this

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "this" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it as a pronoun to refer to a specific item or action previously mentioned, such as in the sentence: "I left my lunch in this room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is wrong".

The New York Times

But is this right?

The New York Times

This is probably true.

The New York Times

There is a reason for this.

The New York Times - Sports

It wasn't always like this, of course.

The New York Times - Travel

This list is far from exhaustive.

The Guardian

As an environmentalist, and someone who believes that everyone in this world has a right to a healthy and nutritious diet of their choosing, I could not have chosen a more counter-productive path.

The New York Times

What explains this?

The New York Times

This was a mistake.

The New York Times

This is hardly surprising.

The New York Times - Sports

How to explain this?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this" to clearly indicate the specific item or idea you are referencing to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "this" as it can make your writing repetitive. Vary your sentence structure and use synonyms or rephrase to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

"This" primarily functions as a determiner or pronoun, specifying a particular item, idea, or situation within the context. Ludwig AI indicates that "this" is generally correct for use in written English, aligning with its role in specifying nouns or serving as a standalone pronoun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this" is a versatile word used to specify or indicate something particular, whether physically present or conceptually close. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness in written English. It functions mainly as a determiner or pronoun with a neutral register, making it suitable for various contexts. While very common, clarity is key; avoid overuse without a clear reference to prevent ambiguity. By considering alternatives like "that" or "the aforementioned" in certain contexts, you can enhance the precision and flow of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that

Indicates something at a distance or already mentioned.

this one

Emphasizes a specific item from a group of similar items.

the aforementioned

Formally refers to something previously mentioned.

the current

Refers to the present situation or time.

the indicated

Points to something that has been specified or shown.

this very

Adds emphasis to the specific item or time.

the following

Introduces something that will be mentioned next.

the present

Refers to something existing or happening now.

this particular

Highlights a specific item as distinct from others.

such

Refers to something of the kind previously mentioned.

FAQs

How can I use "this" in a sentence?

"This" can be used as a determiner (e.g., "This book is interesting"), a pronoun (e.g., "This is my favorite"), or an adverb (e.g., "I need this much time").

What's the difference between "this" and "that"?

"This" refers to something nearby or present, while "that" refers to something further away or previously mentioned.

What can I say instead of "this" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "the aforementioned", "the current", or "the indicated".

Is it ever incorrect to use "this"?

It's generally correct, but overuse or vague references can make your writing unclear. Ensure "this" has a clear and specific referent.