Cool MateStuff vs What things
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Stuff
InformalTop 1,000 (very common)B1noun
What things
Top 2,000 (common)
Most formal: What thingsMost common: Stuff
| Stuff | What things | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/stʌf/"]/🇺🇸 /["/stʌf/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //wɒt θɪŋz//🇺🇸 //wɑt θɪŋz// |
| Meaning | Things or objects. | Items or objects that you are talking about. |
| Example | I need to pack all my stuff for the trip. | What things do you like to do on weekends? |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | - |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | a bunch of stuff, some stuff, stuff to do | what things to bring, what things to consider, what things are available |
| Antonyms | nothing, emptiness | - |
| Common mistakes | Using 'stuff' as a singular noun., Confusing 'stuff' with more specific vocabulary., Overusing 'stuff' instead of being specific. | Using 'what thing' when referring to multiple items instead of 'what things'., Inappropriately combining with verbs, e.g., 'What things can you do?' instead of 'What things do you do?', Confusing with 'which things', which is more specific. |
| Usage notes | Used in casual conversation to refer to things in general. Avoid in formal writing or speeches. | Use 'what things' to inquire about items in various contexts, suitable in both casual and formal conversations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Stuff vs What things
What's the difference between Stuff and What things?
Stuff: Things or objects. What things: Items or objects that you are talking about.
Which is more formal: Stuff and What things?
What things is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Stuff and What things?
Stuff is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Stuff: I need to pack all my stuff for the trip. What things: What things do you like to do on weekends?
Can I use Stuff and What things interchangeably?
Not always. Stuff and What things are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.