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this

this [ iss ] CORE MEANING: a grammatical word used to indicate somebody or something already mentioned or identified or something understood by both the speaker and hearer

(adj) This book is brilliant.

(adj) This holiday - how much is it going to cost?

(pron) Is this why you've been so happy lately?

(pron) I first encountered this while traveling abroad.

Definition:

1. adjective close by: used to indicate somebody or something present or close by, especially as distinct from somebody or something further away, referred to as "that"

(adj) I much prefer this painting to that one.

(pron) What's this?

2. adjective previously mentioned: used to indicate somebody or something just mentioned

3. adjective indicating words to follow: used to indicate a phrase or statement about to be said

(adj) All I can say is this one word - no.

(pron) Hey, listen to this!

4. adjective stated time: used to refer to a specific time in the past or present

(pron) I expected him back before this.

(adj) At this particular moment she felt she'd never experience such happiness again.

5. adjective not previously mentioned: used to indicate somebody or something not previously mentioned, especially when telling a story to give a sense of immediacy ( informal )

Then this woman came running up to me, shouting at the top of her voice.

6. adverb to this degree: used to emphasize the degree of a feeling or quality

I was this close to quitting.

[ Old English þis, þes< Indo-European]

this and that miscellaneous unimportant things

Word Usage


	In formal writing, this should not be used as an intensifier modifying a noun, where the definite article the or the indefinite articles a/an are the appropriate choices. Usages like these are informal: When I reached work I had this uncomfortable thought that I had not locked the door.You've just got to call this person I know in the main office to straighten out your scheduling problem.Suddenly this woman selling cosmetics appeared at my door. The more acceptable wordings are the uncomfortable thought;a person I know in the main office;a woman selling cosmetics.