Cool MateThing
UK /["/θɪŋ/"]/US /["/θɪŋ/"]/
Definition
an object whose name you do not use because you do not need to or want to, or because you do not know it
In simple words: an object, idea, or event
Examples
- The thing I love most about summer is the long days.
- Can you give me that thing on the table?
- She has a unique thing about her that draws people in.
- It's the little things in life that make it special.
- What’s that thing over there?
- My favorite thing to do on weekends is going hiking.
- The best thing you can do is to be kind to others.
- This thing must be broken since it doesn’t work anymore.
Usage notes
Use 'thing' when referring to objects or concepts when you don't want to be specific. Avoid in formal writing where precision is needed.
Grammar pattern
standalone noun
Memory hint
Think of 'thing' as a placeholder—like 'the thing over there'.
Collocations
- basic
- essential
- make
- basic
- essential
- make
- breakfast
- lunch
- etc.
- get together
- pack
- put on
- good
- great
- positive
- loads
- lots
- plenty
- do
- make up
- say
- go on
- happen
- occur
- thing about
- among other things
- have better things to do
- kind/sort of thing
- think over/through
- look at
- see
- stand
- be going
- change
- all things being equal
- other things being equal
- all things considered
- proper
- right
- wrong
- do
- say
- just the thing
- not quite the thing
- hear
- know
- notice
- little
- pretty
- sweet
Synonyms
- item
- object
- matter
- entity
Antonyms
- nothing
- nobody
Common mistakes
- Using 'thing' instead of a more specific noun.
- Confused with 'things' as a verb form.
- Overusing 'thing' in formal contexts.