55 Ways to Be Clear When You Need Another Word For This
If you need another word for this, look at what this points to. In “This needs approval,” the reader might need the revised budget or the request. In “This is why we postponed the launch,” That’s why keeps the conversational rhythm, while For that reason works well when you want to connect a decision to its cause.
The right replacement depends on the job this does in your sentence. It can point to an object nearby, introduce a topic, refer to something you just said, or identify a time such as this week. You can often keep the sentence structure by adding a noun, as in this change. Other times, naming the subject directly or rewriting the connection between two ideas makes the sentence easier to follow.
The 55 options below include close substitutes, more specific references, and sentence rewrites. Each works in a different situation.
Best Synonyms for This at a Glance
| If You Mean… | Try… | Example | What Changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| An object you’re pointing to | This one | “I’ll take this one.” | Singles out one item from a group |
| An object farther away | That | “Can you hand me that?” | Changes the sense of distance or where attention falls |
| A topic you just mentioned | The issue | “The issue needs more discussion.” | Frames the topic as a matter to address |
| A specific document | The revised draft | “The revised draft is ready for review.” | Identifies exactly which version you mean |
| The reason for a decision | For that reason | “For that reason, we extended the deadline.” | Makes the reason explicit |
| The outcome of an event | As a result | “As a result, we missed the deadline.” | Signals a consequence |
| The moment you’re speaking | Right now | “We’re reviewing applications right now.” | Emphasizes the immediate moment |
| The day you’re speaking | Today | “The store opens at noon today.” | Replaces this day when you mean the current day |
The closest one-word counterpart is that. The two often fit the same grammatical position, but switching between them can change what the reader understands you to be pointing at. When this refers to an earlier sentence, a specific noun phrase usually gives readers more information.
What Does This Mean?
This is a singular demonstrative. It directs attention to a particular person, thing, time, or idea. What it points to can be physically nearby, currently relevant, or easy to identify from the conversation.
- Determiner before a noun: “This jacket fits me.” The word identifies which jacket you mean.
- Pronoun on its own: “This changes our plans.” Here, the word stands for an event, a piece of news, or another idea the listener can identify.
- Degree modifier: “I didn’t expect the bag to be this heavy.” Here, this means roughly “as heavy as it is” and refers to a degree you are experiencing or indicating.
In American English, this has one syllable and is pronounced /ðɪs/. Its plural counterpart is these, as in this form and these forms. It also works with uncountable nouns, as in this water or this information.
55 Synonyms and Alternatives for This by Context
The first group covers close grammatical alternatives. The remaining groups show how to name the referent, clarify a time, or rewrite the sentence to express a specific relationship. Several options require a change in wording around this.
Pointing to a Person, Place, or Thing
| # | Alternative | When It Works | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | That | A demonstrative determiner or pronoun for something farther away, already mentioned, or associated with the listener’s side of the conversation. | “Is that your bag by the door?” |
| 2 | This one | A pronoun phrase for selecting one item from a known set. It keeps the sense of nearness or immediate attention. | “Of the three frames, I’d choose this one.” |
| 3 | That one | A pronoun phrase for selecting a specific item you are pointing to or have already discussed. | “That one on the top shelf is the right size.” |
| 4 | The | A determiner for a noun the reader can already identify. Use it when the pointing emphasis in this adds little. | “Please sign the form at the bottom.” |
| 5 | It | A pronoun for a singular object or subject you have already named. It keeps attention on the same subject with less emphasis. | “I’ve read the contract. It expires in June.” |
| 6 | The one in front of me | A noun phrase that identifies something by its physical position. It helps when the listener cannot see where you are pointing. | “The one in front of me has a blue label.” |
| 7 | The one we just mentioned | A noun phrase that directs the reader back to the most recent option or example. | “The one we just mentioned comes with a longer warranty.” |
| 8 | The same one | A noun phrase that emphasizes continuity or identity across two occasions. | “We used the same one for both interviews.” |
| 9 | The item shown | A reference to a visible example in a photo, diagram, listing, or demonstration. | “The item shown comes in three sizes.” |
| 10 | This way | A directional phrase for pointing out a route. It supplies the direction implied by this in spoken instructions. | “The entrance is closed, so come this way.” |
Naming the Idea, Event, or Detail You Mean
These noun phrases are useful when this points back to a previous sentence. Choose a label that fits what happened. A finding comes from an investigation, while a decision reflects a choice.
| # | Alternative | When It Works | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | The issue | A matter that needs attention or discussion. It can refer to a problem or a question still under consideration. | “The issue is whether weekend deliveries are possible.” |
| 12 | The situation | A set of circumstances, especially when several events or conditions matter together. | “The situation changed when both suppliers pulled out.” |
| 13 | The change | An adjustment or shift from an earlier state, practice, or plan. | “The change will give customers another week to respond.” |
| 14 | The decision | A choice someone made. It helps readers distinguish the choice from its effects. | “The decision to close early affected the evening shift.” |
| 15 | The proposal | A plan or suggestion submitted for consideration. It indicates that approval may still be pending. | “The proposal would add two bus stops near the school.” |
| 16 | The request | Something a person or organization has asked for. | “The request came from the building manager.” |
| 17 | The revised draft | An updated version of a document. It is useful when several versions are circulating. | “The revised draft includes the changes we discussed on Monday.” |
| 18 | The finding | A result or observation from research, a review, or an investigation. | “The finding suggests that the survey missed some night-shift workers.” |
| 19 | The result | An outcome, calculation, or measurement. It points to what happened or what a test returned. | “The result was lower than the team expected.” |
| 20 | The difference | A contrast or gap between two figures, experiences, or conditions. | “The difference was largest during the first month.” |
| 21 | The point | The idea a speaker or writer wants the audience to understand. | “The point is that applicants need more time to gather their records.” |
| 22 | The example | A specific illustration of an idea or rule. | “The example shows how a small wording change can affect the tone.” |
Referring Back in Essays, Reports, and Emails
These phrases identify where an idea came from, which case it applies to, or whose wording you are explaining. They are most useful when the reference is specific enough to locate.
| # | Alternative | When It Works | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23 | In that case | A phrase that introduces a response to a condition just mentioned. | “If the file is too large, in that case we can send a download link.” |
| 24 | In the case at hand | A formal phrase for the particular example or dispute under discussion. | “In the case at hand, the two measurements were taken on different days.” |
| 25 | Under these conditions | A phrase that limits a claim to conditions already stated. | “Under these conditions, the adhesive needs two hours to set.” |
| 26 | On that point | A phrase that connects a comment to one particular part of a discussion. | “On that point, the reviewers agreed.” |
| 27 | As noted earlier | A brief reference to an earlier statement that the reader can readily identify. | “As noted earlier, the survey covered only weekday commuters.” |
| 28 | The section above | A reference to a visibly preceding section in a short document. | “The section above explains how to enter a return address.” |
| 29 | The following section | A forward reference that prepares readers for material coming next. | “The following section explains how the sample was selected.” |
| 30 | The former | A formal pronoun phrase for the first of two clearly named items. | “We compared email and phone support. The former was cheaper to operate.” |
| 31 | The latter | A formal pronoun phrase for the second of two clearly named items. | “We compared email and phone support. The latter resolved urgent cases faster.” |
| 32 | By that, I mean | A phrase that clarifies wording the speaker has just used. | “We need a shorter process. By that, I mean fewer approval steps.” |
| 33 | What I mean is | A conversational way to restate or correct a point. | “What I mean is we can start on Monday even if the full team joins later.” |
Connecting Causes, Results, and Implications
A sentence beginning with This is why, Because of this, or This means often needs a transition or a rewrite. Choose one that reflects the connection you can actually support.
| # | Alternative | When It Works | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 34 | That’s why | A conversational substitute for this is why. It ties a reason to a choice or outcome. | “The last train leaves at nine. That’s why we’re taking the bus.” |
| 35 | For that reason | A neutral transition that makes the reason for an action or judgment explicit. | “The driveway floods in heavy rain. For that reason, deliveries go to the side entrance.” |
| 36 | Because of that | An everyday phrase that directly links an earlier circumstance to a consequence. | “The printer jammed. Because of that, we handed out digital copies.” |
| 37 | As a result | A transition that highlights what happened because of a previous event or action. | “Two appointments ran long. As a result, the office closed late.” |
| 38 | Therefore | A formal transition for a conclusion or consequence that follows from the preceding statement. | “The room holds 40 people. Therefore, the guest list must be capped at 40.” |
| 39 | So | A short, natural connector for cause and effect in speech or straightforward prose. | “The road was closed, so we took the highway.” |
| 40 | Consequently | A more formal transition that emphasizes a consequence. | “The application lacked a signature. Consequently, processing was delayed.” |
| 41 | In response | A transition for a deliberate action taken after a request, complaint, or event. | “Several parents asked for a later pickup time. In response, the school moved pickup to 4 p.m.” |
| 42 | It follows that | A phrase for a conclusion that can be derived from a stated premise. | “All submissions require a signature. It follows that unsigned submissions are incomplete.” |
| 43 | That suggests | A phrase for an interpretation that the available evidence supports tentatively. | “Fewer people opened the second email. That suggests the new subject line may have been less effective.” |
| 44 | Which means | A clause-level rewrite that attaches an implication directly to the preceding statement. | “The cafe closes at six, which means we’ll need to meet earlier.” |
Referring to the Current Time or a Point in a Sequence
Time expressions often need a clearer reference than this. Preserve the difference between an exact moment, a temporary arrangement, and a whole reporting period.
| # | Alternative | When It Works | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45 | Now | A neutral adverb for the present or a newly relevant moment. | “You can submit the form now.” |
| 46 | Right now | A more immediate expression, common in conversation. | “She’s with a customer right now.” |
| 47 | Currently | A neutral to formal adverb for an ongoing state or arrangement. | “We’re currently accepting applications for the fall session.” |
| 48 | At present | A slightly formal expression for current circumstances. | “At present, the site has no public parking.” |
| 49 | For now | A phrase that marks a temporary decision or condition. | “For now, please use the side entrance.” |
| 50 | At this stage | A phrase for the current phase of a process. | “At this stage, the team is collecting feedback.” |
| 51 | At the moment | An everyday phrase for a current state that may change. | “The customer portal is unavailable at the moment.” |
| 52 | Today | A word for the current calendar day. It can simplify on this day when you are speaking about the present. | “The office closes at three today.” |
| 53 | The current reporting period | A noun phrase that names the timeframe relevant to a report. Use the actual dates if readers may be unsure which period applies. | “The current reporting period ends on June 30.” |
| 54 | The following day | A phrase for the day after a date already mentioned. It works when you are narrating events from an earlier reference point. | “The package arrived on Tuesday. The following day, we discovered the damage.” |
| 55 | On this occasion | A phrase that identifies a particular instance, often when the outcome differed from usual. | “On this occasion, the committee voted unanimously.” |
This vs. Similar Words
This vs. That
Use this to bring something into immediate focus and that to point to something farther away or refer back to something already said. Distance can be physical or conversational. In “Listen to this,” the speaker is about to share something. In “I heard that,” the speaker refers to something already spoken.
Both can refer to an earlier idea. Compare “This raises a question” with “That raises a question.” The first can present the issue as the writer’s current focus. The second often sounds like a response to someone else’s point.
This vs. It
It works well when a clear noun has already been introduced. “I found the invoice. It was in the shared folder” flows naturally because it refers to the invoice.
This can point to a whole event or statement. In “The customer paid twice. This triggered a review,” the reference is the duplicate payment. Naming it directly, as in “The duplicate payment triggered a review,” gives the reader the clearest reference.
This vs. The
Both work before a noun. This chapter directs attention to the chapter at hand. The chapter assumes the reader can already identify it. In a book introduction, “This chapter covers interviews” points to the current chapter. After naming Chapter 4, “The chapter covers interviews” reads naturally.
This vs. These
Use this with a singular noun or an uncountable noun, as in this problem and this advice. Use these with plural nouns, as in these problems and these suggestions. When a pronoun refers to several individual items, use these. When several facts together form one situation, this can refer to the situation as a whole.
Common Phrases With This and What They Mean
| Phrase | What It Does | Natural Rewrite |
|---|---|---|
| This is because | Introduces an explanation for what came before. | “The room feels warmer because it faces west.” |
| This is why | Links a preceding reason to an outcome or choice. | “We missed the last bus. That’s why we walked.” |
| This time | Singles out one occasion, often in contrast with an earlier one. | “On our second visit, the museum was open.” |
| This time next week | Points to roughly the same time one week later. | “By noon next Thursday, we’ll be on the train.” |
| This much | Indicates a quantity or degree, often with a gesture or comparison. | “I hadn’t expected to pay $80 for delivery.” |
| This close | Indicates a small distance or how nearly something happened. | “We were within one point of winning.” |
Does This Have an Antonym?
This has a contrasting demonstrative, that, rather than a strict antonym. The contrast is usually one of proximity, reference, or attention. “This chair is mine. That chair is yours” distinguishes two chairs. In the plural, the corresponding contrast is these and those. In time expressions, use the contrast that matches the intended period, such as this week and last week or this week and next week.
How to Choose the Right Alternative for This
Start by asking what the reader has to look at or remember to understand the sentence. If the answer is obvious, this may be the simplest choice. If the reader could reasonably pick more than one referent, name it. If the word introduces a logical connection, decide whether you mean a cause, an outcome, a response, or a tentative interpretation.
| Before | After | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| “The team changed the price and redesigned the packaging. This upset customers.” | “The price increase upset customers.” | Identifies which change prompted the reaction. |
| “The study recorded a drop in visits. This proves the new schedule failed.” | “The drop in visits suggests the new schedule may have discouraged visitors.” | Matches the strength of the claim to the evidence. |
| “Can you finish this by Friday?” | “Can you finish the budget summary by Friday?” | Names the deliverable in an email that may be read later. |
| “This week, we’ll run three tests.” | “From May 4 through May 8, we’ll run three tests.” | Gives readers a date range they can use even after the week has passed. |
| “I didn’t know it would cost this much.” | “I didn’t know it would cost $80.” | Replaces a degree reference with the actual amount. |
Common Mistakes When Replacing This
- Using a transition where the sentence needs a subject. In “This caused delays,” this names the cause. Write “The outage caused delays” or recast the sentence as “There was an outage. As a result, deliveries were delayed.”
- Choosing a noun that adds an unintended judgment. The issue can make a change sound problematic. If you mean an update or revision, name it as such.
- Using “the former” or “the latter” after a long list. These expressions work best when two items appear close together. With more items, repeat the name readers need.
- Relying on “the above” in a long document. A section name, table number, or figure label gives readers a clearer destination.
- Replacing “this week” with “currently” when the deadline matters. Currently describes the present situation. It leaves the end of the period open.
Read Next
Explore more helpful guides from this category.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Another Word for This?
That is the closest one-word counterpart when you are pointing to or referring to something. In a sentence like “This needs approval,” a phrase such as the proposal, the revised budget, or the request may be clearer because it identifies what needs approval.
Can I Start a Sentence With This?
Yes. “This is my seat” and “This explains the delay” are grammatical. In the second sentence, readers need enough context to identify what explains the delay. Adding a noun can help when the previous sentence mentions several events.
What Is a Formal Alternative to This in an Essay?
Use a phrase that names the relevant idea, such as the finding, the distinction, or the proposed change. When you are connecting a reason to a conclusion, therefore or for that reason may fit after a sentence rewrite.
What Can I Use Instead of This Shows That?
Use the results indicate that for a supported interpretation, the results suggest that for a tentative interpretation, or the chart shows that when reporting something directly visible. For example, “The chart shows that sales fell in March” reports the displayed figures.
What Is Another Way to Say This Means?
Use in other words to restate an idea. Use which means to attach an implication to the same sentence. Use it follows that when the implication is a logical conclusion.
Can I Use Said Instead of This?
Sometimes, in formal or legal wording. Said document refers to a document previously mentioned. In ordinary emails or essays, the document or the document’s name usually reads more naturally.
What Can I Say Instead of This Person?
Use the person’s name or the role that matters, such as the applicant, the speaker, or the customer. In an introduction, “This is Maya” is already natural. In a report, “The applicant submitted the form on Tuesday” gives readers more context.
What Is Another Way to Say This and That?
If this and that means assorted things, try a few things or odds and ends. “We talked about a few things” sounds natural in conversation, while “I picked up some odds and ends” suits a collection of miscellaneous items.
Conclusion
The best replacement for this depends on what you want the reader to notice. Use this one to single out an object, that to shift attention to something farther away or already mentioned, and it to continue talking about a clearly named subject. In essays and reports, specific phrases such as the finding, the change, or the revised draft help readers follow the reference without rereading. If you are linking two statements, for that reason gives a reason, as a result introduces a consequence, and that suggests signals a tentative interpretation. When the reference is obvious, this can be the cleanest choice. When readers might pause to ask “Which thing?” or “Which event?”, put the answer in the sentence.
Related Articles
55 Picks for Another Word For Enhance: Sharper Word Choice
Nov 11, 2026
55 Choices for Another Word For Demonstrate in Context
Nov 11, 2026