Build your English vocabulary: 10 alternative words for “thing”
The word thing is ubiquitous, i.e. it’s everywhere. A good thing, a bad thing, many things, something, anything, everything; we use the word a lot.
And the reason thing is such a common word? Well, it’s a short and quick substitute that we can easily insert into a sentence when we’re unable to think of—or don’t know—the word we need.
So how can we better express ourselves by replacing thing with a more accurate or descriptive word?
Here are ten alternatives we can use:
1. a detail
He told us all the details of his life.
(He told us everything.)
2. a feature
The new Galaxy smartphone has many unique features.
(It has many unique things, many functions.)
3. an item
There are twenty items on the shopping list.
(There are twenty things on the list.)
4. an issue
There are many controversial issues surrounding the building of the shopping centre.
(There are many controversial things about the construction.)
5. a matter
This is very serious – it’s a matter for the police.
(It’s something we should inform the police about.)
6. a point
The minister made some good points during his speech.
(He said some valid and interesting things.)
7. a subject
The book covers many subjects.
(It contains many different things.)
8. a topic
The journalist writes about a wide range of topics.
(He writes about different things.)
9. a trait
Kindness and generosity are good traits.
(They are good things in a person’s character.)
10. an attribute
Stamina is a necessary attribute for a long-distance runner.
(Stamina is an essential thing to have.)
mai - December 23, 2014, 11:38 pm
Such a great site I really love it , it’s simple and amusing
Anonymous - December 12, 2021, 12:16 am
I totally agree with you, Mai!
douglas walker - October 11, 2017, 1:59 pm
objective, theme, plots, goals
mya - February 19, 2018, 7:15 pm
is there a one word to substitute for ”thing”
BJ - November 9, 2020, 11:18 pm
I’m thinking the same thing
bill - October 29, 2018, 5:58 pm
great site to use for writing in class
Anonymous - November 20, 2018, 7:39 am
thank u …. now i can substitute the word “thing” with lot of things.. 😉
Unknown - May 1, 2023, 9:31 pm
Why isn’t there anything for unusual thing?
Anonymous - July 16, 2023, 7:40 am
I really appreciate
Thank you! - December 13, 2019, 3:01 am
This site actually really helped, I was trying to find other words for “things” or “stuff” and I couldn’t find any decent websites. I finally came on here thinking it was going to be another stupid site that wasn’t going to benefit my writing, but it actually helped. Thank you!
Stuart Cook - December 13, 2019, 6:34 pm
We’re glad you found it helpful! Thanks for stopping by.
Stuart
milmil - November 8, 2020, 9:47 pm
Would toiletries be on a things list? I’m not sure
Anonymous - April 1, 2021, 5:56 pm
this site is amazing I can use this now
stell - September 30, 2021, 4:05 pm
Been going back and forth on this site since 2020. This vocabulary list absolutely helped me a lot!!!
Unknown - May 1, 2023, 9:30 pm
Why isn’t there anything for unusual thing hoped it would b a bit better:( otherwise, it would’ve been a ok website. I hoped u can help me with a idea for unusual thing
Anonymous - March 1, 2024, 5:39 am
“Acting this way is an unusual thing for Rebecca to do.”
“Acting this way is peculiar for Rebecca.” Does this work? I am not sure but it’s the first thought that came to mind.