Another Word for This: 23 Useful Alternatives to Know

Here are some alternatives to this, depending on the meaning and context:

• That
• The following
• The current
• The present
• Such
• These
• It
• The aforementioned
• The particular
• The same

Finding another word for this can help you make your writing more varied, clear, and professional. The word this is commonly used to identify a person, object, situation, idea, or event that is close to the speaker or currently being discussed.

For example, you might write, “This method is effective.” Depending on the context, you could say, “The method is effective” or “The following method is effective.” However, these alternatives are not interchangeable in every sentence because this serves several grammatical purposes.

In this guide, you will discover 23 alternatives to this, learn what they mean, and explore examples that show how to use them in academic writing, professional communication, and everyday English.

What Does This Mean?

This is a demonstrative word used to identify a specific person, object, idea, or situation. It can function as a determiner before a noun or as a pronoun that stands in place of a noun phrase.

Examples:

• Determiner: This book is interesting.
• Pronoun: This is my favorite.
• Referring to a situation: This makes the decision difficult.

The best alternative depends on what this refers to and how it is used in the sentence.

Connotation of This

The word this has a neutral connotation. It does not usually express positive or negative feelings. Instead, it points to something specific or introduces information.

Etymology of This

This developed from Old English þes, a demonstrative form used to refer to something near the speaker. It belongs to a long-established family of English words used to indicate people, objects, and ideas.

Pronunciation of This

• IPA: /ðɪs/
• Syllables: 1
• Stress: The entire word forms one stressed syllable.

Affixation Pattern of This

This is a basic demonstrative word. It does not normally take prefixes or suffixes to form related words.

Its grammatical forms include:

• This: Singular, referring to something near or currently identified.
• These: Plural form of this.
• That: Commonly refers to something farther away or already identified.
• Those: Plural form of that.

23 Synonyms and Alternatives for This

The following words and expressions can replace this in certain contexts. Some are direct grammatical alternatives, while others require you to rewrite the sentence.

1. That

Part of speech: Demonstrative determiner or pronoun

That identifies a person, object, or idea, often one that is farther away or already mentioned.

Examples:

• That building belongs to my uncle.
• I did not expect that to happen.

2. These

Part of speech: Demonstrative determiner or pronoun

These is the plural form of this and refers to multiple nearby or currently identified things.

Examples:

• These books belong to the library.
• These are the main points of the discussion.

3. It

Part of speech: Pronoun

It can replace a noun or previously identified thing when the reference is clear. It does not always carry the same emphasis as this.

Examples:

• I bought a new phone, and it works well.
• The meeting was important because it helped us plan ahead.

4. Such

Part of speech: Determiner or pronoun

Such refers to a particular type or kind of person, thing, or situation. It often emphasizes a quality.

Examples:

• Such behavior is unacceptable.
• I have never seen such a beautiful garden.

5. The following

Part of speech: Determiner phrase

The following introduces information, instructions, examples, or details that come next.

Examples:

• Please read the following instructions carefully.
• The following points explain the main problem.

6. The current

Part of speech: Determiner phrase

The current refers to something happening or existing at the present time.

Examples:

• The current policy applies to all employees.
• We need to review the current situation.

7. The present

Part of speech: Determiner phrase

The present refers to something existing or happening now. It is often used in formal contexts.

Examples:

• The present arrangement will remain in place.
• The present study examines changes in student performance.

8. The aforementioned

Part of speech: Determiner

The aforementioned refers to something already mentioned. It is formal and often appears in legal or technical writing.

Examples:

• The aforementioned requirements must be met.
• The aforementioned document contains the relevant details.

9. The above

Part of speech: Noun phrase used referentially

The above refers to information presented earlier in a document or discussion.

Examples:

• The above explanation summarizes the process.
• Please consider the above points before making a decision.

10. The same

Part of speech: Determiner phrase or pronoun phrase

The same refers to a person or thing already identified, often emphasizing that it is identical.

Examples:

• We ordered the same meal yesterday.
• Please send the same information to the entire team.

11. The particular

Part of speech: Determiner phrase

The particular identifies one specific person or thing among others.

Examples:

• The particular issue requires careful attention.
• I remember the particular day when we first met.

12. The specific

Part of speech: Determiner phrase

The specific points to one clearly identified item, detail, or situation.

Examples:

• The specific problem remains unresolved.
• We need to identify the specific reasons for the delay.

13. The mentioned

Part of speech: Participial modifier

The mentioned can refer to something already discussed, although the item mentioned or the previously mentioned item usually sounds more natural.

Examples:

• The previously mentioned rule applies to everyone.
• Please review the item mentioned in the report.

14. The latter

Part of speech: Pronoun or determiner

The latter refers to the second of two people or things previously mentioned. It cannot replace this in every context.

Examples:

• We considered tea and coffee; the latter was more popular.
• Between the two proposals, the latter seems more practical.

15. The former

Part of speech: Pronoun or determiner

The former refers to the first of two people or things previously mentioned.

Examples:

• We discussed online and in-person classes; the former was more convenient.
• Between the two routes, the former is shorter.

16. Here

Part of speech: Adverb

Here refers to a place or, in some contexts, introduces a point or item being presented.

Examples:

• Here is the report you requested.
• Here, we can see how the process works.

17. Below

Part of speech: Adverb or preposition

Below can direct readers to information appearing farther down a page or document.

Examples:

• The details are provided below.
• Please see the table below for more information.

18. Above

Part of speech: Adverb or preposition

Above can refer to information already presented earlier in a document or discussion.

Examples:

• The example above illustrates the rule.
• Please refer to the chart above.

19. This particular

Part of speech: Determiner phrase

This particular emphasizes one specific person, object, or situation.

Examples:

• This particular approach works well for beginners.
• I would like to discuss this particular issue.

20. The relevant

Part of speech: Determiner phrase

The relevant identifies information or details connected to the matter being discussed.

Examples:

• The relevant information is included in the report.
• Please submit the relevant documents by Friday.

21. The identified

Part of speech: Participial modifier

The identified refers to something that has already been recognized or specified. It usually requires a noun after it.

Examples:

• The identified risks must be addressed.
• The identified problem requires further investigation.

22. The existing

Part of speech: Participial modifier

The existing refers to something that is already present or in place.

Examples:

• The existing system needs an update.
• We should review the existing guidelines before making changes.

23. The stated

Part of speech: Participial modifier

The stated refers to information or a requirement that has already been expressed. It is common in formal writing.

Examples:

• The stated objective guides the project.
• All applicants must meet the stated conditions.

Prototype Meaning of This

The central meaning of this is identifying a particular person, object, idea, or situation, often one that is close to the speaker or currently under discussion.

For example:

• This book is useful.
• This is an important decision.

In the first sentence, this identifies a specific book. In the second, it points to a particular situation or decision.

Prototype Categorization: Alternatives to This

Different alternatives work in different contexts.

• Demonstrative alternatives: That, these, such.
• References to earlier information: The aforementioned, the above, the same, the stated.
• References to current information: The current, the present, the existing.
• Specific identification: The particular, the specific, this particular.
• References to document structure: The following, above, below.
• References to previously mentioned choices: The former, the latter.
• References to identified information: The relevant, the identified, it.

Not all these expressions are direct synonyms. Some replace this only when the sentence is rewritten to preserve the intended meaning.

Antonyms of This

This does not have a direct antonym in every grammatical use. However, its demonstrative contrast is often that, which commonly refers to something farther away or already identified.

Other related contrasts include:

• These: Plural form of this.
• Those: Plural form of that.
• There: Refers to a place away from the speaker, contrasting with here in many contexts.
• Another: Refers to a different person or thing rather than the one currently identified.

Examples:

• This book is mine. That book is yours.
• These flowers are fresh. Those flowers are wilted.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the most common alternative to this?

That is a common demonstrative alternative, but it changes the reference. In some sentences, it, such, or a more specific noun works better.

2. How can I avoid repeating the word this?

Use a clear noun, a pronoun when the reference is obvious, or a phrase that describes the subject. For example, instead of repeating “This shows that this method works,” you could write, “The result shows that the method works.”

3. What is another word for this in formal writing?

Depending on the context, you can use the current, the aforementioned, the following, or the specific. Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

4. Can I use it instead of this?

Sometimes. It can refer to something already mentioned, but this often emphasizes or introduces a specific item or situation.

5. What is another word for this in an essay?

You might use the following when introducing information, the present when discussing current research, or a specific noun when referring to an idea.

6. Is such a synonym for this?

Sometimes. Such refers to a particular type or kind, while this usually identifies a specific item or situation. Their meanings overlap only in certain contexts.

7. What is the plural of this?

The plural of this is these. For example, “This book is useful” becomes “These books are useful.”

Conclusion

Finding another word for this depends on the sentence and the meaning you want to express. Words and phrases such as that, such, the following, the current, and the specific can improve clarity when used correctly.

In many cases, replacing this with a precise noun is the simplest way to make your writing stronger. Always choose an alternative that preserves your intended meaning and fits the grammar of the sentence.