# this

/ˈðɪs/ (US) · /ðˈɪs/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Determiner

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/this
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I like these book" but "I like this book" — This must be used with singular nouns; use 'these' for plural nouns.

## Usage notes

- Typically precedes a singular countable noun or an uncountable noun. When used without a following noun, it functions as a demonstrative pronoun.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.