Thing and Stuff

  In this article, we will explore two of the most common nouns in sepaking "thing" and "stuff" which will help a lot to understand native speakers.

Thing

  Let's begin by exploring "thing".

  It is used to refer to physical objects.
  It is also used to refer to abstract concepts like, ideas, actions and events.

  What is that thing on the table? (refers to an identifiable object)
  The first thing you need to understand is that I'll be always here for you. (refers to an idea, a concept - abstract)

common usages

  The best thing to to is ... (giving idea)
  The thing is ... (introducing a problem)

  "thing" is countable.

Stuff

  It's time for "stuff".
  It has a similar meaning to "thing".
  It is more informal than thing. It is mostly used in conversation rather than writing.
  Just like "thing", stuff can refer to physical objects and abstract concepts.

  I need to deal with all this emotional stuff. (substract meaning, referring to emotions)
  Can you take all that stuff from the table. (refers to group of objects)

  "stuff" is uncountable.