Thing vs. Things — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 4, 2024
Thing refers to a single item, concept, or entity, emphasizing individuality; things denote multiple items or entities, highlighting plurality.
Difference Between Thing and Things
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Thing represents a single object or concept, used when referring to one element alone. In contrast, things is the plural form of thing, used to indicate more than one object, concept, or entity. This distinction is critical in grammar to match the number in subject-verb agreement.
Thing often conveys a sense of singularity and specificity in discussion or description. On the other hand, things can imply a collection or a variety of entities, often used when the exact number is not specified or not important.
When emphasizing the uniqueness or importance of an entity, "thing" is typically used. Whereas "things" is used to discuss multiple entities collectively, which may be similar or related but are mentioned together to imply diversity or quantity.
The usage of thing can sometimes be metaphorical or abstract, as in phrases like "the real thing," suggesting authenticity. Conversely, things might be used more broadly and abstractly, such as in "things are looking up," implying a general state or multiple aspects.
In literature and spoken language, "thing" might be employed to focus attention on a particular detail or point. Things, however, often broadens the scope, referring to general situations or multiple points, enhancing the narrative’s complexity.
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Comparison Chart
Number
Singular
Plural
Usage
Refers to one item or concept
Refers to multiple items
Example Phrase
"This thing is important."
"These things are important."
Implication
Specificity and individuality
Diversity and quantity
Contextual Use
Singular detail or focus
General situations or variety
Compare with Definitions
Thing
A situation or matter of interest.
The thing about puzzles is they require patience.
Things
Multiple items or objects, typically unspecified.
I packed my things for the trip.
Thing
Something that is existent or of essence.
The play was really the thing that brought us together.
Things
Various matters or incidents.
Things got out of hand at the meeting.
Thing
An abstract entity or quality.
Trust is the thing that keeps relationships intact.
Things
Plural form indicating abstract concepts collectively.
All things considered, it was a good decision.
Thing
Used to refer to an action or activity unspecified but understood from context.
Do your thing and show them what you're capable of.
Things
General state of affairs.
Things are improving in the economic sector.
Thing
An object, matter, or entity not precisely identified.
I saw a thing in the corner, but it was too dark to identify.
Things
Actions or activities, in general.
She enjoys doing things like hiking and swimming.
Thing
An object or entity that is not or cannot be named specifically
What is this thing for?.
Things
An object or entity that is not or cannot be named specifically
What is this thing for?.
Thing
An individual object, especially an inanimate object
There wasn't a thing in sight.
Things
An individual object, especially an inanimate object
There wasn't a thing in sight.
Thing
A creature
That baby is the sweetest thing!.
Things
A creature
That baby is the sweetest thing!.
Thing
An entity or item
How many things are there on the test?.
Things
An entity or item
How many things are there on the test?.
Thing
Something referred to by a word, symbol, sign, or idea; a referent.
Things
Something referred to by a word, symbol, sign, or idea; a referent.
Thing
Things Articles of clothing
Put on your things and let's go.
Things
Things Articles of clothing
Put on your things and let's go.
Thing
Things Possessions, including clothing; belongings
Pack your things.
It's time to go.
Things
Things Possessions, including clothing; belongings
Pack your things.
It's time to go.
Thing
Often things(Law) That which can be possessed or owned
Things personal.
Things real.
Things
Often things(Law) That which can be possessed or owned
Things personal.
Things real.
Thing
Things The equipment needed for an activity or a special purpose.
Things
Things The equipment needed for an activity or a special purpose.
Thing
An act, deed, or work
Promised to do great things.
Things
An act, deed, or work
Promised to do great things.
Thing
The result of work or activity
Is always building things.
Things
The result of work or activity
Is always building things.
Thing
A means to an end
Just the thing to increase sales.
Things
A means to an end
Just the thing to increase sales.
Thing
A thought, notion, or utterance
What a rotten thing to say!.
Things
A thought, notion, or utterance
What a rotten thing to say!.
Thing
A piece of information
Wouldn't tell me a thing about the project.
Things
A piece of information
Wouldn't tell me a thing about the project.
Thing
An end or objective
In blackjack, the thing is to get nearest to 21 without going over.
Things
An end or objective
In blackjack, the thing is to get nearest to 21 without going over.
Thing
A matter of concern
Many things on my mind.
Things
A matter of concern
Many things on my mind.
Thing
A turn of events; a circumstance
The accident was a terrible thing.
Things
A turn of events; a circumstance
The accident was a terrible thing.
Thing
A particular state of affairs; a situation
Let's deal with this thing promptly.
Things
A particular state of affairs; a situation
Let's deal with this thing promptly.
Thing
Things The general state of affairs; conditions
"Beneath the smooth surface of things, something was wrong" (Tom Wicker).
Things
Things The general state of affairs; conditions
"Beneath the smooth surface of things, something was wrong" (Tom Wicker).
Thing
(Informal) The latest fad or fashion
Drag racing was the thing then.
Things
(Informal) The latest fad or fashion
Drag racing was the thing then.
Thing
(Informal) A persistent feeling, interest, desire, or aversion
She has a thing for him and keeps talking about him. I have a thing about seafood and never eat it.
Things
(Informal) A persistent feeling, interest, desire, or aversion
She has a thing for him and keeps talking about him. I have a thing about seafood and never eat it.
Thing
(Slang) An activity uniquely suitable and satisfying to one
Let him do his own thing. Mountain climbing is really my thing.
Things
(Slang) An activity uniquely suitable and satisfying to one
Let him do his own thing. Mountain climbing is really my thing.
Thing
(Informal) Used to refer to something with disapproval or contempt
Where did you get that thing? I wouldn't drive that thing if you paid me.
Things
(Informal) Used to refer to something with disapproval or contempt
Where did you get that thing? I wouldn't drive that thing if you paid me.
Thing
That which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept.
Things
Plural of thing
Thing
A word, symbol, sign, or other referent that can be used to refer to any entity.
Things
One's clothes, furniture, luggage, or possessions collectively; stuff
Have you brought all your things with you?
Get your hands off my things!
Thing
An individual object or distinct entity.
Bacon pie? Is that a thing?
Things
Any movable possession (especially articles of clothing);
She packed her things and left
Thing
(legal)
Thing
Whatever can be owned.
Thing
Corporeal object.
Thing
The latest fad or fashion.
Thing
(in the plural) Clothes, possessions or equipment.
Hold on, let me just grab my things.
Thing
(informal) A unit or container, usually containing edible goods.
Get me a thing of apple juice at the store;
I just ate a whole thing of jelly beans
Thing
(informal) A problem, dilemma, or complicating factor.
The car looks cheap, but the thing is, I have doubts about its safety.
Thing
(slang) A penis.
Thing
A living being or creature.
You poor thing
Sweet young thing
She's a funny old thing, but her heart's in the right place
I met a pretty blond thing at the bar
Thing
That which matters; the crux.
That's the thing: we don't know where he went;
The thing is, I don't have any money
Thing
Used after a noun to refer dismissively to the situation surrounding the noun's referent.
Oh yeah, I'm supposed to promote that vision thing.
Thing
(informal) That which is favoured; personal preference. (Used in possessive constructions.)
It's not really my thing
Thing
(informal, with do) One's typical routine, habits, or manner. (Used in possessive constructions.)
Let me do my thing;
I'm here doing my thing
Thing
A public assembly or judicial council in a Germanic country.
Thing
(informal) A romantic relationship.
Thing
(informal) A romantic couple.
Are John and Jennifer a thing again? I thought they broke up.
Thing
(MLE) Alternate form of ting.
Thing
(MLE) Girl; attractive woman.
Look at the nyash on that thing!
Thing
(rare) To express as a thing; to reify.
Thing
Whatever exists, or is conceived to exist, as a separate entity, whether animate or inanimate; any separable or distinguishable object of thought.
God made . . . every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind.
He sent after this manner; ten asses laden with the good things of Egypt.
A thing of beauty is a joy forever.
Thing
An inanimate object, in distinction from a living being; any lifeless material.
Ye meads and groves, unconscious things!
Thing
A transaction or occurrence; an event; a deed.
[And Jacob said] All these things are against me.
Which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things.
Thing
A portion or part; something.
Wicked men who understand any thing of wisdom.
Thing
A diminutive or slighted object; any object viewed as merely existing; - often used in pity or contempt.
See, sons, what things you are!
The poor thing sighed, and . . . turned from me.
I'll be this abject thing no more.
I have a thing in prose.
Thing
Clothes; furniture; appurtenances; luggage; as, to pack or store one's things.
And them she gave her moebles and her thing.
In the garden [he] walketh to and fro,And hath his things [i. e., prayers, devotions] said full courteously.
Hearkening his minstrels their things play.
Thing
Whatever may be possessed or owned; a property; - distinguished from person.
Thing
In Scandinavian countries, a legislative or judicial assembly.
Thing
In Scandinavian countries, a legislative or judicial assembly; - used, esp. in composition, in titles of such bodies. See Legislature, Norway.
Thing
A special situation;
This thing has got to end
It is a remarkable thing
Thing
An action;
How could you do such a thing?
Thing
An artifact;
How does this thing work?
Thing
An event;
A funny thing happened on the way to the...
Thing
A statement regarded as an object;
To say the same thing in other terms
How can you say such a thing?
Thing
Any attribute or quality considered as having its own existence;
The thing I like about her is ...
Thing
A special abstraction;
A thing of the spirit
Things of the heart
Thing
A vaguely specified concern;
Several matters to attend to
It is none of your affair
Things are going well
Thing
An entity that is not named specifically;
I couldn't tell what the thing was
Thing
A special objective;
The thing is to stay in bounds
Thing
A persistent illogical feeling of desire or aversion;
He has a thing about seafood
She has a thing about him
Thing
A separate and self-contained entity
Common Curiosities
What is the grammatical number of "thing"?
Thing is singular.
Can "thing" and "things" be used interchangeably?
No, they cannot due to their number difference: singular vs. plural.
What type of contexts is "thing" used?
It is used in specific, individual contexts.
How is "things" used differently from "thing"?
Things is used to refer to multiple items or concepts, unlike thing, which is singular.
What does "things" imply when used in conversation?
It generally implies a variety or multiple aspects.
Is "thing" used in formal writing?
Yes, it is used across both formal and informal contexts.
What can "things" refer to besides physical objects?
It can refer to situations, events, or abstract concepts.
How does the phrase "the real thing" illustrate the use of "thing"?
It emphasizes authenticity and singularity.
Are "thing" and "things" abstract or concrete?
They can be both depending on the context.
What does the expression "things are looking up" mean?
It means the general situation is improving.
Can "thing" be used metaphorically?
Yes, it often is, such as in "the next big thing."
How do "thing" and "things" relate to subject-verb agreement?
"Thing" requires a singular verb, whereas "things" requires a plural verb.
What is a common mistake when using "thing" and "things"?
Confusing the singular and plural forms in context.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
