Thing meaning in English

Learn how to use Thing correctly with Gymglish.
Test and improve your English. Start your free trial today.

TEST YOUR ENGLISH Free trial and no commitment to buy
4,7 on App Store, Play Store and Trustpilot More than 8 million learners worldwide

Definition

a thing: an object; an article, a phenomenon; an item, a matter; a concern, a situation noun
The last thing we would want is to lose this client's business. What an awful situation that would be.

UK: The best thing about France is the pains au chocolat.
US: What's that strange thing over there?

Examples

  • "Look, it's all a bit technical, but the important thing is that my company's future is secure."
  • "Hannah : There is just one thing."
  • "Headlines, headlines, believing the things that we read"
  • "Bruno : Brian, do you hear the things you say out loud?"
  • "My thing is chemistry."
  • "I hope that you have learned many things and meditated in many uncomfortable postures."
  • "Horatio : You need to travel, try new things..."
  • "And that's when things got really interesting."
  • "Did you bring me the things I asked for?"
  • "Fat Face Sal : You know...the thing, down at the airport, with the you know... the robbery!"
  • "The important thing is that you appreciate this fine French delicacy."
  • "The most important things in the world are family and respect...and to a lesser extent money and drugs."
  • "Where you from, you sexy thing?"
  • "Wang Jewelry (Tianjin, formerly "Ling Ling's Rings and Things", bought outright in 2002, given to Wang's son-in-law as a dowry."
  • "I've got plenty of other Scottish things planned for today: I've got a full-sized replica of the Loch Ness monster in the parking lot, and Brian mentioned that he'd like to try on some dresses with you later."
  • "Bruno : That's a weird thing to say."
  • "Owner : Oh, lots of things."
  • "That's also a fun thing to do."
  • "The sea is notorious for many terrible things and dangers."
  • "Now, the first thing we're going to do is..."
Exercise 1
"Xavier taught Bruno all that he knew about herbs, flowers, alcohols and chemicals."

"Taught" is the past tense form of the verb "to ".

Now let's conjugate this verb in a few sentences:

"Yesterday, my teacher me an important lesson on the merits of wearing pants".

"I English to prisoners for the last seven years".
"Xavier taught Bruno all that he knew about herbs, flowers, alcohols and chemicals."

"Taught" is the past tense form of the verb "to teach 1".

Now let's conjugate this verb in a few sentences:

"Yesterday, my teacher taught 2 me an important lesson on the merits of wearing pants".

"I have taught 3 English to prisoners for the last seven years".
1 teach: The verb "to teach" means "to instruct" or "give knowledge". The text explains that Bruno "learned the art of perfume making from his grandfather, Xavier". Note that a teacher "teaches" while a student "learns". The verb "to teach" is irregular: teach/taught/have taught.
2 taught: The simple past tense of the verb, "taught", should be used here. The term "yesterday" establishes a precise moment in the past, in which case the simple past tense of the verb is appropriate. The verb "to teach" is irregular: teach/taught/have taught.
3 have taught: "Have taught" is the present perfect form of the verb "to teach" (in the first person). We use the present perfect to describe actions which started in the past and continue into the present, OR to describe actions which finished at an unspecified time in the past (I have finished the report). Here, the phrase "for the last seven years" indicates that this action started in the past and continues into the present.

Still unsure of the best way to use 'Thing'? Improve your English thanks to our online English lessons. We offer a free test as well as a free level assessment!

What our users say:

Pleasure

         

I enjoy doing my online English lessons. Only ten minutes daily are enough...Thank you!

Innovative

         

I love your innovative method which allows me to learn a new language and have fun at the same time!

Unique

         

Your method is unique! Your courses have helped me to progress and gain confidence during my travels.

Progress

         

Gymglish has allowed me to improve my English. A daily routine I wouldn't miss for anything in the world!

More testimonials.

Test your English with Gymglish today and get a free level assessment

Absolutely free - no strings attached.

TEST YOUR ENGLISH