make a thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make a thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of creating or producing something, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "I love to make a thing out of simple materials, turning them into something beautiful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

I don't make a thing.

The New York Times

He continued: "They wanted to make a thing of it.

The New York Times - Arts

No kind government would make a thing that will inevitably happen dangerous, and illegal, again.

The New Yorker

We had never denied it – we just hadn't wanted to make a thing of it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When I offered himthe latest hybrid, he saidwe have a saying: giving it awaydoesn't make a thing a gift.

The New Yorker

It takes two to make a thing go right, So if you're feeling what I'm feeling, then tonight's the night.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

James, however, holds that just as God can make thing-like quantities to exist without a subject, so too must he be able to make a thing-like quality exist without the subject in which it inheres.

SEP

Usually we say we are making a "thing".

The Guardian

In fact, can #TeamAppleAndRain be made a thing?

The Guardian

People make a big thing of it.

The Guardian - Sport

They make a new thing: the Chichesterkhovs.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make a thing" when you want to express the act of creating something without specifying the nature of the creation. It's useful for informal contexts or when the exact nature of the 'thing' isn't important.

Common error

While "make a thing" is acceptable, be mindful of overuse in formal writing. If possible, replace it with more specific verbs and nouns to clarify your meaning. For example, instead of saying "They wanted to make a thing of it", you could say "They wanted to create a spectacle".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a thing" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "make" is the main verb and "a thing" is the direct object. It indicates the action of creating or producing something, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make a thing" is a versatile expression that generally means to create or produce something, or to emphasize the importance of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. While more common in neutral and informal registers like News & Media and Wiki sources, it can be adapted for other scenarios by using more specific synonyms like "create something" or "manufacture a product" in more formal situations. Being aware of these nuances will ensure effective communication in different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

create something

This alternative emphasizes the act of bringing something into existence, focusing on the creative process.

produce an item

This focuses on the tangible output of a process, often implying manufacturing or crafting.

manufacture a product

This phrase implies a more formal and often industrial process of creating goods.

fabricate an object

This suggests constructing something, often with intricate details or from various components.

build something

This focuses on the construction aspect, implying assembling or putting parts together.

craft an artifact

This implies a high level of skill and artistry in creating something unique.

devise a plan

Shifting the focus from physical creation to the conceptual development of strategies or schemes.

develop an idea

This refers to the process of elaborating on and refining a concept or thought.

formulate a strategy

This implies carefully crafting a plan to achieve a specific goal.

assemble a creation

This focuses on the process of putting different components together to complete a work.

FAQs

How can I use "make a thing" in a sentence?

You can use "make a thing" to describe the act of creating or producing something, or to emphasize something. For example, "I love to make a thing out of simple materials" or "They tried to "make a big deal" of it".

What's a good alternative to "make a thing"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "create something", "produce an item", or "fabricate an object". The best choice depends on what you are trying to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "make a thing" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "make a thing" is generally more appropriate for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise and descriptive alternatives for greater clarity.

What does it mean when someone says they don't want to "make a thing" of something?

It usually means they don't want to emphasize or exaggerate the importance of something. They prefer to handle it quietly or without unnecessary attention.