Meaning & use
the thing is
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Meanings
phrasefixed phraseinformal
Used to introduce the main point, problem, or reason in a conversation.
Grammar: Often followed by a clause explaining the situation: The thing is, I'm busy.
Patterns
- the thing is, ...
- the thing is that ...
- but the thing is ...
The thing is, I've already made other plans for that evening.
I'd love to help, but the thing is, I don't have a car right now.
The thing is that we need to decide today, not tomorrow.
phrasefixed phraseinformal
Used to emphasize a particular fact or opinion that is important.
Grammar: Can stand alone as a response, or introduce a clause.
Patterns
- the thing is, ...
- the thing is that ...
The thing is, she never actually said she would come.
The thing is that we can't afford a new car this year.
Common combinations
- the thing is, ...
- The thing is, I forgot my keys.
- but the thing is
- I want to go, but the thing is, I have to work.
- the thing is that
- The thing is that we don't have enough time.
Synonyms and how they differ
- the problem is
- This is more specific and negative; 'the thing is' can introduce any important point, not just a problem.
- the point is
- This focuses on the main idea or purpose; 'the thing is' is more conversational and often introduces an excuse or explanation.
Commonly confused: the thing is or the thing is that?
the thing is vs the thing is that
This is a variant with 'that'; both are correct, but 'the thing is' alone is more common in speech.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'the thing is' correctly?
Choose one answer.
All three forms are used in everyday speech. Option An is the most common; option B adds 'that' for clarity; option C omits the comma, which is common in informal writing.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “the thing is”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.