this

(used to indicate a person, thing, idea, state, event, time, remark, etc., as present, near, just mentioned or pointed out, supposed to be understood, or by way of emphasis).

This is my coat.

(used to indicate one of two or more persons, things, etc., referring to the one nearer in place, time, or thought; opposed tothat ).

This is Liza and that is Amy.

(used to indicate one of two or more persons, things, etc., implying a contrast or contradistinction; opposed tothat ).

I'd take that instead of this.

what is about to follow.

Now hear this!

Watch this!

(used to indicate a person, place, thing, or degree as present, near, just indicated or mentioned, or as well-known or characteristic).

These people are my friends.

This problem has worried me for a long time.

(used to indicate the nearer in time, place, or thought of two persons, things, etc.; opposed tothat. )

(used to imply mere contradistinction; opposed tothat. )

(used in place of an indefinite article for emphasis).

I was walking down the street when I heard this explosion.

1. used preceding a noun referring to something or someone that is closer: distinct from that

   this dress is cheaper than that one

   look at this picture

2. ( as pronoun )

   this is Mary and that is her boyfriend

   take this

1. used preceding a noun that has just been mentioned or is understood

   this plan of yours won't work

2. ( as pronoun )

   I first saw this on Sunday

1. used to refer to something about to be said, read, etc

   consider this argument

2. ( as pronoun )

   listen to this

1. the present or immediate

   this time you'll know better

2. ( as pronoun )

   before this, I was mistaken

informal often used in storytelling, an emphatic form of a 1 the 1

I saw this big brown bear

various unspecified and trivial actions, matters, objects, etc

not_standard an emphatic form of this this this

after this; thereupon