pronunciation note: The determiner is pronounced (ðɪs). In other cases, this is pronounced (ðɪs).
1. determiner
You use this to refer back to a particular person or thing that has been mentioned or implied.
Food should be left to stand. During this delay the centre carries on cooking.
The U.S. suspended a proposed $574 million aid package. Of this amount, $250 millionis for military purchases.
This is also a pronoun.
I don't know how bad the injury is, because I have never had one like this before.
2. pronoun
You use this to introduce someone or something that you are going to talk about.
This is what I will do. I will phone Anna and explain.
This is also a determiner.
This report is from David Cook of our Science Unit: 'Why did the dinosaurs becomeextinct?'
3. pronoun
You use this to refer back to an idea or situation expressed in a previous sentence or sentences.
You feel that it's uneconomic to insist that people work together in groups. Whyis this?
A job is pretty much nine-to-five. Is this what you feel would make you happy?
This is also a determiner.
There have been demands for action to put an end to this situation.
4. determiner
In spoken English, people use this to introduce a person or thing into a story.
I came here by chance and was just watching what was going on, when this girl attackedme.
So I just walked up the steps into this big, beautiful church.
5. pronoun
You use this to refer to a person or thing that is near you, especially when you touch them or point to them. When there are two or more people or things near you, this refers to the nearest one.
'If you'd prefer something else I'll gladly have it changed for you.'—'No, this isgreat.'
'Is this what you were looking for?' Bradley produced the handkerchief.
This is my colleague, Mr Arnold Landon.
This is also a determiner.
This church was built in the eleventh century.
6. pronoun
You use this when you refer to a general situation, activity, or event which is happening or has just happened and which you feel involved in.
I thought, this is why I've travelled thousands of miles.
Tim, this is awful. I know what you must think, but it's not so.
Is this what you want to do with the rest of your life?
7. determiner
You use this when you refer to the place you are in now or to the present time.
We've stopped transporting weapons to this country by train.
This place is run like a hotel ought to be run.
I think coffee is probably the best thing at this point.
Nothing seems certain in this crucial period in Pakistan's political life.
This is also a pronoun.
This is the worst place I've come across.
This could have been one of the coldest golf tournaments on record.
8. determiner
You use this to refer to the next occurrence in the future of a particular day, month, season, or festival.
...this Sunday's 7.45 performance.
We're getting married this June.
Jordan's own-label collection of sweatshirts, T-shirts and caps will be availablethis Christmas.
9. adverb [ADVERB adjective]
You use this when you are indicating the size or shape of something with your hands.
They'd said the wound was only about this big you see and he showed me with his fingers.
10. adverb [ADV adv]
You use this when you are going to specify how much you know or how much you can tell someone.
I am not going to reveal my plan, but I will tell you this much: if it works out,the next few years will be very interesting.
11. convention
If you say this is it, you are agreeing with what someone else has just said.
[formulae]
'You know, people conveniently forget the things they say.'—'Well this is it.'
12. pronoun
You use this in order to say who you are or what organization you are representing, when you are speaking on the phone, radio, or television.
Hello, this is John Thompson.
'Hello, is this Raymond Brown?'—'Yeah, who's this?'.
This is NPR, National Public Radio.
13. determiner
You use this to refer to the medium of communication that you are using at the time of speaking or writing.
What I'm going to do in this lecture is focus on something very specific.
These are among the important topics that this book will try to address.
Later in this chapter, I recommend several specific steps we need to take.
14. See also these
15.
See this and that
English Easy Learning GrammarDemonstrativesDemonstratives are used to specify the distance of something in space or time in relationto the speaker. The demonstratives are: this, that, these, those. This ... Read more
English Easy Learning GrammarDeterminersDeterminers are words that make the reference of nouns more specific. If I say ‘thiscar’ it is clear that I mean a particular car which is near me. If ... Read more
English Easy Learning GrammarNoun phrases with several determinersMost noun phrases contain only one determiner or none at all, but if there are more,they follow a definite order. Determiners can be divided into four ... Read more
this in British English
(ðɪs)
determiner(used before a singular noun)
1.
a.
used preceding a noun referring to something or someone that is closer: distinct from that
this dress is cheaper than that one
look at this picture
b.
(as pronoun)
this is Mary and that is her boyfriend
take this
2.
a.
used preceding a noun that has just been mentioned or is understood
this plan of yours won't work
b.
(as pronoun)
I first saw this on Sunday
3.
a.
used to refer to something about to be said, read, etc
consider this argument
b.
(as pronoun)
listen to this
4.
a.
the present or immediate
this time you'll know better
b.
(as pronoun)
before this, I was mistaken
5. informal often used in storytelling, an emphatic form of a1, the1
I saw this big brown bear
6. this and that
7. this here
8. with this
adverb
9.
used with adjectives and adverbs to specify a precise degree that is about to be mentioned
go just this fast and you'll be safe
Word origin
Old English thēs, thēos, this (masculine, feminine, neuter singular); related to Old Saxon thit, Old High German diz, Old Norse thessi
this in American English
(ðɪs)
pronounWord forms: pluralthese
1.
the person or thing mentioned or understood
this is John; this tastes good
2.
the thing that is nearer than another referred to as “that”
this is larger than that
3.
the less remote in thought of two contrasted things
of the two possibilities, this is more likely than that
4.
the fact, idea, etc. that is being, or is about to be, mentioned, presented, etc.
this convinces us; now hear this
adjectiveWord forms: pluralthese
5.
designating the person or thing mentioned or understood
this man was John; this pie tastes good
6.
designating the thing that is nearer than the one referred to as “that”
this desk is smaller than that one
7.
designating the less remote in thought of two contrasted things
of the two, this possibility is more likely than that
8.
designating something that is being, or is about to be, mentioned, presented, etc.
hear this song; this fact will convince you
9. Informal
designating a particular but unspecified person or thing
there's this lady in Iowa
adverb
10.
to this extent; so
it was this big
Word origin
ME this, thes < OE thes, masc., this, neut. < base of the demonstrative pron.: see that
Examples of 'this' in a sentence
this
The big hitters will rake in tens of millions this summer alone.
The Sun (2016)
This means talking about difficult as well as easy things.
The Sun (2017)
Yet to win this season and just not good enough.
The Sun (2016)
This lets other people see you in a new and impressive way.
The Sun (2016)
This may feel risky but the potential rewards are worth it.
The Sun (2016)
That made me realise just how big this club is.
The Sun (2016)
Use this to cut four antlers from felt.
The Sun (2016)
We must know this and prepare in the right way.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
We need to confront this one ourselves.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
You have to commit to this sort of thing.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
Use this apparent setback to decide what is really right for you.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
This was just a blight on the whole thing.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
How can we speak to people in this frame of mind?
Christianity Today (2000)
You can see and feel that this club is trying to improve and improve.
The Sun (2011)
This is a big thing in our city and the crown is a very fun initiative.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
This is not about reducing services but looking at different ways of delivering them.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
This raises the question of when one will overtake the other.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
You become part of this bigger thing.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
The real scandal is that much of this essential food is being converted to fuel.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
It is business as usual while this review takes place.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Was this something to pity or admire?
Marsden, Philip The Crossing-Place (1993)
Now he wants to speed this up.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
This time the glory went to a group.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Will they watch the video after a situation like this and stop the game?
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
He will return to refereeing this weekend.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Something tells me this is going to be a slog.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Work plans you make this weekend are inspired.
The Sun (2009)
This is not just a simple crush.
The Sun (2016)
For most people this is a lot of money.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
This place feels very lonely and remote.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Just fur you Use this fab fluffy find to liven up any outfit.
The Sun (2012)
I think we showed the world that this summer.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
They will send a team to England this summer but goodness knows what it will look like or who will be running it by then.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
In other languages
this
British English: this /ðɪs/ DETERMINER
referring to a person or thing previously mentioned You use this to talk about someone or something that you have already mentioned.
How can we resolve this problem?
American English: this
Arabic: هَذَا أَوْ هَذِهِ
Brazilian Portuguese: este
Chinese: 这个
Croatian: ovaj
Czech: toto
Danish: denne
Dutch: dit
European Spanish: este
Finnish: tämä
French: ce
German: dies
Greek: τούτος
Italian: questo
Japanese: この
Korean: 이
Norwegian: så
Polish: taki
European Portuguese: este
Romanian: acesta
Russian: этот
Latin American Spanish: este
Swedish: denna
Thai: นี้
Turkish: bu
Ukrainian: цей
Vietnamese: người/vật này
British English: this /ðɪs/ PRONOUN
person or thing near you You use this to talk about somebody or something near you.
`Would you like a different one?'—`No, this is great.'
American English: this
Arabic: هَذَا أَوْ هَذِهِ
Brazilian Portuguese: este
Chinese: 这个
Croatian: ovo
Czech: toto
Danish: denne
Dutch: dit
European Spanish: éste
Finnish: tämä
French: cela
German: dies
Greek: τούτος
Italian: questo
Japanese: これ
Korean: 이것
Norwegian: denne
Polish: to
European Portuguese: este
Romanian: acesta
Russian: это
Latin American Spanish: éste
Swedish: den här
Thai: นี้
Turkish: bu
Ukrainian: цей
Vietnamese: cái này
British English: this /ðɪs/ DETERMINER
referring to a person or thing near you You use this followed by a noun, or followed by an adjective and a noun, to talk about somebody or something that is near you.
I like this room much better than the other one.
American English: this
Arabic: هذا
Brazilian Portuguese: deste, destes
Chinese: 这个指附近的人或物
Croatian: ovaj
Czech: tohle
Danish: dette
Dutch: deze
European Spanish: este
Finnish: tämä
French: ce
German: dieses
Greek: αυτός
Italian: questo
Japanese: この
Korean: 이, 이것
Norwegian: dette
Polish: ten
European Portuguese: este
Romanian: acesta
Russian: это
Latin American Spanish: este
Swedish: det här
Thai: นี้
Turkish: bu
Ukrainian: цей
Vietnamese: này
British English: this /ðɪs/ PRONOUN
referring to a person or thing you are going to talk about You use this to introduce someone or something that you are going to talk about.
This is what I will do. I will call her and explain.
American English: this
Arabic: هذا
Brazilian Portuguese: isto
Chinese: 这个指将要谈的人或物
Croatian: ovo
Czech: tahle
Danish: det
Dutch: dit
European Spanish: esto
Finnish: näin
French: celui-ci
German: das
Greek: αυτός
Italian: questo
Japanese: これ
Korean: 이, 이것
Norwegian: dette
Polish: to
European Portuguese: isto
Romanian: acesta
Russian: это
Latin American Spanish: esto
Swedish: detta
Thai: สิ่งนี้
Turkish: bu
Ukrainian: це
Vietnamese: này
All related terms of 'this'
this here
→ this (sense 7 )
with this
after this; thereupon
this minute
If you say that something must be done this minute , you are emphasizing that it must be done immediately .
this stage
A stage of an activity, process, or period is one part of it.
this-worldly
distinguished by or relating to material or earthly concerns; not spiritual or concerned with life in a future or imaginary world
at this rate
If you say that at this rate something bad or extreme will happen , you mean that it will happen if things continue to develop as they have been doing.
this side of
If you say that something will not happen this side of a date or event , you mean that it will not happen before that date or event.
to this day
To this day means up until and including the present time.
in this regard
on this point
like this/that
You use like this or like that when you are drawing attention to something that you are doing or that someone else is doing.
this and that
If you say that you are doing or talking about this and that , or this, that, and the other you mean that you are doing or talking about a variety of things that you do not want to specify.
this day week
a week (counting backward or forward) from today (or yesterday , etc.)
depart this life
to die
watch this space
Journalists write ' Watch this space ' in order to indicate in an informal way that they will be giving more information about something in the future .
like that
You say like this , like that , or like so when you are showing someone how something is done.
on that/this score
You can use on that score or on this score to refer to something that has just been mentioned , especially an area of difficulty or concern .
out-of-this-world
If you say that something is out of this world , you are emphasizing that it is extremely good or impressive .
that way/this way
You can use that way and this way to refer to a statement or comment that you have just made.
in this day and age
In this day and age means in modern times.
in this/that regard
You can use in this regard or in that regard to refer back to something that you have just said .
on that/this account
You can use on that account or on this account when you want to say that something happens for the reason you have just mentioned .
to this/that effect
You use to this effect , to that effect , or to the effect that to indicate that you have given or are giving a summary of something that was said or written , and not the actual words used.
not long for this world
likely to die soon
this neck of the woods
the place where you are at the moment
added to this/added to that
You use added to this or added to that to introduce a fact that supports or widens what you are saying .
at the/this moment/present moment
You use expressions such as at the moment , at this moment , and at the present moment to indicate that a particular situation exists at the time when you are speaking .
in this respect/in many respects
You use expressions like in this respect and in many respects to indicate that what you are saying applies to the feature you have just mentioned or to many features of something.
in this connection/in that connection
You say in this connection or in that connection to indicate that what you are talking about is related to what you have just mentioned .
there's more to this than meets the eye
You say ' there's more to this than meets the eye ' when you think a situation is not as simple as it seems to be.
Chinese translation of 'this'
this
(ðɪs)
Word forms:plthese
adj
(demonstrative) 这(這) (zhè)
this man这(這)个(個)男人 (zhège nánrén)
this house这(這)座房子 (zhè zuò fángzi)
this one is better than that one这(這)个(個)比那个(個)好 (zhège bǐ nàge hǎo)
(with days, months, years) 这(這)个(個) (zhège)
this Sunday/month/year这(這)个(個)星期天/本月/今年 (zhège xīngqītiān/běnyuè/jīnnián)