this */*/*/

UK [ðɪs] / US adverb, determiner, pronoun

Summary:

This can be used in the following ways: - as a determiner (followed by a noun): He gave me this diamond ring. - as a demonstrative pronoun (without a following noun): This is the photograph you asked for. - as an adverb (before an adjective, adverb, or "much"): It's a long time since I felt this good.

1)

Word forms "this":
plural these UK [ðiːz] / US [ðɪz] the one that is known used when you are referring to a particular person, thing, fact etc that has just been mentioned, or when it is obvious which one you are referring to

Sometimes there's flooding, and this is why no one wants to live here.

Based on Edith Wharton's novel, this latest film stars Gillian Anderson.

Robbery, rape, drug dealing – these are just some of the crimes that are on the increase.

2) mainly spoken what you are going to say used for referring to the particular thing that you are going to talk about

Now, this is what I want you to do, so listen carefully.

3)

Word forms "this":
plural these UK [ðiːz] / US [ðɪz] the one that is here

a) used for referring to something that you are wearing, holding, or showing

I've brought this book to show you.

I bought these shoes in Italy.

b) used for referring to the place that you are in

This large room where we're standing now is the banqueting hall.

This is where I catch the bus.

c) used for referring to the thing that is nearest to you, especially when you are pointing to it

This is my towel and that's yours.

These oranges are really expensive.

4)

Word forms "this":
plural these UK [ðiːz] / US [ðɪz] the present one

a) used for referring to the present time

I don't get much spare time these days.

Why haven't you phoned me before this?

I'm going to be away the whole of this week.

this morning/afternoon/evening (= the morning/afternoon/evening of today):

Benson was late again this morning.

b)

Word forms "this":
plural these used for referring to something that is happening or to something that you are doing

Is this your first visit to Ireland?

In this chapter I will discuss the development of the market economy.

c) used before the name of a particular day, month, season etc to mean the one that will come next

Are we going to have enough fuel this winter?

5)

Word forms "this":
plural these UK [ðiːz] / US [ðɪz] used in introductions used when you are introducing someone

This is our new secretary, Veronica Taylor.

These are my friends Claudia and Jack.

6) used when saying who you are used when you are saying who you are in a telephone conversation or on the radio or television

Hello, this is Kim Riley speaking.

This is the BBC World Service broadcasting from London.

7) [often in negatives] spoken so so, or to such a degree

this good/much/far etc:

When you've come this far, you don't think of turning back.

I haven't had this much fun since I was a kid.

as good/cold/expensive etc as this:

It was cold in Toronto, but it wasn't as cold as this.

8) spoken used for showing how big or how much used when you use your hands to show how big something is or how much of it there is

The grass was this high.

There's only about this much wine left in the bottle.

9) spoken

Word forms "this":
plural these UK [ðiːz] / US [ðɪz] used for referring to a particular person or thing used in a story or a joke when you mention a person or thing without giving a name

There was this big guy standing in the doorway.

•

this minute/second — spoken immediately, or just a moment ago

Come out of there! Right this second!

She has just this minute arrived back.

- this and that

- this is it