Words in the English language play different roles in different contexts. Here we will learn about the word “this” as a pronoun.
Pronouns are used to replace nouns to avoid redundancy. The word ‘’this” as a pronoun replaces a nounreplaces a noun.
Let us discuss some relevant facts related to the word “this” as a pronoun through the questions such as ‘when’ and ‘how’ with the help of examples.
When is “this’’ a pronoun?
The word “this” is a pronoun. Let us find out when is “this” a pronoun.
The word “This” is considered to be a pronoun when it substitutes a noun that has already been referred to in the near time.”This” is used for singular nouns.
Example: Is this your umbrella?
Explanation: Here the word “ this” as a pronoun identifies a singular noun ‘umbrella’.
When is “this” a demonstrative pronoun?
A demonstrative pronoun substitutes specific nouns that are already mentioned and are near in time and space. Let us check when is “this” a demonstrative pronoun.
“This” is considered to be a demonstrative pronoun when it replaces an object or an
the idea that is nearby.
When to use the demonstrative pronoun “this”?
We can use the demonstrative pronoun “ this” when we want to point out a singular idea that is mentioned or a thing that is nearby.
Example: Thank you for the Cake. This is delicious.
Explanation: Here “this” is used as a demonstrative pronoun when the speaker wants to talk
about the ‘cake’ once again. It replaces the singular noun ‘cake’.
How to use “this” as a demonstrative pronoun?
We can use “this” as a demonstrative pronoun with a verb or as itself.
Example: You are not conversing properly. This is bad for our business.
Explanation: Here the demonstrative pronoun “ this” is used as it is.
Examples of “this” as a demonstrative pronoun.
We have learned that “this” can function as a demonstrative pronoun. We will go through some
sentences where “this” acts as a demonstrative pronoun.
| Serial Number | Examples | Explanations |
| 1 | This is my new laptop. | Here “this” as a demonstrative pronoun points out a singular noun that is nearby. |
| 2 | This is my favourite room. | Here “this”, as a demonstrative pronoun replaces a singular noun that is mentioned just now. |
| 3 | This is gifted by my grandfather. | Here “this” as a demonstrative pronoun identifies a singular noun that is near. |
| 4 | This is my uncle’s house. | Here the demonstrative pronoun” this” represents a singular noun ‘house’ that is nearby the speaker. |
| 5 | This is an expensive ring. | “This“ as a demonstrative pronoun points out a singular noun, the ‘ring’ that is present there at the moment. |
| 6 | This is my third novel. | “This” as a demonstrative pronoun replaces the noun that is close in space |
| 7 | This is Ann’s book. | “This” as a demonstrative pronoun refers to a singular noun ‘book’ that is near. |
When is “this” an object pronoun?
It is certain that “this” is a pronoun. Let us learn to find out if it is an object pronoun.
“This” is not considered to be an object pronoun. ‘Me’, ‘you’, ‘him’, ‘her’, ‘us’, ‘It’, ‘whom’, and ‘them’ are the object pronouns we use.
Is “this” an indefinite pronoun?
We know that “this” is a pronoun. Let us find out if it is an indefinite pronoun.
“This” is not an indefinite pronoun. An indefinite pronoun does not specify the noun it identifies. On the contrary, “this” identifies the noun it represents.
When is “this” not considered a pronoun?
The word “this” is not considered a pronoun in certain situations. We will check below when is
“this” is not considered a pronoun.
The word “this” is not considered a pronoun when it acts as an adjective or an adverb. Let us make it clear with relevant examples.
| Serial Number | Situations when “this’’ is not considered a pronoun. | Examples | Explanations. |
| 1 | “This” functions as an adjective | This computer is very slow. | Here the word “this” as an adjective describes the noun ‘computer’. |
| 2 | “This” functions as an adverb | He has not sung this good in a long time. | Here the word “this” as an adverb talks about the verb ‘singing ‘. |
Conclusion
This article mainly deals with different usages of “this”. It also talks about the contexts
where the word “this” functions as other parts of speech too
Hi, My name is Ammu Shaji. I hail from Kerala. I hold a post-graduate degree in English Language and Literature. I am an Academic writer by passion and profession.