Grammar – Understanding the Difference Between ‘This Is’ and ‘Here Is’

grammarmeaning-in-contextphrase-meaningsentence-choice

I mean, is there a difference in the meaning, or the contexts for these sentences?

When using the one or the other one?

My question is about every kind of words. Innert things, or beings, or any other cases.

For instance (but not limitative):

"This/Here is my book."
"This/Here is my cat."

Best Answer

There is a difference.

This is a demonstrative pronoun. So, using it you, you specify which cat is yours. For example:

-There are many cats in this room. Which one is yours?

-Oh, this is my cat. (pointing at the cat)

But if you enter a room holding your cat, you might say to your guest, "Here is my cat." It sounds like you are introducing it to your guest.

But you could also say "This is my cat" to your guest. Again, it's like you are pointing at the cat drawing the guest's attention to your pet.

"Here is my cat" can mean emphasis on the place:

Where is my cat? Oh, here is my cat. (talking to yourself finding the cat after looking for the animal for some time)

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