ignacio washed all the cooking things and dried them carefully.
文法句型
the [activity] things
用法筆記
The activity name comes before 'things' without a hyphen: tea things, sewing things, cooking things. More common in British English than American English. Sounds slightly old-fashioned in some contexts.
常見錯誤
4. an idea, fact, situation, action, or event that you talk or think about without
an idea, fact, situation, action, or event that you talk or think about without naming it exactly
The best thing about Sundays is sleeping late.
structure: the best/worst thing about [noun] is...
One thing I need to tell you is that the meeting has moved.
A strange thing happened at the park yesterday morning.
There is one thing we still need to talk about before the end.
Amira told me a funny thing that happened at school today.
文法句型
the best/worst thing about [noun]
a/the thing is that...
one thing
用法筆記
Often followed by 'about' (the thing about traveling is...) or 'is' (the thing is, we need more time). The phrase 'the thing is' is very common in spoken English to introduce an important point or reason.
常見錯誤
5. the particular fact, idea, or object that is exactly the one being talked about,
the particular fact, idea, or object that is exactly the one being talked about, not any other
The thing Emma likes most about her teacher is the patience.
structure: 'the thing [person] [verb] most about [noun] is...'
This is exactly the thing I have been searching for all year.
The thing is, I do not know how to get to the station from here.
That green jacket is the very thing my sister wanted for her birthday.
文法句型
the thing [relative clause]
that's the [adjective] thing [relative clause]
the very thing
用法筆記
The phrase 'the thing is' introduces a reason, problem, or main point and is extremely common in both spoken and written English. 'The very thing' is an older but still used expression meaning exactly what is needed.
常見錯誤
6. something that is real, true, or genuine, not a copy, a fake, or an imitation
something that is real, true, or genuine, not a copy, a fake, or an imitation
This painting is not a copy — it is the real thing.
phrase: 'the real thing' for something genuine
Anjali thought the bag was fake, but it turned out to be the real thing.
After trying different sports, Ryan found the real thing in basketball.
Some people prefer cheap copies, but my father only buys the real thing.
- original
focuses on being the first or earliest version
- genuine article
slightly informal; used for products or people who are truly what they claim to be
文法句型
the real thing
用法筆記
Almost always appears in the fixed phrase 'the real thing'. Can also be used in the pattern 'is the [noun] thing' to emphasize authenticity or the best example of something.
常見錯誤
7. used to say that two or more objects, ideas, or events are identical and not dif
used to say that two or more objects, ideas, or events are identical and not different from each other in any way
Renata bought the same thing as her sister, but in blue.
the same thing as + noun
I would do the same thing if I were in your position.
The twins wore the same thing to school and confused their teacher.
Hamza keeps saying the same thing over and over, which annoys everyone.
- different
not the same; opposite in meaning
文法句型
the same thing as + noun
the same thing + clause
用法筆記
Usually part of the fixed phrase 'the same thing'; can take a singular or plural subject.
常見錯誤
8. a specific event, activity, or set of arrangements that people have agreed on or
a specific event, activity, or set of arrangements that people have agreed on or are preparing for
The whole thing took longer than we expected because of the rain.
the whole thing — referring to an entire event
The organizers called off the thing at the last minute when the singer got sick.
The party was the biggest thing the town had seen all year.
Let us just forget the whole thing and start fresh tomorrow.
Élise had planned the thing for months, so she was upset when it was cancelled.
文法句型
the + thing
the whole thing
用法筆記
Often used with 'the whole' to refer to an entire event or plan from start to finish.
9. the most important fact, feature, or idea among all others in a particular situa
the most important fact, feature, or idea among all others in a particular situation
The thing I love most about this city is the food market near my home.
The thing + relative clause for focus
The funny thing is that nobody noticed the mistake until the end.
The best thing about the job is working from home three days a week.
The scary thing about driving in snow is losing control on slippery roads.
The thing that surprised Asher the most was how friendly everyone was.
文法句型
the [adjective] thing about + noun/gerund
the thing + that + clause
用法筆記
Commonly appears in the pattern 'the [adjective] thing about...' or 'the thing that [verb]...' to highlight a single notable aspect.
常見錯誤
10. every possible situation, subject, or area of life, used after 'all' or 'in all'
every possible situation, subject, or area of life, used after 'all' or 'in all' to cover everything without exception
Ava believes in being honest in all things, no matter how small.
in all things — in every situation
The teacher was an expert in all things related to ancient Rome.
In all things, it is better to be kind than to be right.
Ramón read books about all things — science, history, art, and music.
For all things related to visas, you should check the embassy website.
- everything
more direct and common; does not require the word 'all' before it
- every aspect
more formal; emphasises individual parts of a whole
文法句型
all things
in all things
all things + past participle
用法筆記
Almost always used with 'all' — either 'all things' or 'in all things.' The singular form is extremely rare in this sense.
11. a conversational opening phrase ('the thing is') that highlights a key fact abou
a conversational opening phrase ('the thing is') that highlights a key fact about a situation — often used to correct a wrong assumption or to draw attention to what someone might otherwise overlook
The thing is, I do not have enough money for the trip right now.
The thing is, + clause — introducing a key fact
The thing is — how do we get everyone to agree on a date?
The thing is that the restaurant is fully booked for the whole weekend.
The thing is, if we leave now, we might still catch the last train.
The thing is, Kenji had already told the manager he would quit.
- the problem is
more specific; used when the following point is a difficulty or obstacle
- the point is
focuses on the main argument rather than important background information
文法句型
The thing is, + clause
The thing is that + clause
The thing is — + clause
用法筆記
A fixed discourse marker that always begins with 'the thing is'; the clause that follows can be a statement or a question.
常見錯誤
12. the general state of your life, work, or the world around you, without mentionin
the general state of your life, work, or the world around you, without mentioning specific details
How are things at the office these days, Lara?
How are things? — asking about someone's general state
Things have been difficult since the factory closed down last winter.
I am hoping things will get better once the weather improves in spring.
Things between Nala and her brother are much better now after their talk.
With things the way they are, we should not spend too much money.
- circumstances
more formal; refers to the conditions affecting a situation
- the situation
singular, more specific; often refers to a particular set of conditions rather than a general state
文法句型
how are things
things + be + adjective
things + get/become + adjective
用法筆記
Always takes a plural verb form. Subject is always 'things' when referring to the general state, never 'thing' in this sense.
常見錯誤
13. used to say that a particular event or situation is lucky or fortunate — for exa
used to say that a particular event or situation is lucky or fortunate — for example, that a problem was avoided because of something that happened just in time.
It's a good thing that Mira brought an umbrella, because it started raining heavily.
pattern: it's a good thing that…
A good thing about living near the park is that the children can play outside.
"I missed the bus." "That's not a bad thing — the next one is much faster."
It's a good thing the Watanabes left early, or they would have hit traffic.
- lucky
similar meaning but used as an adjective rather than a noun construction
- fortunately
adverb used to express the same idea more formally
- unfortunately
used for the opposite — an unlucky or regrettable outcome
文法句型
it is a good thing (that)…
it's a (good/bad) thing (that)…
用法筆記
Often followed by a that-clause, though 'that' is frequently dropped in spoken English.
常見錯誤
14. a discourse marker used to introduce an obstacle, problem, or complication that
a discourse marker used to introduce an obstacle, problem, or complication that alters a plan, changes someone's expectations, or explains why something cannot happen as hoped
The thing is, Cyrus does not have enough money to pay the rent this month.
discourse marker: the thing is…
I would love to hike this weekend — the thing is, I have a test on Monday.
The important thing is that everyone made it home safely after the storm.
The thing is, we need to decide by Friday or the hotel will cancel our reservation.
- the problem is
more specific — focuses on a difficulty rather than any main point
- the point is
similar register and function as a discourse marker
文法句型
the thing is (that)…
the important/interesting/sad thing is (that)…
用法筆記
Frequently used at the start of a sentence as a discourse marker. 'That' is optional when followed by a clause.
常見錯誤
15. used in place of 'anything' in negative statements or questions to make the mean
used in place of 'anything' in negative statements or questions to make the meaning stronger — especially when saying that nothing happened or asking if something happened.
Did you eat a thing at the wedding reception, or were you too busy talking?
question: Did you + [verb] + a thing?
Felipe would not say a thing about the surprise he had planned for Élise.
negated: wouldn't say a thing
Before you say a thing, let me explain why the window is broken.
Lakshmi has not eaten a thing since breakfast — she must be very hungry by now.
- anything
neutral equivalent, not emphatic; appropriate for all registers
文法句型
[neg] + a thing
question + a thing
用法筆記
This sense is informal and most common in spoken English. Do not use 'a thing' this way in formal writing; use 'anything' instead.
常見錯誤
❌ 'I didn't eat a thing for breakfast, so I'm hungry.' (no mistake, but 'a thing' is too casual for an essay) — Use 'anything' in formal writing.
16. not a single item at all; used with strong emphasis to say that absolutely nothi
not a single item at all; used with strong emphasis to say that absolutely nothing exists, happens, or is present in a particular situation.
There was not a thing in the fridge, so Caleb ordered pizza for dinner.
There was not a thing in…
Daichi understood not a thing of what the speaker said about the new tax laws.
Nellie opened her suitcase, but there was not a thing she could wear to dinner.
Not a thing has changed in this village since Gabriela last visited twenty years ago.
- nothing
neutral equivalent, less emphatic
- not a single thing
even stronger emphasis than 'not a thing'
- everything
the complete opposite — all items present
文法句型
not a thing
not a single thing
用法筆記
Stronger than 'nothing'. When you say 'not a thing', you are emphasising the completeness of the absence. This phrase often appears at the start of a sentence for rhetorical effect.
17. to feel or claim that one lacks suitable clothes for a particular event or setti
to feel or claim that one lacks suitable clothes for a particular event or setting — even if one actually owns many clothes.
Sirin said she had nothing to wear to her cousin's wedding ceremony in the temple.
collocation: have nothing to wear to [event]
Tomás opened his wardrobe and complained that he had nothing to wear for the interview.
Putri realised she had nothing to wear that was both warm enough and formal.
"I have nothing to wear!" is a common complaint, even when the closet is full of clothes.
- lack suitable clothes
formal equivalent, not idiomatic
文法句型
have nothing to wear
用法筆記
This is a common complaint about having 'nothing suitable', not about truly owning zero clothes. It is informal and often used humorously or dramatically.
常見錯誤
18. used to say that no possible action can change or improve a difficult situation
used to say that no possible action can change or improve a difficult situation — expressing helplessness or acceptance that the situation must be endured.
Once the bridge collapsed, there was nothing we could do to reach the other side.
there was nothing [someone] could do
There was nothing the firefighters could do to save the old wooden house from the flames.
pattern: there was nothing [someone] could do
When a child has a fever at night, there is nothing to do but wait.
There was nothing the doctors could do to fix the damage to his injured knee.
- there is no way to
similar meaning but focuses on the absence of a method rather than the absence of possible action
- something can be done
the opposite — action is possible
文法句型
there is nothing to do
there is nothing [subject] can do
用法筆記
Often used in the construction 'there is/was nothing (that) someone can/could do' followed by an infinitive of purpose. Also appears in 'there is nothing to do but [verb]'.
常見錯誤
19. Refers to a specific activity, plan, or arrangement when you do not want to name
Refers to a specific activity, plan, or arrangement when you do not want to name it exactly — for example, joining a book club or organising a shared trip together.
Sumin mentioned that hiking thing we planned for next month.
Did the beach thing with your cousins go ahead last weekend?
The car-sharing thing among the neighbours has saved everyone money.
I hear they are starting a book-exchange thing at the library.
The cooking thing every Friday night has become a firm tradition.
- activity
more formal and neutral; does not carry the casual tone of 'thing'
- arrangement
emphasises the planning aspect rather than the action itself
- event
suggests a formal occasion rather than an informal plan
文法句型
the [noun] thing
[noun] thing
用法筆記
Often appears as '[noun] thing' where a specific name for the activity does not exist or is not needed. Compare with sense 4 which refers to an idea or subject, not a scheduled activity.
常見錯誤
20. used after an adjective to talk about a particular quality, aspect, or fact of a
used after an adjective to talk about a particular quality, aspect, or fact of a situation — for example, the surprising thing about the news or the best thing about living in a small town.
The best thing about living near the sea is the fresh air.
pattern: the best thing about + [gerund/noun]
The only thing Gabriela asked for was a quiet room to study in.
A strange thing happened on the way to the airport this morning.
The first thing Christopher does after work is walk his dog.
The hardest thing about learning guitar was building finger strength.
文法句型
the [adjective] thing
the [adjective] thing about/of [noun]
常見錯誤
21. a discourse marker used to redirect attention to the central or most essential m
a discourse marker used to redirect attention to the central or most essential matter under discussion — summarising, prioritising, or cutting through less important details to reach the core point
I would love to come, but the thing is, I have another meeting at five.
fixed phrase: the thing is, + [contrasting clause]
The thing is that Mathieu has never driven on the left side of the road.
The thing about old houses is the heating bills can be very high.
The thing is, Beatrix, we only have three tickets left for the concert.
The thing about the new software is nobody has been trained to use it.
- the point is
more direct; focuses on the central idea rather than a difficulty
- the problem is
narrower; only for difficulties, not general explanations
文法句型
the thing is (that) + [clause]
用法筆記
Found in both 'the thing is' (followed by a comma or that) and 'the thing about [something] is' patterns. Used mostly in spoken English and informal writing. Avoid in academic essays.
常見錯誤
22. Placed after a describing word to mention a person, animal, or even an object in
Placed after a describing word to mention a person, animal, or even an object in a way that shows fondness or pity — for instance, calling a crying child a poor little thing.
Look at that little puppy — the poor thing has been wandering all day.
affectionate: poor thing for an animal
Your kitten is such a sweet little thing when it curls up on the sofa.
Old Mr. Lakan fell asleep in the chair, the dear old thing.
Folake is not a bad thing at heart — just a little shy around new people.
The injured bird was a fragile little thing with a broken wing.
文法句型
[adjective] thing
you/old/young etc. [adjective] thing
用法筆記
Always appears with a preceding adjective (poor, sweet, dear, little, old). Can be used for people, animals, or even personified objects. The adjective carries the emotional tone — 'thing' itself is neutral. Avoid in formal writing.