noun
1
DUBIOUS : Being punctual is a very important thing.
GOOD : Being punctual is very important.
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Avoid using thing after an adjective when the adjective can be used on its own: 'To obtain a bank loan when you don't have a job can be very difficult.'
Note however the commonly used phrase a/the good thing : 'Most people agree that democracy is a good thing.' 'The good thing about this school is that the teachers are all so enthusiastic.'
2
BAD : I have a very important thing to ask you.
GOOD : I have something very important to ask you.
BAD : If you need any special thing, please let me know.
GOOD : If you need anything special, please let me know.
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something + adjective, anything + adjective, somewhere + adjective, nothing + adjective, etc: 'Did you notice anything unusual?' 'Let's go somewhere different tonight.'
3
DUBIOUS : My brother knows many things about England.
GOOD : My brother knows a lot about England.
DUBIOUS : Asian countries have learned many things from western countries.
GOOD : Asian countries have learned a great deal from western countries.
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The use of many things often sounds unnatural. Instead, use a lot, a great deal, etc : 'She said that she had a lot to do.' 'In just one or two sessions you can learn a great deal.'
Note also the phrase all about : 'The best person to ask is David - he knows all about tropical plants.' ( = he knows everything about ... )
4
See BAD 2 (↑ bad )