the only things vs the only thing

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'The only things' is used when referring to multiple items that are the sole ones of their kind, while 'the only thing' is used when referring to a single item that is the sole one of its kind.

Last updated: April 06, 2024 • 1235 views

This phrase is correct when referring to multiple items that are the sole ones of their kind.

"the only things"

This phrase is used when emphasizing that a specific group of items is the only one of its kind. It is typically followed by a verb that agrees with the plural form of 'things.'

Examples:

The only things I packed for the trip were my toothbrush and my phone.
In the deserted house, the only things left were a few old books and a broken chair.

Show examples from the web [+]

They're not the only things worth covering.
They were the only things of hers that survived the trip out here.
Sometimes friends are the only things that keep you going.
They're the only things that bring me comfort.
But those are the only things that matter in life.
Nationalism or religious fervour are the only things that can bring people together.
And listening to Mötley Crüe seemed that those were the only things they did.
Morphine and instant coffee are the only things keeping me standing right now.
Bodies aren't the only things buried here.
These are the only things that get me through the day.
I've sacrificed... the only things that are dear to me.
We're the only things he has in this world.
Tests and quality furniture are the only things that separate from the animals.
Those are literally the only things I know about you.
Their internal phobias are the only things that exist.
Machines are the only things you're interested in.
Those are the only things that matter to me now.
These are the only things I have left of my mother.
We're the only things he wants.
They're the only things that settle my stomach.

Alternatives:

the only items
the sole things
the exclusive things
the unique things
the singular things

This phrase is correct when referring to a single item that is the sole one of its kind.

"the only thing"

This phrase is used when emphasizing that a specific item is the only one of its kind. It is typically followed by a verb that agrees with the singular form of 'thing.'

Examples:

The only thing I want for my birthday is a new bike.
In the empty room, the only thing on the table was a single red rose.

Show examples from the web [+]

Violence is the only thing these losers understand.
Look, his name is not the only thing that changed.
Broadband was the only thing that mattered.
You're doing the only thing you can do.
Look, the only thing equity partners care about is year-end bonuses.
It is the only thing my people understand.
Writing's the only thing that's giving your alcoholism any credibility.
So I guess the only thing flying you is you.
You know,... the only thing the ending.
Flying isn't the only thing I've been practicing.
Tapestry's the only thing in the whole bloody room.
I was the only thing I had wanted from my marriage.
Children are the only thing I miss.
Olivia's safety and happiness is the only thing that's important.
It's the only thing that helps his social anxiety disorder.
Each time, the only thing taken has been an oversized safe-deposit box.
It's the only thing you...
It's the only thing we know.
It's the only thing that will turn this liquid a brilliant blue.
For me, the only thing that remains beautiful is you.

Alternatives:

the sole thing
the exclusive thing
the unique thing
the singular thing
the one thing

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the only things vs the only thing

"the only things"

"the only thing"

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