The vs. This — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 1, 2024
"The" is a definite article specifying known items, while "this" is a demonstrative pronoun pointing to something nearby in time or space.
Difference Between The and This
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
"The" is used to refer to specific items or entities that are already known to the listener or reader. It denotes something particular in a given context. "This," on the other hand, is used to point out a specific item or entity that is close to the speaker, either physically or within the discourse.
For instance, saying "the book" implies that both the speaker and listener know which book is being talked about. This singles out something for emphasis or introduction, as in "this idea."
When "the" is used, it's assumed that the audience has prior knowledge or context about what is being referred to. This prior knowledge can be from earlier in the conversation or from a shared understanding of the world. Conversely, "this" often introduces new information or focuses attention on something that may not have been previously discussed. It is a way of drawing the listener's or reader's attention to a specific point or object.
"The" is more generic and can be used with both singular and plural nouns. "This," however, is singular and usually precedes a noun to specify something that is physically or conceptually near the speaker.
Comparison Chart
Function
Definite article
Demonstrative pronoun
ADVERTISEMENT
Reference
Specific but known items
Specific item, near in space or time
Plurality
Can be used with singular and plural nouns
Singular
Introduction
Assumes prior knowledge
Often introduces new information
Contextual Usage
Generic, broad usage
Specific, focused usage
Compare with Definitions
The
Specifies a particular item among others.
The book on the table is mine.
This
Emphasizes something being discussed.
This idea is revolutionary.
The
Used with superlatives to indicate extremes.
He is the best player on the team.
This
Points to a specific item near the speaker.
This book is my favorite.
The
Indicates a unique entity or a known group.
The Amazon is the largest rainforest.
This
Refers to a nearby period in time.
This morning was quite cold.
The
Used to refer to a specific entity known to both the speaker and listener.
The sun is shining.
This
Identifies a specific part of a document or text.
This section needs revision.
The
Refers to something previously mentioned.
I saw a movie yesterday. The movie was thrilling.
This
Introduces something in the immediate context.
Look at this picture I took.
The
The ( (listen)) is a grammatical article in English, denoting persons or things already mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers or speakers. It is the definite article in English.
This
Being just mentioned or present in space, time, or thought
She left early this morning.
The
Denoting one or more people or things already mentioned or assumed to be common knowledge
Call the doctor
The phone rang
What's the matter?
This
Being nearer or more immediate
This side and that side.
The
Used to point forward to a following qualifying or defining clause or phrase
The fuss that he made of her
The top of a bus
I have done the best I could
This
Being about to be stated or described
Just wait till you hear this story.
The
Used to make a generalized reference to something rather than identifying a particular instance
I worry about the future
He taught himself to play the violin
This
To the degree or extent indicated.
I need this much water.
Do we need this many recommendations?
We've already come this far, we can't turn back now.
The
A word placed before nouns to limit or individualize their meaning.
The
By that; by how much; by so much; on that account; - used before comparatives; as, the longer we continue in sin, the more difficult it is to reform.
So much the rather thou, Celestial Light,Shine inward, and the mind through all her powersIrradiate.
Common Curiosities
How does "the" indicate specificity?
"The" indicates specificity by pointing to a particular entity or group that is known or has been previously mentioned.
Can "the" be used with plural nouns?
Yes, "the" can be used with both singular and plural nouns.
Is "this" always singular?
Yes, "this" is singular; its plural form is "these."
How does context affect the use of "the"?
The use of "the" relies on the listener's or reader's prior knowledge of the subject, making it context-dependent.
Does "the" imply a higher level of formality than "this"?
Not necessarily; the level of formality depends more on the context than on the use of "the" or "this."
Can "this" introduce new information?
Yes, "this" often introduces new information or specifics not previously mentioned.
In what situations is "this" preferred over "the"?
"This" is preferred when pointing out something specific that is near in space or time or when introducing something new.
How is "this" different from "the" in terms of proximity?
"This" is used to refer to something that is physically or conceptually close to the speaker, unlike "the," which does not imply proximity.
What is the primary function of "the"?
"The" is used as a definite article to specify particular items known to the listener or reader.
Do "the" and "this" serve the same grammatical function?
No, "the" is a definite article, while "this" is a demonstrative pronoun.
Can "this" be used to refer to a concept?
Yes, "this" can refer to both physical objects and conceptual ideas.
How does "the" contribute to the clarity of communication?
"The" helps clarify communication by specifying which particular entity is being discussed.
What is the plural form of "this"?
The plural form of "this" is "these."
How do "the" and "this" affect the emphasis in a sentence?
"This" can add emphasis or focus to the noun it precedes, while "the" simply specifies or clarifies.
Can "the" and "this" be used interchangeably?
No, due to their different functions and implications, "the" and "this" cannot be used interchangeably.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Principle vs. Concept
Next Comparison
Hot vs. BoilingAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
