THIS vs. A/AN

Question

One example of usage that I find myself avoiding, as if I unconsciously consider it substandard, is this for a/an, as in these cases:

I met this interesting fellow last night who has a pet theory...
I met an interesting fellow last night who has a pet theory...

I have this uncle who's always on my case...
I have an uncle who's always on my case...

Using this does seem to suggest more clearly that the speaker will say more about the subject.

Anyone care to comment?

Ivanhr · Accepted Answer

electrumUsing this does seem to suggest more clearly that the speaker will say more about the subject.Anyone care to comment?

I agree. It seems that using "this" instead of "a/an" puts more emphasis on the subject at hand and the listener/reader is thus more prepared for what is to follow.

Electrum · Answer

IvanhrI agree. It seems that using "this" instead of "a/an" puts more emphasis on the subject at hand and the listener/reader is thus more prepared for what is to follow.

But what about its being standard or substandard? How do you opine?

Ivanhr · Answer

It's certainly not substandard.

Electrum · Answer

One never sees the construction with this in expository writing. One never sees, for example:

There is this fourth force in the universe, called the weak force.

It would inevitably be:

There is a fourth force in the universe, called the weak force.

But, colloquially, it's very common:

There is this fourth teacher, who's a real pain in the neck.

This is why I was questioning it.

THIS vs. A/AN

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