this, that, or the other

Determiner

this (plural these)

1. The (thing) here (used in indicating something or someone nearby).
   • This classroom is where I learned to read and write.
   1. (colloquial) Referring to oneself.
      • Hey, you know what's got two thumbs and really likes brownies? This guy!1999, “Garage Sale”, in That '70s Show, season 2, episode 1, spoken by Michael Kelso (Ashton Kutcher)
2. The known (thing) (used in indicating something or someone just mentioned).
   • They give the appearance of knowing what they're doing. It's this appearance that lets them get away with so much.
3. The known (thing) (used in indicating something or someone about to be mentioned).
   • When asked what he wanted for his birthday, he gave this reply: “[…]”
4. (informal) A known (thing) (used in first mentioning a person or thing that the speaker does not think is known to the audience). Compare with “a certain ...”.
   • I met this woman the other day who's allergic to wheat. I didn't even know that was possible!
5. Designates the current or next instance.
   • It's cold this morning.

See all 10 meanings of this