This vs. Thus — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 30, 2023
"This" is a demonstrative pronoun pointing to a specific item or situation, while "Thus" is an adverb indicating manner or consequence.
Difference Between This and Thus
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"This" serves as a demonstrative pronoun or determiner, pinpointing a particular object or situation. When one wants to emphasize or single out a specific entity close in proximity or context, "This" becomes the word of choice. In contrast, "Thus" operates as an adverb, emphasizing the manner in which an action is done or illustrating the consequence or result of an action.
In sentences like "This is my book," the word "This" distinctly identifies a particular book, separating it from others. On the flip side, "Thus" might be found in sentences like "He studied hard; thus, he passed." Here, "Thus" indicates the result of the prior action.
"This" holds significance in conversations when the speaker wishes to direct the listener's attention towards a specific subject. It could be something tangible like "This apple is fresh" or intangible, like "This idea is revolutionary." Conversely, "Thus" offers clarity on the method or consequence, such as in "She explained thus, making the complex topic understandable."
In instructional contexts, "This" might be employed to spotlight a particular step or part: "First, press this button." "Thus" would be more apt for explaining the outcome or the manner to perform an action, as in "Do it thus, and you'll get the desired result."
While "This" narrows down focus to a specific entity or point in a discourse, "Thus" bridges actions and results, explaining reasons or methods. They have distinct grammatical roles but are pivotal in providing clarity and emphasis in language.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Demonstrative pronoun/determiner
Adverb
Function
Points to specific items or situations
Indicates manner, result, or consequence
Grammatical Role
Replaces or specifies nouns
Modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs
Example Usage
"This is important."
"He worked hard, thus achieving success."
Associated Terms
"That", another demonstrative pronoun
"Therefore", another adverb indicating consequence
Compare with Definitions
This
A demonstrative pronoun indicating specific items or situations.
This cake tastes amazing.
Thus
Demonstrating result or consequence.
She didn't prepare; thus, she failed.
This
Referring to a previously mentioned item.
I bought a new dress and this was its color.
Thus
Indicating manner or method.
He explained it thus.
This
(philosophy) Something being indicated that is here; one of these.
Thus
Used to confirm or clarify a point.
The book, thus, remains a classic.
This
(Internet slang) Indicates the speaker's strong approval or agreement with the previous material.
― I wish trolls could be banned from the forum immediately, without any discussion.
― This!
― This!
Thus
In this way or to this extent.
Hold the brush thus and paint.
This
As a demonstrative pronoun, this denotes something that is present or near in place or time, or something just mentioned, or that is just about to be mentioned.
When they heard this, they were pricked in their heart.
But know this, that if the good man of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched.
Thus
Consequently or therefore.
It rained heavily; thus, the event was canceled.
This
Highlighting a specific point in a discourse.
This is where I disagree.
Thus
In this manner
Lay the pieces out thus. See Usage Note at thusly.
This
Indicating the closer or more immediate one.
Do you prefer this or that?
Thus
To a stated degree or extent; so.
This
Being just mentioned or present in space, time, or thought
She left early this morning.
Thus
Therefore; consequently
Thus it was necessary for me to resign.
This
Being nearer or more immediate
This side and that side.
Thus
For example
Few of the nation's largest cities are state capitals.
Thus neither New York nor Chicago is the seat of its state's government.
This
Being about to be stated or described
Just wait till you hear this story.
Thus
(manner) In this way or manner.
If you throw the ball thus, as I’m showing you, you’ll have better luck hitting the target.
This
(Informal) Used as a substitute for the indefinite article
Looking for this book of recipes.
Thus
(conjunctive) As a result.
I have all the tools I need; thus, I will be able to fix the car without having to call a mechanic.
This
To this extent; so
Never stayed out this late.
Thus
The commoner kind of frankincense, or that obtained from the Norway spruce, the long-leaved pine, and other conifers.
This
The (thing) here used in indicating something or someone nearby.
This classroom is where I learned to read and write.
Thus
In this or that manner; on this wise.
Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.
Thus God the heaven created, thus the earth.
This
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.
Thus
To this degree or extent; so far; so; as, thus wise; thus peaceble; thus bold.
Thus far extend, thus far thy bounds.
This
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: “[…]”
Thus
An aromatic gum resin obtained from various Arabian or East African trees; formerly valued for worship and for embalming and fumigation
This
(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!
There's just this nervous mannerism that Bob has with his hands, and it drives me crazy.
Thus
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result;
Therefore X must be true
The eggs were fresh and hence satisfactory
We were young and thence optimistic
It is late and thus we must go
The witness is biased and so cannot be trusted
This
(of a time reference) Designates the current or next instance.
It's cold this morning.
I plan to go to London this Friday.
Thus
In the way indicated;
Hold the brush so
Set up the pieces thus
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.
This
The thing, item, etc. being indicated.
This isn't the item that I ordered.
This
As an adjective, this has the same demonstrative force as the pronoun, but is followed by a noun; as, this book; this way to town.
This way and that wavering sails they bend.
A body of this or that denomination is produced.
Their judgment in this we may not, and in that we need not, follow.
Consider the arguments which the author had to write this, or to design the other, before you arraign him.
Thy crimes . . . soon by this or this will end.
This twenty years have I been with thee..
I have not wept this years; but nowMy mother comes afresh into my eyes.
This
Used to introduce someone or something.
This is Jane, my friend.
Common Curiosities
Is Thus used to explain methods?
Yes, Thus can indicate the manner or method in which something is done.
Can This refer to intangible ideas?
Yes, This can refer to both tangible items and intangible ideas or situations.
Can Thus be replaced with "therefore"?
In many cases, Thus and "therefore" can be interchangeable, but subtle differences might exist based on context.
How is Thus different from "hence"?
Both indicate consequence, but "hence" often leans more towards future implications, while Thus refers to results based on past or current actions.
Does This always precede a noun?
Not always. This can stand alone, especially when pointing out something specific.
Is This singular or plural?
This is singular. Its plural form is "these."
Is This always used for nearby items?
This often refers to closer items, but contextually it can also emphasize any specific item or idea.
Does This only replace nouns?
Primarily, This replaces or specifies nouns, but it can also introduce ideas or situations.
When is Thus most appropriately used?
Thus is best when explaining methods, results, or drawing connections between actions and outcomes.
Can This refer to earlier parts of a conversation?
Yes, This can refer to previously mentioned items or ideas for emphasis or clarity.
Can Thus start a sentence?
Yes, Thus can start sentences, especially when summarizing or drawing conclusions.
Does Thus have synonyms?
Yes, synonyms include "therefore," "hence," and "consequently," among others.
How can I remember the difference between This and Thus?
Remember, This points out or introduces items/ideas, while Thus explains manner or consequence.
In what contexts is This most commonly used?
This is versatile but often used in introductions, specifications, and distinctions.
Can Thus be considered formal language?
Thus leans towards formal or academic usage but can also be used in everyday language.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited 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.
