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How Many Ways Can You Use "Thing"?
Although "thing" is a simple word, it has a wide variety of meanings and uses. It can refer to an object, a situation, an idea or something you enjoy doing.
Mastering this powerful word is important for English fluency, so this article will introduce the many uses of "thing" and give you some example sentences to use as a guide.
Ways to Use “Thing”
A "thing" can be:
A physical object
Use "thing" to talk about something you can see and touch.
What's that thing over there?
I can't lift these heavy things on my own. Can you help me?
An idea or concept
Ideas with no physical form can also be called "things."
The new CEO has some big things planned for the company.
"Things" here refers to plans. You can't see or touch plans, but they're still things!
I have a lot of things on my mind right now.
In this sentence, "things" might be anxiety about a test or confusion over a problem.
An activity
I did a lot of things on my vacation, but I mostly just took it easy.
There aren't many things to do in this town.
Like ~ / Similar to ~
"Thing" can be used casually to say that the subject of a sentence is similar or related to something else.
A
What's this?
B
It's a massage thing for my back.
In the dialogue above, instead of specifically saying what the item is, B simply says that it's related to massages. This usage is common for communicating ideas quickly without giving detailed information.
When speaking casually, people sometimes say "thingy" instead of "thing."
Could you pass me that blue thingy over there, please?
There's also the strange word "thingamajig"! This is only used in very casual contexts.
"Thingamajig" usually refers to a machine or device that is difficult to explain.
John is an inventor, so he has strange thingamajigs all over his workspace.
Related article: The Longest English Words That Actually Exist — What Do They Mean?
Idioms With “Thing”
Next, let's look at some idioms that use "thing." There are quite a few!
The thing is … / Here’s the thing …
This expression means "Actually ~" and is often used to introduce information, especially if that information is sensitive or unfortunate.
A
Why didn't you join us for the movie last night?
B
The thing is, I had an urgent project to finish at work.
A
Are you coming to the party tonight?
B
Well, here's the thing … I promised my grandmother that I would help her clean her house.
A thing or two
This is a casual way to talk about knowledge or experience.
Jeff knows a thing or two about motorcycles.
I know a thing or two about Jazz music.
Have a thing for
If you "have a thing" for something or someone, it means you like it/them.
Jess has a thing for Italian food.
I think he's got a thing for Millie.
Related article: 7 Alternatives for "Love" to Use on Valentine's Day
Do one’s own thing
This idiom expresses the attitude of doing what you want without worrying about the opinions of others. Depending on the situation, it can have a positive or a negative nuance.
Troy always does his own thing, and it frustrates his teammates.
I admire her for having the courage to do her own thing.
Sure thing
This is an informal way of saying "Of course."
A
Can you help me move these boxes upstairs, please?
B
Sure thing. I'll take some up now.
My thing / Our thing
This refers to something that you are good at or that you enjoy.
A
Are you joining us for the hiking trip next week?
B
Thanks for the invitation, but hiking isn't really my thing.
Related article: 5 Tips on Saying "No" to Invitations in the Nicest Way Possible
"Our thing" refers to a regular activity that people share.
A
Remember how we used to go to the movies every Friday?
B
Yeah, that was our thing back in college.
Additional Uses of “Thing”
A trend or fad
If something is "a thing," it's very popular. Don't forget the "a"!
Podcasting has really become a thing in the past few years. There are so many shows to choose from.
It can also mean that something is common.
Unlike in many Western countries, tipping isn't a thing in Japan.
A romantic relationship
If a couple are in a relationship, you can say they are "a thing."
A
Are those two a thing now?
B
Yeah, they've been dating since the summer.
Wrap-up
Did you know that "thing" could be used in so many ways?
Focus on mastering one usage at a time and you'll gradually get used to using them all naturally. If you'd like some practice, try them out in a one-on-one lesson with an Engoo tutor!
To learn more uses for simple vocabulary, check out our post all about super English words.
