this

This is a demonstrative word in English that serves as both a determiner and a pronoun. It marks reference to a thing that is near to the speaker in space or time, or that has recently been mentioned in the discourse. It helps distinguish near referents from more distant ones, as in “This chair is comfortable” versus “That chair is broken.”

As a determiner, this precedes a noun (this book, this idea). In its pronominal use, it stands for a noun understood from context (This is difficult; I like this). The plural form is these, and the opposite determiner and pronouns are that and those. In certain constructions, this can also function as a discourse marker, guiding the listener through reasoning or clarification (This shows why we should act).

Etymology and related forms: This originates from Old English þis and Proto-Germanic roots associated with demonstratives across Germanic languages. It forms part of a broader set of deictic words that anchor statements to the speaker’s present context. Related words include that, these, and those, which express different degrees of proximity and number.

Usage and style: In formal writing, this word often introduces a topic, example, or conclusion that will be elaborated. In informal speech, it frequently marks a point of reference or emphasis. Its referent can be concrete (This apple) or abstract (This idea, This issue), depending on context.

See also: demonstratives, deixis, pronoun, determiner, that, these, those.