How To Replace This In A Sentence

How to Replace "This" in a Sentence: A Guide to Clearer Writing

This seemingly simple word, "this," can often be the culprit behind vague and confusing sentences. While convenient, relying too heavily on "this" can leave your reader struggling to understand exactly what you're referring to. This article will provide you with strategies to replace "this" and improve the clarity and precision of your writing. Learn how to avoid ambiguity and strengthen your prose by mastering this crucial aspect of writing effectively.

Understanding the Problem with "This"

The pronoun "this" is a demonstrative pronoun, pointing to something nearby. However, the "nearness" can be ambiguous, both spatially and contextually. Is "this" referring to the previous sentence, a specific word, an entire idea, or something else entirely? The reader must infer the meaning, and this often leads to confusion. For example: "The meeting was unproductive. This was disappointing." What exactly was disappointing? The unproductive meeting? The outcome of the meeting? The lack of progress? The ambiguity creates uncertainty.

Effective Strategies to Replace "This"

Instead of relying on the vague "this," replace it with more specific and descriptive language. Here are some effective strategies:

• Replace with a noun: Often, the best way to replace "this" is by using the actual noun it refers to. In the example above, a better sentence would be: "The unproductive meeting was disappointing." This is far clearer and leaves no room for misinterpretation.

• Use a pronoun with clearer antecedent: If referring to a previously mentioned concept, use a more specific pronoun like "it," "they," "he," "she," etc., ensuring a clear connection to its antecedent. For example, instead of "The car broke down. This is a problem," try "The car broke down. This breakdown is a problem," or even better, "The car's breakdown is a problem."

• Rephrase the sentence: Sometimes, the best solution is simply to restructure the sentence to eliminate the need for "this" altogether. Consider combining sentences, using different sentence structures, or altering the flow to make the reference clear.

• Use descriptive phrases: If "this" refers to a more complex idea or concept, replace it with a concise and descriptive phrase that encapsulates the meaning. For example, instead of "The marketing campaign failed. This requires a reassessment," try "The marketing campaign's failure requires a reassessment."

• Employ synonyms and related terms: If "this" refers to a specific action, idea or event, consider using a synonym or a more precise term to express the same meaning. This adds variety and sophistication to your writing.

Examples of Effective Replacements

Let's look at some examples to illustrate these strategies:

• Vague: "The economy is struggling. This is concerning."

• Improved: "The struggling economy is concerning."

• Vague: "The report is lengthy. This makes it difficult to read."

• Improved: "The report's length makes it difficult to read."

• Vague: "He made a mistake. This cost the company thousands."

• Improved: "His mistake cost the company thousands."

• Vague: "The project is behind schedule. This is unacceptable."

• Improved: "The project's delay is unacceptable."

Beyond "This": Addressing Similar Issues

The same principles apply to other vague pronouns, such as "that," "these," and "those." Always strive for clarity and precision in your writing by replacing vague pronouns with concrete and specific language. Focus on the context and choose words that precisely reflect the meaning you intend to convey.

By consciously avoiding overreliance on "this" and employing these strategies, you can significantly enhance the clarity, precision, and overall quality of your writing. Remember, clear communication is paramount, and replacing vague words is a key step in achieving it.