Such vs. This

Attribute	Such	This
Definition	Used to refer to a specific thing or person that has already been mentioned or is known	Used to refer to a specific thing or person that is close in distance or time
Usage	Generally used in formal or literary contexts	Can be used in both formal and informal contexts
Emphasis	Emphasizes the particularity or uniqueness of the thing or person being referred to	Emphasizes the proximity or immediacy of the thing or person being referred to
Context	Often used when the speaker wants to be more specific or precise	Often used when the speaker wants to draw attention to something nearby or current

Introduction

When it comes to language, the words "such" and "this" are often used interchangeably. However, there are subtle differences between the two that can impact the meaning of a sentence. In this article, we will explore the attributes of "such" and "this" and how they are used in different contexts.

Definition

First, let's define the two words. "Such" is used to refer to something specific or previously mentioned. It is often used to emphasize the quality or degree of something. For example, "She had never seen such a beautiful sunset before." On the other hand, "this" is used to refer to something that is present or near in space or time. It is often used to point out something specific. For example, "This book is my favorite."

Usage

One key difference between "such" and "this" is their usage in a sentence. "Such" is typically used before a noun or adjective to emphasize a particular quality or degree. For example, "She had never seen such beauty before." On the other hand, "this" is used as a pronoun to refer to something specific that is present or near. For example, "This is the best movie I have ever seen."

Emphasis

Another difference between "such" and "this" is the emphasis they place on the subject. "Such" is often used to draw attention to a specific quality or degree of something. It is used to emphasize the uniqueness or intensity of a particular object or situation. For example, "I have never tasted such delicious food before." On the other hand, "this" is used to point out something specific that is present or near. It is used to draw attention to a particular object or situation. For example, "This painting is breathtaking."

Distance

One important aspect to consider when using "such" and "this" is the distance between the speaker and the subject. "Such" is often used to refer to something that is not physically present or near the speaker. It is used to talk about something that is more abstract or distant. For example, "She had never seen such beauty in her life." On the other hand, "this" is used to refer to something that is physically present or near the speaker. It is used to talk about something that is more concrete or immediate. For example, "This song is my favorite."

Comparison

Overall, while "such" and "this" are both used to refer to specific objects or situations, they have distinct differences in their usage and emphasis. "Such" is often used to emphasize a particular quality or degree, while "this" is used to point out something specific that is present or near. Understanding the nuances of these two words can help improve clarity and precision in communication.