Spoonful #78: SO MANY THINGS

10/25/2020

At first, NOTHING popped into my mind for this week's spoonful. But then, eureka! I reflected that THING is the least descriptive noun in the English language. I decided to challenge YOU, my readers, to banish THING in any of its forms from the following sentences (and from all your writing). If you dare, please share your creative, descriptive replacement sentences in the comments section!

1.) Eek! It's a THING!

2.) I can't wait to hear about the THING you saw last night.

3.) What a remarkable THING that is.

4.) Please bring SOMETHING, ANYTHING to make this party fun.

5.) Let me describe this animal to you. It's a THING!

6.) John brought chairs, blankets, and THINGS to the beach.

Have oodles of fun with this! My next Spoonful of Grammar will be about SOMETHING else, I promise you.

Take care,
Laura Fineberg Cooper

7 Comments

Amy

10/26/2020 06:52:01 am

How can I banish the Internet of Things?

Laura Fineberg Cooper link

10/26/2020 12:18:58 pm

Dear Amy,
Alas, that's a dream. But each and every one of us can do our part!

Thanks for commenting,
Laura

Marti Johnson

10/26/2020 09:49:48 am

I know the challenge is to replace THING but I would rather challenge your use of the word LEAST to define THINGS lack of description. I think WHATCHAMACALLIT, is equally lacking, albeit a lot more fun.

Laura Fineberg Cooper link

10/26/2020 12:27:15 pm

Dear Marti,
You're a hoot! Certainly, THING isn't the only non-descriptive word in our language, but it shows up to an alarming degree. When something is unknown and adjectives precede it, THING can work as in this sentence: "What is that creepy, crawly, hairy THING?" Otherwise, it's blah.

WHATCHAMACALLIT is exponentially more fun. I see that word being used when a specific word is on the tip of someone's tongue.

Thanks for your comment! Laura

Adaela McLaughlin

10/26/2020 10:32:00 am

1. Eek! It's a BAT UNDER MY BED!
2. I can't wait to hear about the OWL you saw last night.
3. What a remarkable CLOD OF DIRT that is.
4. Please bring A SQUEEZABLE KETCHUP BOTTLE HOLDER to make this party fun.
5. Let me describe this animal to you. It's a BULLFROG.
6. John brought chairs, blankets, and SAND CASTLE MOLDS to the beach.

Laura Fineberg Cooper link

10/26/2020 12:34:51 pm

Dear Adaela,
Thanks for sharing your sentences! Here are mine:

1. Eek! That dust bunny has eyes!
2. I can't wait to hear about the bear you saw last night.
3. What a remarkable story that is.
4. Please bring an outdoor game to make this party fun.
5. Let me describe this animal to you. It has 6 legs, 4 eyes, 2 sharp teeth and stands 10-feet tall! And it's a sickly shade of green!
6. John brought chairs, blankets, and frisbees to the beach.

Marcia Strykowski link

11/16/2020 06:07:11 pm

I'll try to do these quick before I accidentally glimpse the other responses.
1. ...mouse! (real original I'm sure!)
2. ...play...
3. ...painting...
4. ...games, or maybe decorations...
5. ...a long-necked tall one with spots!
6. ...sandwiches...

Welcome to
A Spoonful of Grammar!

Swallowing too many grammar rules at once can be hazardous to one's health. That's why my goal is to deliver one spoonful at a time - in the most delightful way.

Sincerely,
Laura Fineberg Cooper