What does this mean?
“This” is a fundamental English demonstrative word that helps speakers identify what is nearby, what is being discussed, or what is happening now. It can modify a noun, as in “this chair,” or stand alone as a pronoun, as in “This is important.” The word can also indicate the current period in phrases such as “this year” and can express degree or extent in expressions such as “this much.” Its reference is often established by the situation rather than by the words themselves: a speaker may point to an object, introduce a person, or draw attention to a particular example. In written contexts, “this” commonly refers to the subject under discussion. Although “this” sometimes attracts attention simply because it is so common, its flexibility makes it indispensable. It can connect personal experience with a general claim, identify a specific instance, or bring a speaker’s focus back to the present moment. Its meaning shifts naturally with context, ranging from the concrete and spatial to the abstract and argumentative.
A demonstrative determiner that identifies a particular person, thing, or idea, especially one nearby, under discussion, or associated with the present situation.
"This proposal needs a little more work."
A demonstrative pronoun used on its own to refer to a particular person, thing, idea, or situation.
"This is the version I prefer."
Used before expressions of time, quantity, degree, or extent to indicate the current or relevant period or amount.
"We can only go this far today."
From Old English þis to the modern text message, “this” has been pointing to the thing at hand for more than a thousand years.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does this come from?
The word descends from Old English þis, a demonstrative meaning “this,” and continued in Middle English in the form this. It belongs to the Germanic demonstrative system and is related to forms such as Old Norse þetta, Dutch deze, and German dieser. The wider English demonstrative family, including “that,” “the,” and “there,” reflects related forms inherited from Germanic and ultimately ancient Indo-European demonstrative origins.
How this is actually used
The word is neutral in ordinary use, but it can sound impatient or dismissive in expressions such as “What is this?” It is also common in formal writing when referring to the current situation, although its precise reference depends on context.
Easily confused with this
“This” refers to one thing, while “these” refers to more than one thing.
“This” points to a person or thing in the present or near context, while “those” usually points to people or things already mentioned or at some distance.
“This” identifies a particular item or situation, whereas “that” can identify a more remote item, introduce a restrictive clause, or contrast with another referent.