this individual

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this individual" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific person in a formal or neutral context, often in academic or professional writing. Example: "This individual has demonstrated exceptional skills in their field, making significant contributions to the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We can possess this individual.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This individual said he thought so.

The New York Times

"This individual was forty-nine years old.

The New Yorker

This individual power leads to others.

The New York Times

They went after this individual and they confronted this individual in our airport.

The Guardian

CAAT will not say who this individual is.

The Guardian

We are continuing to look for this individual.

The New York Times

They have determined that this individual [Sutcliffe] does not.

The Guardian

Government intervention should supplement, not replace, this individual effort.

The Guardian

I don't know how angry this individual is.

The Guardian

Progress can happen only at this individual level.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this individual" in formal writing where a neutral and slightly distanced tone is appropriate. It's suitable for academic papers, reports, and official correspondence.

Common error

Avoid using "this individual" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "this person" or the person's name.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this individual" functions as a determiner plus a noun, creating a noun phrase. Its primary grammatical function is to refer to a specific person in a formal or neutral way. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase is frequently used in various contexts to identify a particular subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this individual" is a grammatically sound and widely used way to refer to a specific person, especially in formal and neutral contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, its presence is common across news, scientific, and business domains. While versatile, it's crucial to reserve its use for contexts demanding a degree of formality, opting for simpler alternatives like "this person" in casual settings. Understanding the nuances of "this individual" allows for more precise and effective communication, ensuring your writing remains clear and appropriately toned.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this person

More common and less formal.

that individual

Refers to someone previously mentioned or at a distance.

the aforementioned individual

More formal, used to refer back to someone already named.

the subject in question

Used when discussing someone who is under consideration or investigation.

the party involved

Neutral, often used in legal or official contexts.

the relevant person

Highlights the person's connection to a specific matter.

aforementioned party

Legal and formal phrase referring to a previously mentioned person.

the respective individual

Used when referring to different people in a group, each considered separately.

said person

Legal jargon; refers to someone just mentioned.

specific person

Emphasizes that one particular person is meant.

FAQs

How can I use "this individual" in a sentence?

You can use "this individual" to refer to a specific person, particularly in formal contexts. For example, "This individual has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills".

What are some alternatives to "this individual"?

Some alternatives include "this person", "the aforementioned individual", or "the subject in question" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "this individual" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, using "this individual" in casual conversation may sound overly formal. It's generally better to use simpler terms like "this person" or the person's name.

What's the difference between "this individual" and "this person"?

"This individual" is generally considered more formal and distanced than "this person". The choice depends on the desired tone and context of your writing or speech.