“This” points to something nearby, whether a physical object (“this book”), a moment in time (“this week”), or an idea just mentioned (“This changes everything”). Because these are distinct grammatical jobs rather than one clear meaning, this guide separates them, offering 55 accurate alternatives and related phrasings grouped by function rather than treating “this” as a word with ordinary synonyms.
Important: because “this” is a function word (a demonstrative pronoun and determiner) rather than a content word with a fixed meaning, this list won’t reach “70 exact synonyms” for one sense instead it offers 55 accurate alternatives and related phrasings across its main grammatical roles, each labeled by how it’s actually used.
Best Alternatives for This at a Glance
| Word/Phrase | Best Used For | Function |
|---|---|---|
| That | Pointing to something farther away or already mentioned | Demonstrative |
| The current | Referring to the present time period | Determiner Phrase |
| The following | Introducing something about to be stated | Determiner Phrase |
| The aforementioned | Referring back to something already named, formally | Determiner Phrase |
| Such | Referring to a kind or quality just described | Determiner |
What Does This Mean?
1. Pointing to something physically near the speaker: Example: “This chair is more comfortable than that one.”
2. Referring to the current or present time period: Example: “This week has been exhausting.”
3. Referring to an idea, fact, or statement just mentioned: Example: “She quit her job. This surprised everyone.”
4. Introducing something about to be described: Example: “This is what I mean by ‘efficient.'”
Origin and Etymology of This
“This” comes from the Old English þis, a demonstrative form related to þæt (“that”), both descending from a Proto-Germanic demonstrative root. Its earliest function was purely deictic — pointing to something physically present — and it has retained that core “nearness” meaning through Middle English into modern usage, while also expanding to point to ideas and time periods considered close in a figurative sense.
Connotation and Tone of This
“This” is entirely neutral and grammatical, carrying no emotional charge of its own, though it can add immediacy or emphasis to a sentence, especially when starting a new sentence to refer back to a prior idea (“This is a problem”). Formal writing often favors more explicit alternatives like “the aforementioned” or “the current,” while “this” remains standard in nearly all registers.
Alternatives for This by Function
Pointing to a Nearby Physical Object
Here (as in “the one here”), The one in front of me, The present one — these emphasize physical proximity, though none function as smoothly as “this” grammatically.
Referring to the Current Time Period
The current, The present, The ongoing, Now (as a modifier) — these substitute for “this” when referring to time, such as “this year” or “this month.”
Referring Back to a Previously Mentioned Idea
That, Such, The aforementioned, The above, The foregoing — these refer to an idea, fact, or statement already introduced.
Introducing Something About to Be Stated
The following, What follows, Here is — these introduce information that comes next, rather than referring backward.
Referring to a Kind or Type Just Described
Such, This kind of, This sort of — these refer to a category or type rather than a single specific item.
55 Alternatives and Related Phrases for This
1. That
Part of Speech: Demonstrative pronoun/determiner
Meaning: Points to something farther away or previously mentioned
Best Used For: Referring to something at a distance, physical or conversational
Example: “That decision changed the course of the company.”
Nuance: Implies more distance (literal or figurative) than “this”
Synonym Strength: Close (demonstrative sense)
2. The current
Part of Speech: Determiner phrase
Meaning: Refers to the present, ongoing period or situation
Best Used For: Formal references to the present time or state
Example: “The current situation requires immediate attention.”
Nuance: More formal and explicit than “this” for time references
Synonym Strength: Close (time-referring sense)
3. The present
Part of Speech: Determiner phrase
Meaning: Refers to the existing or current state of something
Best Used For: Formal writing about the current state of affairs
Example: “The present arrangement is no longer sustainable.”
Nuance: Formal, common in business or policy writing
Synonym Strength: Close (time-referring sense)
4. The aforementioned
Part of Speech: Determiner phrase
Meaning: Refers to something already mentioned earlier in the text
Best Used For: Formal, legal, or academic writing
Example: “The aforementioned policy applies to all employees.”
Nuance: Very formal, common in legal and contractual language
Synonym Strength: Contextual (backward-referring sense)
5. The above
Part of Speech: Determiner phrase
Meaning: Refers to information stated earlier in a document
Best Used For: Written documents, especially formal or technical ones
Example: “The above example illustrates the point clearly.”
Nuance: Specific to written text where earlier content appears literally above
Synonym Strength: Contextual (backward-referring sense)
6. The foregoing
Part of Speech: Determiner phrase
Meaning: Refers to what has just been stated or discussed
Best Used For: Formal, legal, or academic summaries
Example: “The foregoing analysis supports our conclusion.”
Nuance: Formal and somewhat old-fashioned in tone
Synonym Strength: Contextual (backward-referring sense)
7. Such
Part of Speech: Determiner
Meaning: Refers to a kind or type already described
Best Used For: Referring to a category rather than one specific item
Example: “Such behavior will not be tolerated.”
Nuance: Refers to a type or category, not a single specific instance
Synonym Strength: Contextual (category-referring sense)
8. This kind of (repeat, reflexive use)
Part of Speech: Determiner phrase
Meaning: Refers to a category of things resembling something just mentioned
Best Used For: Clarifying that a type, not a single item, is meant
Example: “This kind of mistake is easy to avoid.”
Nuance: More specific than plain “this” about referring to a category
Synonym Strength: Contextual (category-referring sense)
9. The following
Part of Speech: Determiner phrase
Meaning: Introduces information that comes immediately next
Best Used For: Formal writing introducing a list or explanation
Example: “Please review the following instructions carefully.”
Nuance: Points forward, unlike most other alternatives which point backward
Synonym Strength: Contextual (forward-referring sense)
10. What follows
Part of Speech: Phrase
Meaning: Refers to content that comes immediately after
Best Used For: Introducing an explanation or elaboration
Example: “What follows is a summary of our findings.”
Nuance: Slightly more formal and literary than “the following”
Synonym Strength: Contextual (forward-referring sense)
11. Here is
Part of Speech: Phrase
Meaning: Introduces something about to be presented
Best Used For: Casual introductions of an item or explanation
Example: “Here is the plan we discussed.”
Nuance: Casual and conversational compared to “the following”
Synonym Strength: Contextual (forward-referring sense, informal)
12. The one here
Part of Speech: Phrase
Meaning: Points to a specific nearby item
Best Used For: Casual speech while physically pointing at something
Example: “I’ll take the one here, not the one on the shelf.”
Nuance: Emphasizes physical proximity explicitly
Synonym Strength: Contextual (physical-pointing sense, informal)
13. The present one
Part of Speech: Phrase
Meaning: Refers to the current item under discussion
Best Used For: Formal writing distinguishing between multiple items
Example: “The present one differs slightly from the earlier model.”
Nuance: More formal and precise than a bare “this”
Synonym Strength: Contextual (physical/current-referring sense)
14. It (as a substitute in some contexts)
Part of Speech: Personal pronoun
Meaning: Refers to something already established without pointing to it
Best Used For: Simple continuation of reference without demonstrative emphasis
Example: “The plan was approved. It takes effect Monday.”
Nuance: Loses the emphatic, pointing quality that “this” carries
Synonym Strength: Contextual (weak substitute, less emphatic)
15. The matter at hand
Part of Speech: Phrase
Meaning: Refers to the topic or issue currently being discussed
Best Used For: Formal discussions or meetings
Example: “Let’s return to the matter at hand.”
Nuance: Formal and specific to topics under active discussion
Synonym Strength: Contextual (topic-referring sense)
16. The issue at hand
Part of Speech: Phrase
Meaning: Refers to the specific problem currently being addressed
Best Used For: Formal discussions of a specific problem
Example: “The issue at hand requires a quick decision.”
Nuance: Specifically implies a problem, not just any topic
Synonym Strength: Contextual (topic-referring sense)
17. The point being made
Part of Speech: Phrase
Meaning: Refers to the idea or argument currently being expressed
Best Used For: Formal or academic writing clarifying an argument
Example: “The point being made is that timing matters most.”
Nuance: More explicit and formal than a bare “this”
Synonym Strength: Contextual (idea-referring sense)
18. The idea
Part of Speech: Noun phrase
Meaning: Refers to a concept just introduced or discussed
Best Used For: Clarifying reference to an abstract concept
Example: “The idea is to reduce costs without cutting quality.”
Nuance: More explicit than “this” about referring to a concept specifically
Synonym Strength: Contextual (idea-referring sense)
19. The fact
Part of Speech: Noun phrase
Meaning: Refers to a specific truth or piece of information just stated
Best Used For: Formal writing referring to an established fact
Example: “The fact remains that sales have declined.”
Nuance: More explicit than “this” about referring to a verified fact
Synonym Strength: Contextual (idea-referring sense)
20. The scenario
Part of Speech: Noun phrase
Meaning: Refers to a described situation or set of circumstances
Best Used For: Describing a hypothetical or current situation
Example: “The scenario calls for a different approach entirely.”
Nuance: Implies a more developed, described situation than a bare “this”
Synonym Strength: Contextual (idea-referring sense)
21-55. More Alternatives and Related Phrases for This
| Word/Phrase | Meaning/Nuance | Function |
|---|---|---|
| 21. The above-mentioned | Formal phrase referring to something already stated | Backward-Referring |
| 22. The said (legal/formal) | Very formal, legal phrase referring to a named item | Backward-Referring |
| 23. As stated | Refers to information already provided | Backward-Referring |
| 24. As noted | Refers to a point already made | Backward-Referring |
| 25. As mentioned | Casual phrase referring to a prior point | Backward-Referring |
| 26. The prior | Refers to something occurring before the current point | Backward-Referring |
| 27. The previous | Refers to the immediately preceding item or period | Backward-Referring |
| 28. The instant (legal, formal) | Formal legal term for “this,” as in “the instant case” | Formal Legal |
| 29. The subject | Refers to the topic currently under discussion | Topic-Referring |
| 30. The topic | Refers to the general subject being discussed | Topic-Referring |
| 31. The present matter | Formal phrase for the current topic or issue | Topic-Referring |
| 32. The now (poetic/informal) | Informal or poetic way to refer to the present moment | Time-Referring |
| 33. Today’s (as a modifier) | Refers to something specific to the current day | Time-Referring |
| 34. The ongoing | Refers to something currently in progress | Time-Referring |
| 35. The immediate | Refers to something happening right now or very soon | Time-Referring |
| 36. The present circumstance | Formal phrase for the current situation | Time-Referring |
| 37. The case in point | Refers to a specific example currently being discussed | Idea-Referring |
| 38. The example | Refers to a specific illustration just given | Idea-Referring |
| 39. The development | Refers to a new event or change just described | Idea-Referring |
| 40. The outcome | Refers to a result just described | Idea-Referring |
| 41. Such a thing | Casual phrase referring to something just described | Category-Referring |
| 42. This sort of thing | Casual phrase referring to a type of situation | Category-Referring |
| 43. A thing like this (reflexive) | Casual phrase emphasizing similarity to what’s described | Category-Referring |
| 44. The type | Refers to a category rather than a specific instance | Category-Referring |
| 45. The nature of it | Refers to the essential quality of something described | Category-Referring |
| 46. Right here (physical) | Emphasizes immediate physical proximity | Physical-Pointing |
| 47. In front of me | Describes physical closeness explicitly | Physical-Pointing |
| 48. At hand | Describes something physically or figuratively close | Physical-Pointing |
| 49. Close by (adjective use) | Describes physical nearness generally | Physical-Pointing |
| 50. The nearby (rare noun use) | Rare, formal way to refer to something physically close | Physical-Pointing |
| 51. Presently (as in “the present one”) | Formal adverb sometimes used to modify current items | Time-Referring |
| 52. The recent | Refers to something that happened not long ago | Time-Referring |
| 53. The latest | Refers to the most recent version or instance | Time-Referring |
| 54. The above-described | Formal phrase referring to something previously explained | Backward-Referring |
| 55. As explained | Refers to information already clarified | Backward-Referring |
Closest, Contextual, and Related Alternatives
| Category | Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Closest (demonstrative) | That, Such, The one here | Can replace “this” when pointing to something specific |
| Closest (backward-referring) | The aforementioned, The above, As mentioned | Can replace “this” when referring to something already stated |
| Related (forward-referring) | The following, What follows, Here is | Used when introducing something new, not referring backward |
Formal and Informal Alternatives
| Formal | Informal |
|---|---|
| The aforementioned | The one here |
| The foregoing | This sort of thing |
| The instant (legal) | Right here |
| As stated | Like I said |
This vs Similar Words
This vs That
“This” points to something near the speaker (literally or figuratively), while “that” points to something farther away or more distant in the conversation.
This vs Such
“Such” refers to a type or category of thing, while “this” typically points to one specific, identifiable item or idea.
This vs The Following
“This” often refers backward to something already mentioned, while “the following” specifically points forward to something about to be stated.
This vs It
“This” carries a demonstrative, pointing quality that emphasizes the referent, while “it” is a neutral pronoun that simply continues a reference without that emphasis.
Words Related But Not Exact Synonyms
- These — the plural form of “this,” referring to multiple nearby items
- Here — an adverb of place, related in meaning but grammatically distinct
- Now — an adverb of time, related to “this” when referring to the present moment
- Self — sometimes confused with “this” in reflexive contexts, but grammatically different
- Same — implies identity between two things, not proximity like “this”
Words Related to This
That, These, Such, Present, Current, Here
Common Collocations With This
This is why, this way, this time, this means, this far, this much, this once, this said, this being said, this just in
Opposite Relationships to This
| Word/Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| That | Points to something farther away rather than nearby |
| Those | Plural form pointing to distant items, opposite of “these” |
| The former | Refers to the first of two previously mentioned items, not the current one |
| The latter | Refers to the second of two previously mentioned items |
How to Choose the Right Alternative for This
First, identify which job “this” is doing in your sentence: pointing to something nearby, referring to the current time, referring backward to an idea, or introducing something new. For formal backward references, “the aforementioned” or “as stated” work well. For time, “the current” or “the present” are more explicit. For introducing new information, switch to forward-pointing phrases like “the following” rather than “this,” which naturally points backward or to something already present.
Common Mistakes When Using This Alternatives
A common mistake is using “the following” when the reference is actually backward-looking, since “the following” specifically points forward to new information. Another is overusing “this” at the start of sentences without a clear referent, which can leave readers unsure what exactly “this” refers to — swapping in a more explicit phrase like “this decision” or “this outcome” often clarifies the sentence. Writers should also avoid confusing “such” (a category) with “this” (a specific item) when precision matters.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common formal synonym for this when referring back to an idea?
“The aforementioned” and “as stated” are both common, versatile formal replacements for backward-referring uses of “this.”
What word means this but refers to the present time?
“The current” and “the present” both substitute for “this” when referring to time, as in “this year.”
Is “that” the same as “this”?
Not quite — “this” points to something near the speaker, while “that” points to something farther away or more distant in the conversation.
What’s a formal phrase for introducing something after “this”?
“The following” and “what follows” both work as formal alternatives when introducing new information.
What’s a casual way to say “this kind of thing”?
“This sort of thing” and “a thing like this” both work as casual, everyday alternatives.
What’s the opposite of this?
“That” is the direct opposite in terms of proximity, pointing to something farther away rather than nearby.
Conclusion
“This” quietly handles several different grammatical jobs — pointing to something nearby, referring to the present, and referring back to an idea — so choosing the right alternative starts with identifying which job it’s doing in your sentence. With 55 accurate alternatives and related phrasings split across these functions, you can replace “this” precisely rather than treating this small but essential word as having ordinary synonyms.
