Sign inThis
'This' is a word that shows something or someone. In this part, we will go through its uses and grammatical rules in 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.
Functions of 'This'
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 a subject.
I like
'This cat' is an object.
- This is used to mention something or someone that has already been stated, Like:
I like grilled sweet fish,
I bought a hat. I like
'This hat' is an object.
- This is used to call someone's attention to something, for example:
'This cat' is a subject.
Look, I have bought
- This is used in combinations related to time, meaning 'during a specific time at present,' like:
- This is used while narrating something in informal English, for example:
Then
'This man' is a subject.
I saw
Position in a Sentence
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:
I want
'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
I bought a ring.
- This is used to introduce someone. It is also used on the phone, for example:
Hello,
Here, Jack is introducing himself, most probably on the phone.
- This is used to show something to someone or to call someone's attention to something, such as:
Wow! look at
'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 a subject.
I love
'This' is an object.
Tim,
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' is a demonstrative pronoun and used as an object.
'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
'Tall' is an adjective. 'This' is an adverb.
I didn't know he could sing
'Loudly' is an adverb.
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