The Difference Between 'This,' 'That,' 'These,' and 'Those' Explained

The main difference between 'this,' 'that,' 'these,' and 'those' is based on two simple concepts: distance (is the object near or far?) and number (is it singular or plural?). In short, this and these refer to things close to you, while that and those refer to things farther away. Mastering these common words, known as demonstratives, will make your English sound much more natural.

What is the fundamental difference between 'this,' 'that,' 'these,' and 'those'?

To choose the correct word, you always need to ask yourself two questions:

Is it near me or far from me? (Proximity)
Is it one thing or more than one thing? (Number)

Let's break it down. 'This,' 'that,' 'these,' and 'those' can be used as demonstrative pronouns (which replace a noun) or demonstrative adjectives (which describe a noun). The rules of distance and number apply in both cases.

This: Use for a single item that is near you.
That: Use for a single item that is far from you.
These: Use for multiple items that are near you.
Those: Use for multiple items that are far from you.

How Do I Choose Between 'This' and 'That'? (Singular)

When you are talking about only one person, place, or thing, you will use either 'this' or 'that.' The only deciding factor is the object's proximity to you, the speaker.

Using 'This' for Things Nearby Use 'this' when an object is physically close to you, within reach, or in your immediate surroundings.

*Example (Adjective):* "I am reading this book right now." (You are holding the book).
*Example (Pronoun):* "This is my favourite coffee mug."
*Example (Introduction):* "Sarah, this is my colleague, Mark."

Using 'That' for Things Farther Away Use 'that' when an object is at a distance from you. This could be across the room, outside, or simply not within your reach.

*Example (Adjective):* "Can you see that ship on the horizon?"
*Example (Pronoun):* "What is that on the roof?"
*Example (Referring to something said):* "I didn't like that comment he made."

When Should I Use 'These' or 'Those'? (Plural)

When you are talking about two or more things, your choice is between 'these' and 'those.' Again, distance is the key.

Using 'These' for Plural Items Nearby Use 'these' for multiple items that are close to you. It is the plural form of 'this.'

*Example (Adjective):* "These cookies are delicious." (The cookies are on a plate in front of you).
*Example (Pronoun):* "Whose keys are these?" (You are holding the keys).

Using 'Those' for Plural Items at a Distance Use 'those' for multiple items that are farther away from you. It is the plural form of 'that.'

*Example (Adjective):* "I think those houses on the hill are beautiful."
*Example (Pronoun):* "Look at those flying over there! Are they geese?"

A Simple Chart to Understand the Difference Between This, That, These, and Those

Sometimes a visual aid is the best way to remember grammar rules. Use this simple chart to help you decide which demonstrative to use.

What About Using Demonstratives for Time and Ideas?

The concepts of 'near' and 'far' are not just for physical space. They can also apply to time and abstract concepts.

Time: We use 'this' and 'these' for present or upcoming time periods. We use 'that' and 'those' for past, more distant time periods.
*Example (Near):* "This week is going to be very busy."
*Example (Far):* "I loved being a student. Those were the best days of my life."

Ideas: We use 'this' to introduce a new topic or idea we are about to explain. We use 'that' to refer to an idea someone else just mentioned.
*Example (Near):* "Listen to this: I think we should move the meeting to Friday."
*Example (Far):* (Someone says, "We need to cut costs.") You reply, "I agree with that."

Understanding the difference between 'this,' 'that,' 'these,' and 'those' is a fundamental part of mastering English. By remembering the simple rules of proximity (near vs. far) and number (singular vs. plural), you'll be able to communicate more clearly and confidently in any situation.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do you use 'this' and 'that' on a phone call?

On the phone, we use 'this' to identify ourselves and 'that' to ask for the identity of the other person. For example: "Hello, this is James from Marketing. Is that Susan?"

Q2: Can you use 'this' for people?

Yes, absolutely. You use 'this' and 'these' to introduce people who are with you. For example: "Mom, this is my friend, Emily." Or, "Everyone, these are my parents."

Q3: Is it ever correct to say 'this people' or 'that people'?

No, that is incorrect. The word 'people' is plural, so you must always use a plural demonstrative. The correct phrases are "these people" (if they are near you) or "those people" (if they are farther away).

Q4: What is the difference between a demonstrative adjective and a demonstrative pronoun?

A word is a demonstrative adjective when it comes *before a noun* to describe it (e.g., "I want this apple"). It is a demonstrative pronoun when it *replaces the noun* entirely (e.g., "I want this"). The rules of near/far and singular/plural are the same for both.

Q5: What is the opposite of 'these'?

The direct opposite of 'these' is 'those.' Both refer to plural nouns, but 'these' is for things that are near, while 'those' is for things that are far.