Word
this
US/ˈðɪs/
UK/ðˈɪs/
Definition
det. the person, thing, or idea that is very close to you or that you just mentioned. You use it to point out something specific in the present moment.
det. a demonstrative used to identify a specific person, object, or concept currently present or recently mentioned. Functions as a deictic marker to establish immediate spatial or temporal proximity.
Examples
“This coffee is much better than the one I had yesterday.”
“I am reading this book because my professor recommended it during our last lecture.”
“While many scholars argue for a radical shift in policy, this particular study suggests that incremental changes are more sustainable in the long term.”
Examples
simple
“This coffee is much better than the one I had yesterday.”
contextual
“I am reading this book because my professor recommended it during our last lecture.”
complex
“While many scholars argue for a radical shift in policy, this particular study suggests that incremental changes are more sustainable in the long term.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “this” in context.
Verb
01. explain this
“Could you please explain this to me one more time?”
verb + noun
Noun
02. this afternoon
“We are planning to go for a long walk in the park this afternoon.”
adj + noun
03. this evening
“Would you like to come over for dinner this evening?”
adj + noun
04. this morning
“I woke up very early this morning to catch the first train.”
adj + noun
05. this week
“I have been extremely busy with work projects this week.”
adj + noun
Preposition
06. at this time
“The manager is not available to speak with you at this time.”
prep + adj + noun
07. in this case
“In this case, we will make an exception to our usual refund policy.”
prep + adj + noun
08. like this
“I have never seen a beautiful sunset quite like this before.”
prep + noun
Usage
Typically precedes a singular countable noun or an uncountable noun. When used without a following noun, it functions as a demonstrative pronoun.
Pitfall
I like these book
I like this book
This must be used with singular nouns; use 'these' for plural nouns.
Etymology
From Middle English this, from Old English þis (neuter demonstrative), from North Sea Germanic base þa- "that", from Proto-Germanic þat, from Proto-Indo-European tód, extended form of demonstrative base to-; + North-West Germanic definitive suffix -s, from Proto-Indo-European *só (“this, that”). Cognate with Scots this (“this”), Saterland Frisian dusse (“this”), West Frisian dizze (“this”), German dies, dieses (“this”), Old Gutnish þissi (“this”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Grammar
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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