this is

USAGE SUMMARY

"this is" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to introduce a statement or to indicate that what follows is an explanation or an example of something. Example: This is what I meant when I said that change is necessary.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is, wow, this is practically backwards.

The New Yorker

"This is healthy, this is good.

The New York Times

"This is India, this is the reality.

The New York Times - Sports

This is not theory — this is practice".

The New York Times

This is frontal and this is insular.

The New Yorker

This is going through, this is done.

The Economist

This is nonsense, this is propaganda.

The Economist

"This is common sense, this is evidence.

Independent

This is not what this is about".

Independent

This is — this is what happens.

The New York Times

This is not "criticism", this is obsession.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is" to clearly introduce definitions, examples, or explanations to ensure clarity for your audience.

Common error

Avoid starting too many consecutive sentences with "this is", as it can make your writing sound repetitive and simplistic. Vary your sentence structure for a more engaging and sophisticated style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is" functions primarily as a declarative expression, serving to introduce, identify, or define something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard and usable phrase for making statements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

17%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is" is a ubiquitous and grammatically sound phrase in the English language. As Ludwig AI indicates, it serves to introduce, define, or explain. While versatile across various contexts, including news, academia, and informal communication, it's essential to avoid overuse for a more sophisticated writing style. Consider related phrases like "here is" or "that is" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

here is

Emphasizes the presentation or offering of something, similar to "this is" but with a focus on direct presentation.

that is

Indicates clarification or definition, subtly different from "this is" which introduces.

it is

More general and can refer to something already mentioned, unlike "this is" which often introduces something new.

the following is

More formal way to introduce a list or explanation, differing in formality from "this is".

what we have here is

Emphasizes a current situation or item at hand, adding a sense of immediacy.

this signifies

Highlights the meaning or implication of something, rather than simply identifying it.

consider this

Invites the listener to reflect on what is about to be presented, adding an element of contemplation.

note that

Draws attention to a specific detail or piece of information, shifting the focus to importance.

you should know

Highlights that the following information is important for the listener to know.

for instance

Introduces an example to illustrate a point, adding specificity to the general statement.

FAQs

How to use "this is" in a sentence?

"This is" is used to introduce or identify something. For example, "This is my friend, John" or "This is an example of how to use the phrase".

What can I say instead of "this is"?

Alternatives include "here is", "that is", or "it is", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "this is" in formal writing?

"This is" is generally suitable for all types of writing, but in very formal contexts, consider alternatives like "the following is" for a more sophisticated tone.

How does "this is" differ from "it is"?

"This is" typically introduces something new or specific, while "it is" refers back to something already mentioned. For example, "This is a new concept. It is important to understand it".