TextRanch
The best way to perfect your writing.

Discover why 1,062,726 users count on TextRanch to get their English corrected!

1. Input your text below.
2. Get it corrected in a few minutes by our editors.
3. Improve your English!

One of our experts will correct your English.

TextRanch Editors

what is that? vs what is that thing?

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'What is that?' is a more general question that can be used to inquire about any object or thing. On the other hand, 'What is that thing?' is more specific and emphasizes the word 'thing,' suggesting a desire for more information about a particular object.

Last updated: March 22, 2024 • 1117 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to inquire about an object or thing.

"what is that?"

This phrase is a general question used to ask about an object or thing that is not specified. It is a common way to seek information or clarification.

Examples:

  • What is that over there?
  • What is that noise?
  • What is that smell?
  • What is that in your hand?
  • What is that on the table?
  • - And what is that? I wish I knew.
  • Hagrid, exactly what is that?
  • Out of curiosity, what is that?
  • Who are you, and what is that?
  • So if I ask you to access a memory, like, what is that?
  • I... I have a new-client meeting at 2:00, and I... I abso... what is that?
  • Wait a minute, Cartwright, what is that?
  • I heard "Pogo" - what is that?
  • The world gone mad, what is that?
  • Well, at least have the common decency to wash it down with a fresh flute of - what is that?
  • Wait, wait... what is that?
  • Excuse me, Prime Minister, do you mind my asking, what is that?
  • I mean, sorry, what is that?
  • The stuff in the bowl, what is that?
  • That's a really cool mask, what is that?
  • Y - what - what is that?
  • Wait, wait, what is that?
  • What is that? a student that Mr. Rosso believes in.
  • How pathetic, what is that?
  • Three inches, what is that?

Alternatives:

  • What is that object?
  • What is that thing?
  • What is that item?
  • What is that stuff?
  • What is that creature?

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to inquire about a specific object or thing, emphasizing the word 'thing.'

"what is that thing?"

This phrase is more specific than 'What is that?' and is used when the speaker wants to know more details about a particular object or thing.

Examples:

  • What is that thing on the shelf?
  • What is that thing in the corner?
  • What is that thing you're holding?
  • What is that thing making that noise?
  • What is that thing you're looking at?
  • Professor, what is that thing?
  • -What is that thing? -Why are you asking me?
  • We're blowing something up, but what is that thing?
  • What is that thing on Dingaan?
  • What is that thing down there?
  • What is that thing out there?
  • What is that thing the broom?
  • What is that thing down there?
  • What is that thing, anyway?
  • And what is that thing on her neck?
  • What is that thing on your face?
  • What is that thing around her neck?
  • So what the heck is that thing?
  • What is it about that thing?
  • What is that thing, a robot?
  • What is that thing that draws them?
  • What is the benefit of that thing?
  • I say, what on earth is that thing?
  • What is she doing in that thing?
  • What time is that thing on Sunday?

Alternatives:

  • What is that object?
  • What is that item?
  • What is that stuff?
  • What is that creature?
  • What is that entity?

Related Comparisons

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

  • Emails and short texts
  • Proofreading & editing
  • Ready in 5-10 minutes
SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

  • Documents of any type (*.docx)
  • Advanced & Premium editing
  • Ready in as little as 4 hours
UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

  • Personalized answers to your language questions
  • Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
  • Ready in 24 hours
ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Powered By Humans

TextRanch Editors

AI is a great tool, but when it comes to perfecting your writing, we rely on real human editors.

  • All our editors are native English speakers.
  • Each editor has passed a rigorous admission test to ensure quality.
  • Our global team is ready to correct any text, anytime.

MEET OUR EDITORS

TextRanch Editors

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

People Feedback 4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Profile picture of Zubair from Bangladesh

Zubair
from Bangladesh From

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Profile picture of Arturo from Mexico

Arturo
from Mexico From

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Profile picture of Selena from USA

Selena
from USA From

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Profile picture of Ifiok from Nigeria

Ifiok
from Nigeria From

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Profile picture of Wilson from France

Wilson
from France From

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Profile picture of Susan from Germany

Susan
from Germany From

Trusted by Hundreds Teams

Facebook logo
Accenture logo
Air Asia logo
AirBus logo
Amazon logo
Bayer logo
Decathlon logo
Docusign logo
Ebay logo
Fiverr logo
Fossil logo
Keller Williams logo
LinkedIn logo
Loreal logo
Motorola logo
Orange logo
Roche logo
Salesforce logo
Stellantis logo