Noun A2 — Elementary /θɪŋ/

Thing — Definition, Examples & Usage

One word, countless meanings — mastering thing unlocks the most flexible noun in English.

Quick Definition

A thing is an object; a fact or event; an action; or a matter to be considered. It is one of the most common and versatile nouns in English.

What Does Thing Mean?

Thing descends from Old English þing, which originally meant a public assembly or a legal matter brought before a council. The same root survives in Scandinavian parliamentary names: the Norwegian parliament is the Storting (great assembly). Over the centuries the meaning broadened dramatically until thing came to refer to almost any object, matter, event, or concept that can be named or discussed.

Today thing functions across four main senses: (1) a physical object you can touch or see (hand me that thing); (2) a fact, event, or circumstance (a strange thing happened); (3) an action or task (the right thing to do); and (4) an abstract matter to be considered (there are several things to discuss). Its breadth is both its strength and its limitation — overusing it can make writing vague, so precise alternatives are often better in formal contexts.

Note the common fixed expressions: the thing is (introducing an explanation), for one thing (listing a reason), first things first (priorities), and a thing of the past (something no longer relevant). These phrases appear constantly in both spoken and written British English.

Etymology Note

Old English þing (assembly, council, matter) → Middle English thing (object, matter) → Modern English thing. Cognates include Old Norse þing, German Ding, and Dutch ding, all meaning an object or matter. The semantic shift from "public assembly" to "any object" is one of the most dramatic broadenings in English vocabulary history.

Example Sentences

SentenceLevelUsage note
I forgot my bag and a few other things at home. A2 thing = physical object (plural)
The best thing about this city is the public transport. B1 thing = fact or quality; superlative + thing
The most important thing in a formal letter is the clear opening statement. B1 thing = matter to be considered; academic register
One thing that distinguishes successful learners is their willingness to make mistakes. B2 one thing that + relative clause; analytical writing
The very thing that makes idiomatic language so expressive is, paradoxically, what renders it opaque to non-native speakers. C1 the very thing that for emphasis; complex sentence structure

Collocations

CollocationExample
the right thingShe always tries to do the right thing, even when it is difficult.
the best thingGetting enough sleep is the best thing you can do for your memory.
the main thingThe main thing is that everyone arrived safely.
the whole thingHe read the whole thing in one afternoon.
the last thingMore paperwork is the last thing I need right now.
a big thingMoving abroad was a big thing for our family.
the strange / funny thingThe strange thing was that no one noticed the error.
a good thingIt is a good thing you brought an umbrella.
sure thing"Can you help me tomorrow?" — "Sure thing."
for one thingFor one thing, the price is too high; for another, the location is inconvenient.

Usage Notes

  • Formal writing: In academic or professional contexts, replace vague uses of thing with a precise noun where possible. Instead of an important thing to note, write an important point to note or a key consideration.
  • Fixed phrases: Many collocations with thing are idiomatic and should be learnt as chunks: the done thing (socially correct behaviour), just the thing (exactly what is needed), no such thing (it does not exist).
  • Things (plural): The plural things is used in informal conversation to mean "circumstances" or "life in general": How are things? / Things are improving.
  • Register: Thing is neutral and suits all registers in conversation. In formal writing, limit it to fixed phrases or use it deliberately for rhetorical effect.

Common Mistakes

Watch Out For

I want to ask you one thing about this. (overused when a precise noun is better)

I want to ask you one question about this. (use a specific noun in formal contexts)

She told me a lot of things that they were wrong.

She told me a lot of things that were wrong. (no that they — relative pronoun that already introduces the clause)

The thing what I like about London is the museums.

The thing (that / which) I like about London is the museums. (use that or which, not what, after the thing)

Related Words

things (plural) something anything nothing everything object matter item affair issue

Practise This Word

Flash Cards Complete the Sentence Vocabulary Quiz Hangman

Frequently Asked Questions about “thing”

What does the word thing mean?
Thing is a very broad noun that can refer to a physical object ('Put that thing on the table'), a fact or event ('A strange thing happened'), an action ('The best thing to do is ask'), or a matter to be considered ('We need to discuss a few things'). Its flexibility makes it one of the most common nouns in English.
Is thing countable or uncountable?
Thing is a countable noun: one thing, two things. You can use it with articles ('a thing', 'the thing'), with numbers ('three things'), and in the plural ('there are many things to consider'). It does not have an uncountable use.
What is the plural of thing?
The plural of thing is things. It follows regular English pluralisation: add -s. For example: 'I have a few things to tell you.' The plural things is extremely common and is used in fixed phrases such as 'how are things?' and 'first things first'.
What is the difference between thing and stuff?
Thing (countable) refers to a specific, individual item or matter: 'I need to tell you one thing.' Stuff (uncountable) refers to a group of items or matters treated as a mass: 'I left my stuff at home.' Stuff is more informal. In formal writing, prefer thing or a more precise noun.
What are common collocations with thing?
Common collocations include: the right thing (to do), the best thing, the last thing, a good thing, the main thing, the whole thing, a big thing, a small thing, the strange thing, and the funny thing. These fixed phrases appear frequently in both spoken and written English.
How do you use thing in a formal context?
In formal writing, thing is acceptable but precise alternatives are often preferred. Instead of 'the main thing is', you might write 'the primary consideration is'. However, in academic writing, phrases like 'one thing that must be noted' or 'the most important thing to consider' are perfectly standard and widely used.
What is the origin of the word thing?
Thing comes from Old English 'þing', meaning a meeting or assembly, and is related to Old Norse 'þing' (a public assembly or legal matter). Over time the meaning broadened from 'a matter discussed at an assembly' to 'any matter, object, or concern'. The Scandinavian parliament is still called the Storting (great thing).
Can thing be used to refer to a person?
Yes, but only in informal or emotional contexts. 'Poor thing!' expresses sympathy. 'You clever thing!' expresses affection or admiration. Using thing for a person in a neutral or formal context, however, would be considered rude or dehumanising. In formal writing, always use a person-specific noun.
What are the most common expressions with thing?
Common expressions include: 'the thing is...' (introducing an explanation), 'for one thing...' (introducing a reason), 'first things first' (deal with priorities), 'just the thing' (exactly what is needed), 'no such thing' (that does not exist), 'the done thing' (socially acceptable behaviour), and 'a thing of the past' (something that no longer exists).
How can I practise using thing in English?
Try LexFizz's Complete the Sentence exercise to practise thing and its common collocations in context, or use the Flash Cards tool to test vocabulary. You can also practise by writing five sentences each day using a different collocation: the right thing, the best thing, the last thing, the main thing, and the whole thing.