This

'This' is a word that shows something or someone. In this part, we will go through its uses and grammatical rules in English grammar.

The Pronoun "This" in the English Grammar

This is a widely-used vocabulary. This is singular and it has three functions. In this lesson, we will discuss when and how to use it.

1. 'This' as a Demonstrative Determiner

Use

This as a demonstrative determiner comes before a noun to show it is near. It is also used to show a previously-mentioned thing or person. This is used with time-related expressions or in narrations. Look:

  • This shows a close thing, animal, person to the speaker. For example:

This man is my uncle.

'This man' is a subject.

I like this cat.

'This cat' is an object.

  • This is used to mention something or someone that has already been stated, Like:

I like grilled sweet fish, this food is really healthy.

I bought a hat. I like this hat.

'This hat' is an object.

  • This is used to call someone's attention to something, for example:

This cat is playing with my keys.

'This cat' is a subject.

Look, I have bought this book.

  • This is used in combinations related to time, meaning 'during a specific time at present,' like:

This time I will win.

This morning I had omelet.

  • This is used while narrating something in informal English, for example:

Then this man came and asked me to give him money.

'This man' is a subject.

I saw this man who walks into a bar and...

Position in a Sentence

This as a demonstrative determiner is used before nouns or noun phrases. This can be the subject or the object. Look:

Look, this book is so informative.

'This book' is the subject of the sentence.

I love this girl because she is so nice.

'This girl' is the object of 'to love.'

2. 'This' as a Demonstrative Pronoun

Use

This as a demonstrative pronoun is used to refer to a near or a previously-mentioned object. This is also used to introduce someone, call people's attention to something, or refer to a general situation. Take a look:

  • This is used to refer to a particular person, thing or event that is close to you; for example:

This is my favorite flower.

I want this.

'This' is a demonstrative pronoun used as an object.

  • This refers to something or someone that has already been mentioned, like:

I like my friend’s book because this is romantic.

I bought a ring. This is one of the best rings ever.

  • This is used to introduce someone. It is also used on the phone, for example:

Hello, this is Jack.

Here, Jack is introducing himself, most probably on the phone.

This is my friend, Alex.

  • This is used to show something to someone or to call someone's attention to something, such as:

Wow! look at this. What a beautiful flower!

'This' is an object here.

  • This is used to refer to a general situation, activity, or event which is happening or has just happened and in which you feel involved. Like:

I thought this is why I've traveled thousands of miles.

'This' is a subject.

I love this.

'This' is an object.

Tim, this is awful. I know what you must think, but it's not so.

Position in a Sentence

This as a demonstrative pronoun replaces a noun and becomes the subject or the object of a sentence. For example:

I love this.

'This' is a demonstrative pronoun and used as an object.

This is beautiful.

'This' is a demonstrative pronoun used as a subject.

3. 'This' as an Adverb of Degree

Use

'This' can act as an intensifier that modifies an adjective or another adverb. It is often used in negative spoken statements.

I didn’t know he was this tall.

'Tall' is an adjective. 'This' is an adverb.

I didn't know he could sing this loudly.

'Loudly' is an adverb.

Position in a Sentence

We use this before an adjective or an adverb. Here are some examples:

I didn't know he could sing this loudly.

'This' is used before the adverb 'loudly.'

That tall! How is it possible?

'This' is used before 'tall.'

Comments

Loading recaptcha
  • linkedin
  • linkedin
  • facebook
  • facebook
  • email

You might also like

Her

In this lesson, we will learn more about 'her' which is the third-person singular pronoun, and the object pronoun of 'she.'

Us

In this lesson, we will learn more about 'Us' which is the first-person plural pronoun, and the object form of 'we.'

Them

'Them' is a third-person plural pronoun. In this part, we will go through its uses and grammatical rules in English grammar.

That

In this lesson, we will learn more about 'that,' which is a demonstrative pronoun that can replace a noun and become the subject or the object of a sentence.

These

'These' is the plural form of 'this.' In this part, we will go through its uses and grammatical rules in English grammar.

Those

'Those' is a plural demonstrative pronoun. In this part, we will go through its uses and grammatical rules in English grammar.

download langeek app for free