thing · n
thing (IDEA)
B2 used to refer to an idea or comment
Dictionary examples:
I can't believe he would say such a thing! (12.3)
the whole thing
B2 everything about a situation
Dictionary examples:
I just want to forget the whole thing. (10.6)
The whole thing is ridiculous! (24.0)
among other things
B2 used to say that there are other details or examples in addition to the ones you are mentioning
Dictionary examples:
It's worth visiting the museum while you're here. There's an exhibition about Darwin and a good collection of paintings, among other things. (28.7)
no such thing
B2 used to emphasize that something does not exist
Dictionary examples:
There's no such thing as ghosts! (44.3)
the thing is...
B2 used to introduce an answer, comment or explanation
Dictionary examples:
I'd love to go out tonight, but the thing is, I've got to finish my report. (25.2)
The funny/strange thing is that we'd actually met before. (40.3)
it's a good thing
B2 If it's a good thing that something happened, it is lucky or fortunate that it happened.
Dictionary examples:
It's a good thing (that) we booked our tickets early. (22.1)
not a single thing
B2 not anything
Dictionary examples:
After the guests had gone, there wasn't a single thing left to eat. (19.7)
the main thing
B2 the most important fact in a situation
Dictionary examples:
You're happy and that's the main thing. (19.3)
thing (PERSON/ANIMAL)
B2 used to refer to a person or animal when you are expressing your feelings towards them
Dictionary examples:
You look tired, you poor thing. (12.2)
He's spending three months in Barbados, lucky thing! (16.9)
the next best thing
C1 the thing that is best, if you cannot have or do the thing you really want
Dictionary examples:
Coaching baseball is the next best thing to playing. (27.1)
all things considered
C1 used for saying that something is true in general if you think about all its aspects
Dictionary examples:
The show was a great success, all things considered. (25.8)
a sure thing
C1 something that is certain to happen
Dictionary examples:
Your promotion is a sure thing – you’re the best person for the job. (33.3)
do your own thing
C2 to live, act, or behave in the way you want to, without depending on other people
Dictionary examples:
While he was away traveling, he pretty much did his own thing. (29.2)
for one thing
C2 used to give a reason for something
Dictionary examples:
You can't give Amy that shirt - for one thing it wont fit her. (19.9)
the next thing I knew
C2 used to talk about part of a story that happens in a sudden and surprising way
Dictionary examples:
A bike came speeding around the corner, and the next thing I knew I was lying on the ground. (42.2)
things
A1 your possessions or a set of objects
Dictionary examples:
My dog ate my homework things. (0.0)
I wear my things on my head. (0.0)
I put my things in the fridge. (0.0)
I'll just get my things together and we can go. (16.7)
All their things were destroyed in the fire. (19.2)
Bring your swimming things if the weather's nice. (27.1)
thing (ACTIVITY)
A2 used to refer to an activity or event
Dictionary examples:
Falling asleep in class is a bad thing. (0.0)
The last thing I want to do is homework. (0.0)
The funniest thing happened: I laughed during a test! (0.0)
The thing I like best is the dancing. (9.1)
I've got so many things to do I don't know where to start. (22.5)
Meeting Nina was the best thing that's ever happened to me. (26.8)
thing (OBJECT)
A1 used to refer to something without saying its name
Dictionary examples:
That thing looks like food. (0.0)
Don't touch the hot thing! (0.0)
That thing makes funny sounds. (0.0)
Don't eat that hairy thing! (0.0)
What's that round thing on your head? (0.0)
That smelly thing is not food! (0.0)
I don't eat sweet things. (7.8)
I saw a few things I'd like to get. (12.3)
I need to get a few things in town. (12.9)
How do I switch this thing off? (29.1)
a thing
B1 used instead of "anything" in order to emphasize what you are saying
Dictionary examples:
I don't know a thing about cooking, but I'm great at ordering takeout! (0.0)
My brother doesn't know a thing about fashion. He wears socks with sandals! (0.0)
I can't find a thing to eat in this fridge full of vegetables! (0.0)
Don't worry about a thing. I'll take care of it. (8.9)
I haven't got a thing to wear. (12.4)
thing (FACT)
A2 a fact or characteristic of someone or something
Dictionary examples:
The best thing about math class? It always ends! (0.0)
The thing I like about my job? Free naps! (0.0)
The thing I love about Mondays? They're far from Fridays! (0.0)
Your information is correct but you left out one thing. (18.2)
He told me a few things about the army. (29.7)
The thing I like about Carol is her sense of humor. (31.1)
things
B1 what is happening, especially in your life
Dictionary examples:
How are things going? I just taught my cat to do my homework! (0.0)
How are things? I've been trying to teach my shadow to dance! (0.0)
How are things? My pet rock just got a job! (0.0)
How are things with you? (5.6)
Things have been going very well recently. (13.9)
things like that
B1 similar objects, activities or events
Dictionary examples:
My teacher hates noisy things - chewing gum, tapping pens, things like that. (0.0)
My dog eats everything - socks, homework, things like that. (0.0)
I'm terrible at romantic things - flowers, chocolates, things like that. (0.0)
We eat a lot of Italian food - pizza, pasta, things like that. (50.9)
the same thing
B1 the same
Dictionary examples:
Buying a gym membership is not the same thing as actually exercising! (0.0)
Wearing pajamas to an online class is not the same thing as dressing up. (0.0)
Texting your crush is not the same thing as talking to them face-to-face! (0.0)
Training isn't the same thing as education. (20.7)