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This

adverbs of degreedemonstrative determinersdemonstrative pronounsdemonstrativesthis

'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.

Functions of 'This'

  1. Demonstrative Determiner
  2. Demonstrative Pronoun
  3. Adverb of Degree

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.'

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