things

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "things" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to objects, activities, concepts, or situations. Example sentence: I like doing all sorts of things that keep me active.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Also I think it actually demeans some quite sensible things.

The Guardian

"It will be broader brush than really specifics of working through things".

The Guardian

Books should be for everyone and we all like different things".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Others want to find things that support what they want the party to do in the future.

The Guardian

Properly implemented strong crypto systems are one of the few things that you can rely on.

The Guardian

"And because of that you see things that may be disturbing.

The Guardian

But things have changed since then.

The New York Times

But then things changed.

The New York Times

In Pakistan things are different.

The New York Times

Things can change.

The New York Times

Things fell apart.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "things" in writing, consider whether a more specific term could provide greater clarity and impact. For instance, instead of "I have many things to do", try "I have many tasks and responsibilities to complete."

Common error

Avoid using "things" as a vague placeholder. Replace it with precise nouns or descriptive phrases to enhance the clarity and impact of your writing. Vague language can undermine your message.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "things" is that of a plural noun. It acts as the object of a verb, the subject of a clause, or part of a prepositional phrase. As Ludwig AI suggests, it broadly refers to objects, activities, concepts, or situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Lifestyle

14%

Opinion

12%

Less common in

Sport

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "things" functions as a versatile plural noun, commonly used to refer to unspecified objects, matters, or concepts. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable in various contexts. While highly frequent in news, lifestyle, and opinion pieces, using more specific terms can enhance clarity. Alternatives like ""items"", ""matters"", and "affairs" offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas. To refine your writing, avoid overuse of "things" and opt for precise nouns to strengthen your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

items

Replaces "things" when referring to specific objects or articles.

matters

Replaces "things" with a focus on subjects of concern or importance.

objects

Similar to "items", but emphasizes the physical nature of the entities.

issues

Replaces "things" to highlight problems or matters of debate.

affairs

Substitutes "things" to refer to events or circumstances, often of public interest.

concerns

Similar to "issues", but emphasizing the worries or anxieties involved.

aspects

Substitutes "things" when focusing on particular features or parts of a whole.

possessions

Refers to items that belong to someone, offering a more personal connection.

elements

Similar to "aspects", emphasizing the fundamental components of something.

circumstances

Replaces "things" to describe a set of facts or events surrounding a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "things" in a sentence?

"Things" is a plural noun used to refer to objects, matters, or affairs. For example, "I have many "items" to pack for my trip" or "There are a few "matters" we need to discuss".

What are some alternatives to using the word "things"?

Depending on the context, you can use words like ""items"", "objects", ""matters"", "affairs", or "possessions".

When is it appropriate to use "things" in my writing?

It's appropriate when you want to refer to multiple items or matters without specifying them. However, using more specific terms whenever possible improves clarity. For example, instead of "Take care of your things", you might say "Take care of your "belongings"".

What's the difference between "things" and "stuff"?

"Things" is a general term for items or matters, while "stuff" is more informal and often refers to a collection of miscellaneous items. While both can be used interchangeably in some contexts, "things" is generally more appropriate in formal writing.