this

1.adjectiveA1

Definition

used to point to a person, an object, or an idea that is physically near you, happening right now, or the main topic of what you are saying.

Example

Lien put this photo on her desk so she could see it every day.

attributive: this + noun (photo)

Can you help me carry this box up the stairs?

Common collocations

this + noun
this + person

Antonyms

that
refers to something farther away in space, time, or thought

Usage Note

This is the most basic sense of 'this' as an adjective. It always comes before a noun and points to something specific that the speaker and listener both know about.

Common Mistakes

This books are expensive.

These books are expensive.

'this' is singular; use 'these' for plural nouns.

The this car is mine.

This car is mine.

do not put an article (a/an/the) before 'this'.

2.adjectiveB1

Definition

used to introduce something that you are about to say, show, or write, pointing forward to what comes next.

Example

The purpose of this report is to explain the updated safety rules.

formal: this + report / this + document

Listen to this recording of a rare bird that lives in the forest.

Common collocations

this report
this statement
this announcement
this question

Synonyms

the following
more formal; often used in academic or business writing
the next
suggests a sequence, such as the next point in a list

Usage Note

In this sense 'this' often refers to something that has not yet been mentioned — the content follows in the same sentence or the next utterance. Common in formal writing, speeches, and announcements.

3.adjectiveA1

Definition

used to refer to the present time, including today, this week, this month, this year, or the current season.

Example

This summer, the Park family is going to visit their grandmother in Seoul.

this + season (summer / winter / spring / autumn)

I have three exams this week and I need to study every evening.

Common collocations

this week
this month
this year
this morning
this summer

Synonyms

the current
more formal; used with periods like 'the current month' or 'the current year'
present
used in formal contexts, e.g. 'the present week'

Antonyms

last
refers to the period before the current one, e.g. 'last week'
next
refers to the period after the current one, e.g. 'next month'

Grammar Patterns

this + time word

Usage Note

When 'this' is used with a day of the week (this Monday, this Friday), it refers to the nearest upcoming day with that name. With seasons or longer periods, it refers to the current or most recent one.

Common Mistakes

I will see you on this Monday.

I will see you this Monday.

do not use 'on' before 'this Monday'.

This year I went to Japan last month.

Last year I went to Japan.

'this year' means the current year, not a past one.

4.adjectiveB1

Definition

used to introduce a particular person, thing, or situation that has not been mentioned before, especially when telling a story or sharing an experience.

Example

There was this old man at the bus stop who gave me directions.

storytelling pattern: there was this + noun

Élise once told me this story about a parrot that could sing opera.

Common collocations

there was this + noun
had this + adjective + noun
this + noun + who/that

Synonyms

a certain
more formal and slightly mysterious; often used in writing
some
similar informal sense, e.g. 'some guy at the door'

Usage Note

This sense is almost always used in informal spoken English or personal storytelling. Unlike sense 1, the person or thing is being mentioned for the first time and the listener does not already know about it.

Common Mistakes

There was this man which helped me.

There was this man who helped me.

use 'who' for people, not 'which'.

5.adjectiveA2

Definition

used to show which one of two or more things you mean, especially the one that is closer to you or more directly under discussion.

Example

I prefer this jacket over the grey one because it is much warmer.

contrastive: this + noun + over / than + that / the other

Would you like to sit on this side of the table or that side?

Common collocations

this side
this option
this one
this way

Antonyms

that
refers to the one farther away or less directly under discussion

Grammar Patterns

this + noun + (prepositional phrase / while-clause)

Usage Note

This sense often appears in structures comparing 'this' with 'that' or 'the other'. It depends on physical pointing or context that makes the contrast clear. Distinguish from sense 1, which does not involve comparison.

Idioms

this day and age

idiom

the present time, especially when comparing modern life with the past.

In this day and age, most people carry a smartphone everywhere they go.

It is hard to believe that in this day and age some children still do not have access to clean water.

this way and that

idiom

in all directions or from one side to the other repeatedly; used to describe movement or indecision.

The puppy ran this way and that, chasing leaves across the garden.

Mark kept turning the problem this way and that but could not find a solution.

1.adverbA2

Definition

used to say that something is as much, as big, or as extreme as what you can see, hear, or have just experienced — for example, holding your hands apart to show that a fish was [this] wide, or saying that you did not know a train ride would be [this] long.

Example

Ryo did not realize the airport was this far from the city center.

this + adverb (far), modifying distance

If the water is this cold in June, imagine how cold it gets in January.

this + adjective (cold), contrastive clause

Common collocations

this big
this much
this far
this long
this quickly
this early
this expensive
this hot
this cold
this late

Synonyms

so
wider use — 'so' works without a visible referent and is acceptable in formal writing; 'this' needs a present reference point
that
used for a degree away from the speaker ('Is it really that far?'); 'this' is closer to the speaker
as … as this
more explicit but less common in everyday speech ('as big as this' instead of 'this big')

Grammar Patterns

this + adjective

this + adverb

Usage Note

The speaker must have a clear referent — a visible object, a measurable amount, or a previously mentioned standard — that establishes what 'this' degree refers to. Without such a referent, use 'so' instead (e.g. 'I didn't know it was so hot' works alone; 'I didn't know it was this hot' implies looking at or feeling the heat right now).

Common Mistakes

I have never seen a building this.

I have never seen a building this tall.

The adverb 'this' must be followed by an adjective or adverb; it cannot stand alone.

It was this big that I could not carry it.

It was so big that I could not carry it.

'This' cannot introduce a result clause; use 'so…that' for that structure.

1.determiner / pronounA1

Definition

points to a person, object, or situation that is physically or temporally close to the speaker — for example, the chair you are sitting on, the room you are in, or today's date. Often contrasts with 'that', which refers to something farther away.

Example

Eli picked up this book from the table and showed it to his mother.

demonstrative determiner: this + noun phrase

The view from this window is much better than from that one.

contrast: this vs that

Common collocations

this book
this house
this morning
this person
this one
this time

Synonyms

that
contrasting determiner for things farther away; the pair 'this/that' defines spatial or temporal distance

Antonyms

that
refers to something farther from the speaker in space or time

Grammar Patterns

this + noun

this one

this is / was + noun phrase

Usage Note

Subject position patterns: 'this' as determiner naturally pairs with a following noun (this room, this idea). As pronoun, 'this is' starts a sentence that identifies or presents something. Unlike 'it', 'this' draws attention to the specific referent rather than just referring back to it.

Common Mistakes

This cats are friendly.

These cats are friendly.

'this' is singular; use 'these' for plural nouns.

I like this book here and that book here too.

I like this book here and that book there too.

'this' for near things, 'that' for far things.

2.determiner / pronounA2

Definition

points back to a person, thing, or idea that has been mentioned earlier in the conversation or text, so the listener knows which one the speaker means.

Example

Kabir missed the team meeting, and this news made everyone worried.

anaphoric reference: replaces previously stated event

Wei had studied all night for this exam that he mentioned last week.

Common collocations

this idea
this situation
this problem
this matter
this point

Synonyms

that
can also refer back to something just mentioned, but with slightly more distance from the speaker's attention
the
definite article used instead of 'this' when no special attention is needed

Grammar Patterns

this + noun (referring back)

this is/was + noun phrase

this + noun phrase + of + possessive

Usage Note

Distinguish from sense 1 (NEAR IN SPACE OR TIME): sense 1 requires physical or temporal closeness to the speaker; sense 2 works even when the referent is distant, as long as it was previously named in the discourse. Common in academic and formal writing to maintain reference without repeating a noun phrase.

Common Mistakes

We saw a movie. This movie was about space.' (if the movie was just named).

We saw a movie. This movie was about space.

Fine, but often 'the movie' or 'it' is more natural in English. 'This' is strong and draws attention to the referent.

3.determiner / pronounA2

Definition

said when telling someone who you are, or when making two people known to each other for the first time — for example, at the start of a phone call or when introducing a friend.

Example

Mom, this is my friend Dewi from the swimming club.

presentational: this is + name + role description

Hi, this is Élise speaking — can I talk to Dr. Park?

phone introduction: this is + name

Common collocations

this is
this is my
this is our

Synonyms

meet
verb used in invitation to an introduction: 'Come meet my brother.'

Grammar Patterns

this is + name

this is + my + noun

this is + name + — + role description

Usage Note

Fixed formula: 'This is…' is the standard way to introduce people in English. Unlike sense 1, it does not point to physical proximity — the person being introduced may be standing next to you or on the phone. In phone calls, 'This is [name]' is used by the speaker identifying themselves, not the listener.

Common Mistakes

He is my friend, Tom.' (when introducing).

This is my friend Tom.

for introductions, 'this is' is the natural pattern, not 'he is'.

4.determiner / pronounA2

Definition

said when drawing someone's attention to something, often using a hand gesture or by holding the object up — for example, pointing at a photo, showing a new item, or directing someone to look at something specific.

Example

Look at this drawing that our daughter made at school today.

imperative + look at this + noun clause

You need to press this button here to start the machine.

Common collocations

look at this
this one here
this is what
this thing

Grammar Patterns

this + noun (with gesture)

look at this

this is + noun phrase

Usage Note

Often accompanied by a physical gesture (pointing, holding up). The difference from sense 1 (NEAR IN SPACE OR TIME) is the speaker's communicative goal: sense 4 is about directing the listener's attention, while sense 1 is about identifying which referent is meant. Many sentences could fit both senses depending on context.

Common Mistakes

Look this picture.

Look at this picture.

'look' needs 'at' before the object; 'this' alone does not replace the preposition.

5.determiner / pronounA1

Definition

used with words for periods of time — such as 'morning', 'month', or 'year' — to refer to the current one, the one that is happening now.

Example

We are planning to visit Grandma this weekend if the weather stays nice.

temporal determiner: this + weekend

This year the company hired fifty new workers at the factory.

Common collocations

this morning
this week
this month
this year
this afternoon
this evening

Synonyms

current
adjective; more formal than 'this', used in business and academic contexts (current year)
present
adjective; formal, used in official documents (the present month)

Antonyms

last
refers to the time period before the current one
next
refers to the time period after the current one

Grammar Patterns

this + time noun (morning, week, year, month, century)

Usage Note

Distinguish from 'last' (past time period) and 'next' (future time period). 'This' covers the current time period that includes the moment of speaking. For near future within the current period, 'this' can be used with 'weekend' or 'afternoon' even for parts that haven't happened yet.

Common Mistakes

I will visit you on this Friday.

I will visit you this Friday.

no preposition 'on' needed with 'this' + day.

This past year has been hard.' (when meaning the current year)

This year has been hard.

'this year' means the current calendar year or the 12-month period including now.

6.determiner / pronounB1

Definition

used when talking about something connected with a particular person, while showing a feeling such as fondness, irritation, or sympathy — for example, saying 'this daughter of mine' with pride or 'this noise of yours' with annoyance.

Example

I cannot believe this noise from your room at three in the morning.

emotive determiner expressing annoyance

Wren has been working hard on this project of hers for many months.

structure: this + noun + of + possessive pronoun

Common collocations

this + noun + of + possessive
this + noun + of + possessive's

Synonyms

such
can express a similar attitude but without the personal connection: 'I can't believe such noise.'

Grammar Patterns

this + noun + of + possessive (this dog of yours)

this + noun + of + possessive's

Usage Note

The structure 'this + noun + of + possessive pronoun (yours, his, hers, theirs)' is the signature pattern. The speaker's attitude (positive or negative) comes from context and tone — the structure itself signals emotional involvement, not the type of feeling. Common in informal spoken English. Not used with simple 'my/your/his' as determiner — 'this my dog' is ungrammatical; use 'this dog of mine' instead.

Common Mistakes

I love this your dress.

I love this dress of yours.

'this' and a possessive determiner cannot go together before a noun; use 'of + possessive pronoun' structure.

7.determiner / pronounB1

Definition

used in spoken stories as a determiner to bring up a person, thing, or event that the listener has not heard about before, making the story feel more lively and immediate.

Example

So there is this girl from my class who can speak five languages.

this + noun to introduce a new character in a story

Tamar told me about this café near her office that serves amazing coffee.

Common collocations

this + person/thing (story opening)
there is/was this + noun

Synonyms

a certain
more formal and less common in everyday stories
some
even vaguer; 'some guy' feels less connected to the story than 'this guy'

Grammar Patterns

this + noun (new referent in story)

Usage Note

Only used in informal spoken narratives, not in writing. The thing or person introduced with 'this' must play a role in the rest of the story — if it is mentioned only once, use 'a' or 'some' instead.

Common Mistakes

This morning I saw this dog on the street, but I never saw it again.

This morning I saw a dog on the street, but I never saw it again.

Use 'a' for characters that appear only once and do not matter to the story.

8.determiner / pronounB1

Definition

used as a pronoun to mean a current situation, a set of ongoing activities, or a collection of matters that the speaker is experiencing or dealing with.

Example

I wish I had someone to help me with all this.

this as pronoun for a difficult situation

Chidi has been dealing with this ever since he started his new job.

Common collocations

all this
deal with this
sort this out
get through this
put an end to this

Synonyms

this situation
more explicit; used when the listener might not follow the pronoun alone
these things
emphasises multiple separate items rather than a single state
this mess
negative connotation; implies disorder or trouble

Grammar Patterns

this (as pronoun standing alone for a situation)

Usage Note

The referent of 'this' in this sense is usually understood from the context — the speaker may point to a messy room, a pile of paperwork, or a stressful life situation. It is common in phrases like 'put an end to this' and 'get through this'.

Common Mistakes

This is very difficult to understand' (when meaning a specific concept).

This is very difficult to understand' is correct

but if you mean abstract life events, clarify with 'all this' or 'this situation.'

Idioms

this and that

idiom

various different things or activities, often mentioned without giving details.

We sat at the café and talked about this and that for hours.

What did you do over the weekend? Oh, just this and that around the house.

this is it

idiom

said when something important is about to happen and the moment has arrived.

The judge will announce the winner now — this is it!

After years of training, this is it — her first Olympic race.

this way

idiom

in this direction; used to show someone where to go.

The meeting room is on the second floor — please come this way.

If you turn this way, you will see the library on your left.

this and that | this, that and the other

idiom

A phrase used to refer to various different things or activities without being specific.

We spent the afternoon chatting about this and that.

What did you buy at the market? Just this and that.

1.determinerA1

Definition

used before a noun to point to a particular person, thing, or idea that is close to the speaker — close in space, in time, or in the conversation

Example

Talia picked up this red pen and started writing in her notebook.

this + noun for a physically nearby object

Can you sign this form before you leave the office at five?

Common collocations

this morning
this time
this way
this year
this week
this book
this house
this problem

Synonyms

that
points to something farther away; 'this' indicates nearness, 'that' indicates distance
the
less specific than 'this'; 'the' does not highlight closeness or immediate attention

Antonyms

that
refers to something farther away in space, time, or the conversation

Grammar Patterns

this + noun — points to a specific nearby thing, person, or idea

Usage Note

Unlike a/an or the, 'this' specifically picks out one item from others near the speaker. The plural form is 'these'. Distinguish from sense 3 of the 'determiner, pronoun' POS (introductions) — sense 1 is about identifying an existing referent, not presenting a new person.

Common Mistakes

I like this dogs.

I like these dogs.

'this' is only used with singular or uncountable nouns; use 'these' for plural countable nouns.

2.determinerA2

Definition

used to introduce one person to another person or to a group — the speaker points to the person being introduced

Example

Rachid, this is my colleague Maeve from the marketing team.

this is + name/role for introducing someone

Mom, this is my friend Daniel who I told you about last week.

Common collocations

this is
this is my friend
this is my colleague
this is Mr./Ms.
this is my brother/sister

Synonyms

meet
an imperative verb rather than a determiner; 'This is ...' is a fixed introduction formula

Grammar Patterns

This is + [name/role] — formal or informal introduction

Everyone, this is + [name] — group introduction

Usage Note

In introductions, 'this' stays singular even if you are introducing more than one person ('These are my friends'). The verb agrees with the noun that follows: 'This is my sister' but 'These are my parents.'

Common Mistakes

This is me, Ian.' (when answering the phone or introducing yourself).

Hello, this is Ian.

For self-introduction on the phone, use 'this is + name' without calling it a determiner use.

3.determinerB1

Definition

used before an adjective of time, distance, or degree to mean 'already so' or 'as much as this' — emphasising that a situation has reached a noticeable extent

Example

I cannot believe it is this late — I should have left an hour ago.

this + adjective (late) — emphasising surprising degree

We have been walking this long and still cannot see the station.

this + adjective (long) — duration already reached

Common collocations

this late
this long
this hard
this big
this crowded
this much

Synonyms

so
neutral and common across registers; 'this' adds a more conversational, emphatic tone
that
also works before adjectives ('that long'), but implies a specific comparison; 'this' implies the current situation
already
adverb of time, less flexible before adjectives; 'this' works as a determiner-like intensifier

Grammar Patterns

this + adjective — emphasizes a surprising or notable degree

Usage Note

This sense is informal and mainly British. It functions like 'so' or 'already' but with a stronger emotional colour — surprise, frustration, or emphasis. The adjective must express a scalable quality (late, long, hard, big, many). Not used with non-gradable adjectives (❌ 'this impossible').

Common Mistakes

It was this late last night when I arrived.' (telling a past story).

It was so late last night when I arrived.

'this' only works when the situation is still ongoing or present, not for a completed past event.

Idioms

this and that

idiom

various different things or topics that are not important enough to name one by one

Élise and I sat at the cafe for an hour chatting about this and that.

What did you buy at the market? — Oh, just this and that.

this is it

idiom

used to say that a moment or situation has arrived, especially an important or decisive one

The exam papers are on the table. Okay, this is it — good luck everyone.

After three years of training, this is it — the final match.

this is the life

idiom

used to express that the current situation is very pleasant or represents an ideal way to live

Sitting on the beach with a cold drink — now this is the life.

After weeks of hard work, Minh lay in the hammock and thought, this is the life.

1.pronounA1

Definition

a pronoun that points to a person, object, or situation physically close to the speaker, or to something the speaker has only recently started talking about — for example, pointing at a dish and saying 'This tastes amazing,' or holding up a phone and saying 'This is the latest model.'

Example

This is the kitchen we finished painting last weekend with Tariq.

pronoun subject: this is + noun phrase

Could you hold this for a moment while I open the door?

pronoun object: hold this

Common collocations

this is
this feels
this looks
this seems
this sounds

Synonyms

that
contrasting pronoun for something farther away; 'this' = near, 'that' = far
it
neutral pronoun; 'it' does not draw attention to closeness the way 'this' does

Antonyms

that
the farther object or person

Grammar Patterns

this is + noun phrase

this + verb (intransitive)

this + verb + object

Usage Note

As a pronoun, 'this' replaces a full noun phrase and stands alone as the subject or object of a clause. It is most common at the start of a sentence ('This is…'), where it identifies or presents something. Unlike the determiner use, no noun follows — the referent is clear from context, gesture, or prior mention.

Common Mistakes

This is delicious soup.' (when meaning 'This soup is delicious').

This is delicious.' (pronoun) vs 'This soup is delicious.' (determiner).

Be careful: 'this' alone as pronoun cannot modify a noun; the noun must follow if you use the determiner form.

2.pronounA2

Definition

used to refer forward to something that the speaker is about to say, write, or explain — for example, saying 'This is what I mean:' before giving an example, or writing 'This is the plan:' before listing the steps.

Example

Olivia explained her idea like this: we should all share the driving.

cataphoric: like this + colon introduces explanation

This is the best way to learn a new language — practise every day.

Common collocations

this is what
this is how
this is why
like this

Synonyms

here's
informal equivalent: 'Here's what I mean' instead of 'This is what I mean'

Grammar Patterns

this is what + clause

this is how/why/when + clause

this + verb phrase + colon or dash

Usage Note

Distinguish from sense 1 (NEARBY PERSON OR OBJECT): sense 1 looks back or points to something already present; sense 2 points forward to something not yet stated. This is called a cataphoric use. The information that follows is always the content being introduced — the speaker treats it as a single unit: 'this' = 'the following statement or idea.'

Common Mistakes

This is the reason because we left early.

This is why we left early.' or 'This is the reason we left early.

When 'this' introduces the reason, use 'why' or rephrase the structure, not 'because'.

3.pronounA2

Definition

used to refer to the current time or the place where the speaker is — for example, saying 'This is where I grew up' while standing in a neighbourhood, or 'This is the moment we have been waiting for' at a key event.

Example

After three hours of driving, this is finally the town we were looking for.

locative: this is + the + noun phrase

Esme looked at the clock and whispered this is the moment to begin.

temporal: this is the moment

Common collocations

this is where
this is when
this was the
this was + time/place noun

Synonyms

here
adverb; used for location, cannot replace 'this' in all positions ('this is...' vs 'here is...')

Antonyms

then
refers to a different time
there
refers to a different place

Grammar Patterns

this is where + clause

this is when + clause

this is the + time/place noun

Usage Note

Distinguish from sense 1: sense 1 refers to any nearby item; sense 3 is specifically about the speaker's present location or the current moment in time. A useful test: if you can replace 'this' with 'now' or 'here' and the sentence still works, it is sense 3.

Common Mistakes

This is here where I live.

This is where I live.' (or 'I live here.')

'this' and 'here' are redundant together when using the pronoun sense for location.

4.pronounB1

Definition

used when choosing between two things to indicate the one that is physically nearer, more relevant now, or more directly being examined — for example, pointing at two coats and saying 'I prefer this, not that,' or comparing two suggestions and saying 'This seems more practical.'

Example

Between the red bag and the blue one, Nadia chose this because it was cheaper.

contrastive: this vs that (pronoun)

Tariq held up two phones and asked which camera was better — this or that.

Common collocations

this or that
this and that
this is better
this one
this + comparative adjective

Synonyms

this one
adds 'one' for emphasis when the referent is a countable item: 'I'll take this one.'

Antonyms

that
the farther or less relevant option

Grammar Patterns

this is + noun phrase + not that

this one + relative clause

this + vs + that

Usage Note

This sense almost always appears in a contrastive context with 'that' — either explicitly ('this or that') or implicitly (the speaker is selecting from options). The difference from sense 1 is the comparative frame: sense 1 simply points to something present; sense 4 selects it as the nearer or more relevant item out of two or more alternatives.

Common Mistakes

This of the two is better.

This one of the two is better' or simply 'This is better.

The contrastive pronoun 'this' is natural alone; adding 'one' is optional but common.

5.pronounB1

Definition

used in formal speech or writing to refer to the last-mentioned item when two people, things, or ideas have been named — for example, saying 'We discussed two options: leaving early or waiting. This seemed safer.' Here 'this' means 'the last one mentioned' (waiting), not the first one.

Example

The manager considered both hiring and training new staff; this would take more time.

anaphoric: this = the last item (training)

Between saving money and travelling abroad, Olivia chose this for now.

Common collocations

between X and Y, this
this + verb + the last option
this + leads to / refers to

Synonyms

the latter
formal alternative that removes ambiguity: 'the latter' always means the last-mentioned item
the last one
informal alternative: 'The last one seems better.'

Antonyms

that
in this contrastive use, 'that' may refer to the first-mentioned item

Grammar Patterns

this + verb + and/but + that + verb

this + refers to + noun phrase

this was + mentioned

Usage Note

This is a classical 'anaphoric' use of 'this' where it refers back to the more recently mentioned item out of two. In many contexts, 'this' can be ambiguous — it may refer to either the nearer item in space or the more recent one in discourse. When precision is needed, formal English uses 'the latter' instead. Distinguish from sense 4: sense 4 contrasts items by physical or attentional closeness; sense 5 contrasts by order of mention in the text or speech.

Common Mistakes

I like dogs and cats. This are friendly.

I like dogs and cats. These are friendly.

'this' is singular; use 'these' for plural referents, even when referring to a category.

Word family

these
determinerA1
these
pronounA1
that
determinerA1
that
pronounA1
those
determinerA1
those
pronounA1
thither
adverbC2
thence
adverbC2

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

這四個詞在指涉功能上有關鍵差異：「this」vs「that」— this 表示近距離（空間、時間或心理上靠近說話者），如 This book in my hand is interesting；that 表示遠距離（遠處或過去），如 That mountain is far away。「this」vs「it」— this 可引入新資訊或強調特定對象，it 則指代前文已明確提及的已知事物。例如 This is my friend（介紹新人物）與 I met him yesterday; he is nice（it 指已知對象）。「this」vs「the」— the 僅表示雙方都知道的特定事物（如 the sun），this 則強調當下性與靠近感（如 this weather we are having）。在對話中，選用 this 而非 the 會帶來更強烈的「就在這裡、現在」的語氣。

this ↗that ↗it ↗the ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

this time
this way
this reason
this moment
this place
this point

Adverbs

this much
this far
this long
this late

Phrases

this is / this was
this one
this + noun (attributive)
this and that
like this

Prepositions

of this
in this
with this
for this

Etymology

Proto-GermanicOld EnglishMiddle EnglishModern English

「this」源自古英語 þes（陽性）、þēos（陰性）、þis（中性），屬日耳曼語系 þa- 詞根（與「that」、「the」同源）加上指示後綴 -s。與德語 dies、荷蘭語 deze 同源。自古英語時期起即用作指示形容詞與代名詞，表示靠近說話者的人事物。

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this

this — adjective

1. used to point to a person, an object, or an idea that is physically near you, ha

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2. used to introduce something that you are about to say, show, or write, pointing

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3. used to refer to the present time, including today, this week, this month, this

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4. used to introduce a particular person, thing, or situation that has not been men

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5. used to show which one of two or more things you mean, especially the one that i

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this — adverb

1. used to say that something is as much, as big, or as extreme as what you can see

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this — determiner / pronoun

1. points to a person, object, or situation that is physically or temporally close

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2. points back to a person, thing, or idea that has been mentioned earlier in the c

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3. said when telling someone who you are, or when making two people known to each o

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4. said when drawing someone's attention to something, often using a hand gesture o

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5. used with words for periods of time — such as 'morning', 'month', or 'year' — to

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6. used when talking about something connected with a particular person, while show

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7. used in spoken stories as a determiner to bring up a person, thing, or event tha

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8. used as a pronoun to mean a current situation, a set of ongoing activities, or a

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this — determiner

1. used before a noun to point to a particular person, thing, or idea that is close

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2. used to introduce one person to another person or to a group — the speaker point

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3. used before an adjective of time, distance, or degree to mean 'already so' or 'a

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this — exclamation

1. when a user replies 'THIS!' to something on social media, they are showing that

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this — pronoun

1. a pronoun that points to a person, object, or situation physically close to the

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2. used to refer forward to something that the speaker is about to say, write, or e

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