Synonyms for “this” include the following, such, that, these, and the present, depending on the sentence.
The word “this” points to a person, thing, idea, or situation near the speaker or in the current context. It is common in everyday English, schoolwork, essays, and professional writing. However, using “this” too often can make your writing repetitive.
Learning other words and phrases can help you express your ideas more clearly. Some alternatives work only in certain situations, so it is important to choose the right word for your sentence. In this guide, you will learn 50 alternatives to “this,” along with simple meanings and examples to help you improve your vocabulary and writing skills.
50 Synonyms for This
Note: “This” is a demonstrative word, so not every alternative below works in every sentence. Choose one that fits your meaning and grammar.
1. That
Meaning: Refers to a person, thing, or idea that is farther away or already mentioned.
Examples:
- That book belongs to my sister.
- I agree with that idea.
2. These
Meaning: Refers to more than one person or thing nearby.
Examples:
- These books are easy to read.
- These ideas can help us.
3. Such
Meaning: Refers to a particular kind or type of thing.
Examples:
- Such behavior is not acceptable.
- I have never seen such beauty.
4. The following
Meaning: Introduces information, examples, or items that come next.
Examples:
- Read the following instructions carefully.
- The following points explain the topic.
5. The present
Meaning: Refers to the current time or situation.
Examples:
- The present situation needs attention.
- We must solve the present problem.
6. The current
Meaning: Refers to something happening or existing now.
Examples:
- The current plan needs changes.
- The current system works well.
7. The mentioned
Meaning: Refers to something that has already been named or discussed.
Examples:
- Please check the mentioned details.
- The team reviewed the mentioned issue.
8. The above
Meaning: Refers to information written earlier in a text.
Examples:
- The above points explain the process.
- Please review the above information.
9. The below
Meaning: Refers to information shown later or lower in a document.
Examples:
- See the below list for details.
- The answer is in the below section.
10. The same
Meaning: Refers to a person or thing already identified.
Examples:
- I had the same problem yesterday.
- Please use the same method again.
11. It
Meaning: Refers to a thing, idea, or situation already mentioned.
Examples:
- I bought a new bag. It is blue.
- The test was hard, but it was useful.
12. They
Meaning: Refers to people or things already mentioned.
Examples:
- I found some books. They were useful.
- The flowers look fresh. They smell lovely.
13. He
Meaning: Refers to a male person already identified.
Examples:
- I met Ali today. He was friendly.
- My brother called. He needs help.
14. She
Meaning: Refers to a female person already identified.
Examples:
- I met Sara yesterday. She was happy.
- My teacher arrived. She started the lesson.
15. Here
Meaning: Refers to a place near the speaker or to a point in a discussion.
Examples:
- Here is your notebook.
- Here is the main reason for the change.
16. Now
Meaning: Refers to the present time.
Examples:
- We need to act now.
- Now is a good time to begin.
17. Today
Meaning: Refers to the current day or the present period.
Examples:
- Today is the final day to apply.
- We will discuss this issue today.
18. Currently
Meaning: Means at the present time.
Examples:
- The office is currently closed.
- We are currently working on the project.
19. At present
Meaning: Means at the current time.
Examples:
- At present, the shop is closed.
- At present, we have no new updates.
20. At this point
Meaning: Refers to the current stage of a process or discussion.
Examples:
- At this point, we need more information.
- At this point, the plan seems clear.
21. In this case
Meaning: Refers to a particular situation being discussed.
Examples:
- In this case, you should ask for help.
- In this case, the rule does not apply.
22. In this situation
Meaning: Refers to the circumstances being discussed.
Examples:
- In this situation, staying calm is wise.
- In this situation, we need a new plan.
23. For this reason
Meaning: Explains why something happens or is done.
Examples:
- For this reason, we changed the date.
- For this reason, the team stopped the work.
24. Because of this
Meaning: Shows that something happened as a result of a previous event.
Examples:
- Because of this, we arrived late.
- Because of this, the project took longer.
25. As a result
Meaning: Introduces an outcome or consequence.
Examples:
- It rained heavily. As a result, the game was canceled.
- She studied hard. As a result, she passed.
26. Therefore
Meaning: Means for that reason or as a logical result.
Examples:
- The road is closed; therefore, we must turn back.
- He was sick; therefore, he stayed home.
27. Thus
Meaning: Means in this way or as a result.
Examples:
- The team worked together and thus succeeded.
- The rule changed, and thus the process became easier.
28. Hence
Meaning: Means for this reason or as a result.
Examples:
- The evidence was weak; hence, the delay.
- The shop was closed, hence our return.
29. Accordingly
Meaning: Means in a way that fits the situation or information.
Examples:
- The rules changed, so we acted accordingly.
- The schedule was updated accordingly.
30. Consequently
Meaning: Means as a result of something.
Examples:
- He missed the bus and consequently arrived late.
- Costs increased and consequently profits fell.
31. Specifically
Meaning: Refers to one exact detail or point.
Examples:
- Specifically, we need two more volunteers.
- I asked specifically for a blue folder.
32. In particular
Meaning: Points to one specific person or thing.
Examples:
- I enjoy fruit, in particular apples.
- In particular, we need to check the final page.
33. For example
Meaning: Introduces an example to explain an idea.
Examples:
- Many fruits are healthy. For example, apples contain fiber.
- Some skills are useful. For example, clear writing helps at work.
34. For instance
Meaning: Introduces a specific example.
Examples:
- Some animals, for instance cats, make good pets.
- You can use free tools, for instance a basic text editor.
35. Namely
Meaning: Introduces the exact person or thing being discussed.
Examples:
- We need one item, namely a pencil.
- She has one goal, namely to finish her degree.
36. This idea
Meaning: Refers to an idea that has just been introduced or discussed.
Examples:
- This idea could help the whole team.
- This idea needs more research.
37. This concept
Meaning: Refers to a general idea or principle.
Examples:
- This concept is easy to understand.
- This concept appears in many science lessons.
38. This point
Meaning: Refers to a particular detail or argument.
Examples:
- This point is important for the exam.
- This point supports your argument.
39. This issue
Meaning: Refers to a problem or topic under discussion.
Examples:
- This issue needs quick action.
- We should discuss this issue tomorrow.
40. This matter
Meaning: Refers to a situation or subject that needs attention.
Examples:
- This matter is important to our team.
- We will review this matter soon.
41. This topic
Meaning: Refers to the subject being discussed.
Examples:
- This topic is useful for students.
- We studied this topic in class.
42. This example
Meaning: Refers to a particular example used to explain something.
Examples:
- This example makes the rule clear.
- Please study this example carefully.
43. This method
Meaning: Refers to a way of doing something.
Examples:
- This method saves time.
- This method helps students learn faster.
44. This approach
Meaning: Refers to a way of dealing with a task or problem.
Examples:
- This approach works well for beginners.
- This approach may reduce costs.
45. This process
Meaning: Refers to a series of steps used to do something.
Examples:
- This process takes only a few minutes.
- This process needs careful planning.
46. This result
Meaning: Refers to an outcome that has just been mentioned.
Examples:
- This result shows that the plan worked.
- This result surprised the whole class.
47. This fact
Meaning: Refers to a piece of information that is known to be true.
Examples:
- This fact is easy to verify.
- This fact supports the report.
48. This evidence
Meaning: Refers to information that supports a claim or conclusion.
Examples:
- This evidence supports her argument.
- This evidence needs further review.
49. This example here
Meaning: Emphasizes a specific example being shown or discussed.
Examples:
- This example here explains the rule well.
- This example here is easier to understand.
50. The item in question
Meaning: Refers to the specific thing being discussed.
Examples:
- The item in question is on the desk.
- The item in question needs further inspection.
How to Choose the Right Synonym for “This”
Choose an alternative based on the meaning of your sentence.
- For a nearby object: Use this or these.
- For something already mentioned: Use that, it, or the same, depending on grammar.
- To introduce a list: Use the following.
- To discuss the current time: Use currently, now, or at present.
- To explain a result: Use therefore, thus, or as a result.
- To make writing specific: Use phrases such as this issue, this idea, or this method.
“This” Synonyms in Different Contexts
| Context | Suitable alternative | Example |
| Introducing a list | The following | Read the following rules. |
| Referring to a past point | That | I understand that idea. |
| Describing the current time | Currently | We are currently busy. |
| Explaining a result | Therefore | It was late; therefore, we left. |
| Discussing a problem | This issue | This issue needs attention. |
| Giving an example | For instance | For instance, apples are rich in fiber. |
Exercise: Fill in the Blanks
Choose the best option to complete each sentence.
- Read ______ instructions before starting. (the following / therefore)
- The store is ______ closed. (currently / namely)
- The road was blocked. ______, we took another route. (As a result / This method)
- ______ issue needs a clear solution. (This / Hence)
- Some fruits are rich in fiber. ______, apples are a good choice. (For example / At present)
Answer Key:
- The following
- Currently
- As a result
- This
- For example
Context Based MCQs
1. Which phrase is best for introducing a list?
A. Consequently
B. The following
C. At present
Answer: B. The following
2. Which word means “at the present time”?
A. Currently
B. Namely
C. Hence
Answer: A. Currently
3. Which phrase introduces a specific example?
A. Therefore
B. For instance
C. The same
Answer: B. For instance
4. Which word can show a result or conclusion?
A. These
B. Here
C. Therefore
Answer: C. Therefore
5. Which phrase refers to a problem being discussed?
A. This issue
B. For example
C. At present
Answer: A. This issue
FAQs About Synonyms for “This”
1. What are the most common synonyms for “this”?
Common alternatives include that, these, such, the following, and the present. The best choice depends on the sentence.
2. Can I use “that” instead of “this”?
Sometimes. This often points to something nearby or something being introduced, while that often points to something farther away or already discussed.
3. What is a formal alternative to “this”?
In formal writing, you may use the following, the present, the aforementioned, or a specific noun phrase. Choose the option that sounds natural.
4. How can I avoid repeating “this” in an essay?
Use a clear noun phrase, such as this issue, this idea, or the problem. You can also restructure the sentence to make the meaning clear.
5. Is “therefore” a synonym for “this”?
No. Therefore means “for that reason.” It can replace a phrase that introduces a result, but it cannot replace the demonstrative word this in every sentence.
Conclusion
Learning synonyms for “this” can make your English writing clearer and less repetitive. Words and phrases such as that, the following, currently, and this issue work in different contexts.
Remember that “this” often points to a specific thing or idea, so choose an alternative that keeps your meaning clear. Practice these words in sentences to build stronger vocabulary and improve your writing.
Discover More Articles:
Hi, I’m Emma Wilson, an English vocabulary writer helping learners improve their word skills with synonyms, meanings, examples, and quizzes. I create simple resources to make English learning easier.
