this, that, these
As pronouns, vague words used to indicate a person, persons, a thing, or things nearby, just mentioned, about to be mentioned, or proximity. As an adjective, vague words used to indicate being just mentioned, being nearer, being in proximity, being about to be stated, or as a substitute for an indefinite article.
Most often used as a substitute for an indefinite article.
Avoid being vague by either following up this, that, or these with the article to which it refers, or simply replace it with the article to which it refers.
Examples:
Vague: This is closer than the park.
Better: The coffee shop is closer than the park.
Vague: I was looking for this.
Better: I was looking for this book.
Vague: Did she really say that?
Better: Did she really say you won the grant?
Vague: What are all these?
Better: What are all the index cards?
Vague: Who is that?
Better: Who is the person in the blue sweater?
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