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Prepositions with nouns

Using prepositions with “thing”

Different prepositions with “thing” create very different meanings. Some patterns are fixed expressions in everyday English.

Quick answer

Common combinations with “thing”

Use “thing about” for a characteristic, “thing for” for liking something, and “thing to do” for an activity. “Thing of” appears in set phrases such as “a thing of the past.” “Thing on” is uncommon except when “on” belongs to another structure.

The best thing about the trip was the food.
She has a thing for vintage clothes.
Cleaning the kitchen is the last thing to do today.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
thing about + topic

Describing a characteristic

Use “about” to identify what makes something special or noticeable.

The strange thing about this story is the ending.
One good thing about remote work is flexibility.
2
thing for + interest

Showing a strong liking

Use “thing for” informally to describe attraction or preference.

He has a thing for jazz music.
She has always had a thing for old maps.
3
thing to + verb

Naming an action or task

Use an infinitive after “thing” to describe what should be done.

The first thing to check is the battery.
That was the right thing to say.
4
thing of + noun

Using fixed expressions

“Thing of” appears in set phrases such as “a thing of the past.”

Cash payments may become a thing of the past.
That style is now a thing of history.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
thing of
Printed tickets are becoming a thing of the past.
Part of a fixed expression.
thing about
The best thing about the course is the teacher.
Introduces a characteristic or feature.
thing for
She has a thing for spicy food.
Informal expression for attraction or preference.
thing on
“Thing on” is uncommon unless “on” belongs to another phrase such as “thing on the table.”
Not a standard fixed combination with “thing.”
thing to
That is the next thing to discuss.
Introduces an action or purpose.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using “thing on” as a fixed phrase

English usually needs a fuller structure after “on.”

✕ the thing on music ✓ the thing about music

Confusing “thing for” with “thing to”

“Thing for” shows preference; “thing to” introduces an action.

✕ She has a thing to jazz. ✓ She has a thing for jazz.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The best ___ the city is its parks.
2. He has a ___ classic cars.
3. This is the next ___ discuss.

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Frequently asked questions

Is “thing on” correct?

Not usually as a fixed pattern. “On” is more often part of another phrase, such as “the thing on the shelf.”

What does “have a thing for” mean?

It means to have a strong liking or attraction toward something or someone.

Can I use “thing of” freely?

It is mostly used in set expressions such as “a thing of the past.”

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"? "of advantage" or "to advantage"?

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