Here you will learn 7 English expressions with the word THING.
I covered this recently in a lesson with my students. You might be interested in reading about it or refreshing your memory about the topic.
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English Expressions with the Word THING
THING is often a word we use when we are stuck for (cannot remember) another more appropriate word or we do not actually know what this THING is really called. For example, you often hear “Pass me that thing over there!!” or “Could you pass me that thing, you know the thing for opening this bottle!” So THING has many uses and people always seem to know what we are referring to.
However, THING is also used in many English expressions with real meaning.
The following are useful English expressions with the word THING.
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INSANITY: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
Useful English Expressions with the Word THING
1️⃣ a thing of the past
We use this to describe something no longer in use or that is outdated.
Example:
The fax machine is a thing of the past. Who uses them today? The typewriter is a thing of the past. Everyone uses a word processor.
2️⃣ to have a thing for something (somebody)
We use this expression when we remember something or somebody we really liked or enjoyed or still enjoy today.
Example:
When I was young I had a thing for postage stamps and I had a huge collection. As I got older I lost interest.
He has a thing for Julia Roberts the actress. He really thinks she is beautiful and watches all her movies.
3️⃣ Just one of those things
When we cannot explain something fully but know it is an issue then we often use this expression. For example, if someone is trying to explain why he likes or dislikes something without being able to give a specific reason then you will hear them say “ah it’s just one of those things”.
Example:
– Why do you not like going on a rollercoaster? Are you afraid?
– No, not really I cannot explain it. It is just one of those things.
– Do you not like travelling on trains? Why? Is it the noise or the movement from side to side?
– I don’t really know it is just one of those things.
4️⃣ one thing led to another
When a series of events take place resulting in an action then we can say ‘one thing led to another… ‘
Example:
– Why are you home so late? And you are a little drunk!
– I know, I am sorry. I met my old school friend we got talking then had a beer. Then one thing led to another and we decided to have a few more!
English Expressions with the Word THING
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5️⃣ The IN- thing
Fashions come and go and come again or so it seems. When something is in fashion we say it is the in- thing! So at the moment a particular hairstyle or a particular style or design of clothes will be the in-thing.
Example:
– Hi how are you? Wow, I love the shoes. Where did you get them?
– They were my Mum’s they are the in thing these days all the 70’s clothes are back in fashion.
6️⃣ for one thing
A very popular way to give a reason or reasons why we like or dislike someone or something.
Example:
– Are you going to the match on Sunday?
– No, for one thing, the tickets will be a crazy price and I think I have to work as well.
7️⃣ it’s a good thing that
We use this expression in situations where we are fortunate or lucky that we did something without really thinking about it.
Example:
Oh dear, it’s raining really heavy outside. Well, it’s a good thing that I brought the umbrella!
It’s a good thing we left early for the airport. The traffic is terrible there must have been an accident.
Now you know most of the useful English expressions with the word THING. And you know what we mean when we ask you to pass that THING over there!
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More Information
For more information on English Expressions, English Phrasal Verbs and English Grammar Rules, check out the following links:
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