The difference between 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' is based on two simple factors: distance (how near or far something is) and number (whether you are talking about one thing or more than one). 'This' and 'these' refer to things that are close to you, while 'that' and 'those' refer to things that are farther away. Mastering these common English words, known as demonstratives, will make your speaking and writing much clearer.
What is the Core Difference Between 'This', 'That', 'These', and 'Those'?
Confusing 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' is a common hurdle for many English learners. The good news is that the rule is very straightforward once you see it laid out. Everything comes down to answering two questions:
- Is the object near me or far from me? (Distance)
- Am I talking about one object (singular) or multiple objects (plural)? (Number)
Here’s a simple chart to help you remember the rules:
| | Singular (One Item) | Plural (More Than One Item) | |-------------|---------------------|-----------------------------| | Near | this | these | | Far | that | those |
Let’s break down each of these demonstrative pronouns and adjectives with clear examples.
When Do I Use 'This' and 'These' for Things Nearby?
You use 'this' and 'these' to point to people, objects, or ideas that are physically close to you or psychologically current and present. Think of things you can touch or that are right here with you.
How to Use 'This' (Singular, Near)
Use 'this' when you are referring to a single person, place, or thing that is close to you.
- Examples in Sentences:
- "This coffee is delicious." (The coffee is in your hand or on the table in front of you.)
- "Is this your jacket?" (You are pointing to or holding a single jacket.)
- "I really enjoy this song." (The song is playing right now.)
- "This is my brother, Mark." (You are introducing someone standing next to you.)
How to Use 'These' (Plural, Near)
Use 'these' when you are referring to two or more people, places, or things that are close to you. 'These' is the plural form of 'this'.
- Examples in Sentences:
- "These books are very heavy." (You are holding the books or they are in a pile next to you.)
- "Are these your shoes by the door?" (The shoes are near you.)
- "I bought these apples at the market today." (You are showing the apples to someone.)
When Do I Use 'That' and 'Those' for Things Far Away?
Conversely, you use 'that' and 'those' to point to people, objects, or ideas that are not close to you. Think of things that are "over there" or that you need to point to across a room or street.
How to Use 'That' (Singular, Far)
Use 'that' when you are referring to a single person, place, or thing that is far away from you.
- Examples in Sentences:
- "Can you see that house on the hill?" (The house is in the distance.)
- "What is that noise?" (The sound is coming from another room or outside.)
- "I prefer that painting over there." (You are pointing to a painting across the gallery.)
How to Use 'Those' (Plural, Far)
Use 'those' when you are referring to two or more people, places, or things that are far away from you. 'Those' is the plural form of 'that'.
- Examples in Sentences:
- "Those birds are flying south for the winter." (The birds are high up in the sky.)
- "Who are those people waiting across the street?" (The people are not near you.)
- "Do you remember those holidays we took as kids?" (Referring to memories that are distant in time.)
Beyond Distance: Other Uses for 'This', 'That', 'These', and 'Those'
While distance is the main rule, these words are also used in more abstract ways.
- Talking About Time: 'This' and 'these' often refer to the present or near future ("This week has been busy," "These next few days are critical"). 'That' and 'those' often refer to the past ("That was a great year," "Those were the good old days").
- On the Telephone: When introducing yourself on the phone, it’s common to say, "Hello, this is Sarah."
- Referring to Ideas: You can use 'this' or 'that' to refer to a situation or idea that was just mentioned.
- "He said he can’t finish the project on time." -> "This is a problem."
- "I think we should hire a new designer." -> "That's an excellent idea."
Mastering the difference between 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' is a fundamental step toward sounding more natural in English. By simply remembering to check for distance (near or far) and number (singular or plural), you can use these essential words correctly and confidently. Keep practicing, and soon it will become second nature!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Are 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' pronouns or adjectives?
They can be both! They are demonstrative adjectives when they come before a noun ("This car is fast"). They are demonstrative pronouns when they stand alone in place of a noun ("This is fast").
Q2: How do I know if something is 'near' or 'far'?
"Near" usually means within arm's reach or in your immediate vicinity (the same room). "Far" means something you have to point at across a space, like a street, a room, or in the distance. The context is determined by the speaker's perspective.
Q3: Can I use 'this' when talking on the phone?
Yes, this is very common. When you introduce yourself on the phone, you say, "Hi, this is John." You use 'this' because you are bringing your identity into the "present" space of the conversation.
Q4: What's a common mistake English learners make with these words?
A very common mistake is mixing up the singular and plural forms. For example, saying "*this books*" instead of "these books," or "*that people*" instead of "those people." Always remember to match the demonstrative to the number of the noun.
Q5: Can you use 'that' to agree with someone?
Absolutely! Using "That's right," "That's true," or simply "That's it!" is a very natural way to show agreement or confirm what someone has said. In this case, 'that' refers to the idea just expressed.