The main difference between 'this,' 'that,' 'these,' and 'those' relates to number (singular vs. plural) and distance (near vs. far). 'This' (singular) and 'these' (plural) refer to things close to the speaker, while 'that' (singular) and 'those' (plural) refer to things farther away.
In English, the words 'this,' 'that,' 'these,' and 'those' are called demonstratives. We use them to point to specific people or things. While they seem simple, choosing the right one can be tricky for learners. But don't worry! Understanding the difference between 'this,' 'that,' 'these,' and 'those' is much easier than you think once you learn two simple rules. This guide will break down those rules with clear, easy-to-follow examples to help you use them with confidence.
The Two Key Rules: Number and Distance
To master demonstratives, you only need to ask yourself two questions:
- Number: Am I talking about one thing (singular) or more than one thing (plural)?
- Distance: Is the thing physically close to me (near) or far away from me (far)?
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- This: Singular (one thing) + Near
- That: Singular (one thing) + Far
- These: Plural (more than one thing) + Near
- Those: Plural (more than one thing) + Far
Let's explore how these rules work in practice.
When should I use 'this' and 'that' for singular items?
When you are referring to a single person, place, or thing, you will always use either 'this' or 'that'. The choice depends entirely on its distance from you.
H3: Using 'This' for Things That Are Near
Use 'this' to point to one thing that is close to you. 'Close' can mean something you are holding, touching, or is within arm's reach.
- This apple in my hand is for you.
- Is this your pen on my desk?
- I love this song playing on the radio right now.
H3: Using 'That' for Things That Are Far
Use 'that' to point to one thing that is at a distance from you. This could be something on the other side of the room, down the street, or something you are pointing towards.
- Can you see that bird on the roof?
- That is a beautiful painting on the wall.
- I’d like to buy that book on the top shelf, please.
What's the difference between 'these' and 'those' for plural items?
When you are talking about two or more things, your choice is between 'these' and 'those'. Again, the deciding factor is distance.
H3: Using 'These' for Things That Are Near
Use 'these' to point to multiple items that are close to you. Just like 'this', 'these' refers to things in your immediate space.
- These shoes on my feet are very comfortable.
- Whose keys are these on the kitchen counter?
- Please review these documents before the meeting.
H3: Using 'Those' for Things That Are Far
Use 'those' to point to multiple items that are far away from you. 'Those' is the plural version of 'that'.
- Who are those people waiting across the street?
- Those mountains look so majestic in the distance.
- I prefer the cakes in this display case, not those ones over there.
A Quick Summary: Your Cheat Sheet for the Difference Between 'This,' 'That,' 'These,' and 'Those'
Feeling confident? Here’s a simple chart to help you remember everything. Think of it as your cheat sheet for demonstrative pronouns and adjectives.
- Singular & Near: Use THIS
- *Example:* I am reading this book.
- Singular & Far: Use THAT
- *Example:* That car is driving too fast.
- Plural & Near: Use THESE
- *Example:* Are these your glasses?
- Plural & Far: Use THOSE
- *Example:* Those clouds look like they might bring rain.
Beyond Physical Distance: Time and Ideas
Demonstratives aren't just for physical location. We also use them to talk about time and abstract ideas.
- Time: 'This' and 'these' often refer to the present or a time that is happening now ('this week,' 'these days'). 'That' and 'those' refer to a completed time in the past ('that year was difficult,' 'those were the days').
- Ideas: We use 'this' to introduce a new idea or story ('Listen to this...'). We use 'that' to refer to something someone just said ('That's a great idea!').
Mastering the difference between 'this,' 'that,' 'these,' and 'those' is all about practice. By remembering the simple rules of number and distance, you'll be using these essential English words correctly in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions About 'This,' 'That,' 'These,' and 'Those'
Q1: What is the difference between 'this is a book' and 'this book'? In 'This is a book,' the word 'this' acts as a demonstrative pronoun, standing in for the noun. In 'This book is interesting,' 'this' is a demonstrative adjective, modifying the noun 'book.' Their grammatical roles are different, but both follow the same rules of distance.
Q2: How do I decide if something is 'near' or 'far'? 'Near' generally means within your personal space or arm's reach. 'Far' is anything outside of that immediate area. The context is key—what is 'far' in a small room is different from what is 'far' in a large park. It's all from the speaker's perspective.
Q3: Is it grammatically correct to say 'these ones' or 'those ones'? While very common in informal conversation, saying 'these ones' or 'those ones' is considered grammatically redundant because 'these' and 'those' are already plural. To be more correct, you can just say 'these' or 'those' (e.g., 'I prefer these') or specify the noun ('I prefer these shoes').
Q4: Can you use 'that' to agree with someone? Yes, absolutely. Using 'that' is a very common and natural way to agree with or confirm something someone has just said. For example: (Person A: 'The movie was amazing.') (Person B: 'That's true, I loved it.').