The difference between 'this,' 'that,' 'these,' and 'those' depends on two key factors: number (is it singular or plural?) and distance (is it near or far?). 'This' (singular) and 'these' (plural) refer to items close to the speaker, while 'that' (singular) and 'those' (plural) refer to items farther away. Understanding this simple concept is the first step to using these common English words correctly.
Mastering these four little words—called demonstrative determiners—can instantly make your English sound more natural and precise. They act like a pointer, helping your listener understand exactly which noun you're talking about. If you've ever felt confused, you're not alone! Let's break down the rules and clear up any confusion about the difference between 'this,' 'that,' 'these,' and 'those' once and for all.
What is the Core Difference Between 'This,' 'That,' 'These,' and 'Those'?
To choose the correct word, you only need to answer two simple questions:
- Number: Am I talking about one thing (singular) or more than one thing (plural)?
- Distance: Is the thing physically or metaphorically near me or far from me?
Here is a simple chart to help you remember the rule:
- This: Use for a singular noun that is near you.
- That: Use for a singular noun that is far from you.
- These: Use for a plural noun that is near you.
- Those: Use for a plural noun that is far from you.
'Distance' doesn't always have to be physical. It can also refer to time (e.g., this week vs. that week long ago) or emotional distance. Let’s look at some specific examples.
How Do I Use Singular Demonstratives: 'This' vs. 'That'?
When you are referring to a single item, person, or idea, you will use either 'this' or 'that'. The deciding factor is proximity.
When to Use 'This' (Singular, Near)
Use 'this' when the object is physically close to you, or when you are introducing something or someone.
- Physical Proximity: "Do you like this shirt I'm wearing?"
- Introducing People: "Mark, this is my colleague, Sarah."
- On the Phone: "Hi, this is David calling."
- Referring to a current situation or idea: "I love this song playing right now."
When to Use 'That' (Singular, Far)
Use 'that' when the object is physically at a distance from you. It's also used to refer back to something someone else has just said or something that happened in the past.
- Physical Distance: "Can you see that bird in the tree over there?"
- Referring to a past event: "I really enjoyed our holiday last year. That was a great trip."
- Responding to something someone said: Person A: "I'm not feeling well." Person B: "I'm sorry to hear that."
How Do I Use Plural Demonstratives: 'These' vs. 'Those'?
When you are referring to multiple items, people, or ideas, your choice is between 'these' and 'those'. Again, it all comes down to distance.
When to Use 'These' (Plural, Near)
Use 'these' for multiple items that are close to you. It's the plural form of 'this'.
- Physical Proximity: "These books on my desk need to be returned to the library."
- Introducing a group: "These are my friends, Tom and Jerry."
- Referring to current ideas: "These problems we are discussing require our full attention."
When to Use 'Those' (Plural, Far)
Use 'those' for multiple items that are far from you. It's the plural form of 'that'.
- Physical Distance: "Who are those people on the other side of the street?"
- Referring to things in the past: "I miss the 1990s. Those were the days!"
- Comparing items: "I prefer these apples here, not those ones over there."
Are They Pronouns or Adjectives?
This is a great grammar question! 'This,' 'that,' 'these,' and 'those' can function in two different ways:
- Demonstrative Adjectives (Determiners): They come *before* a noun to modify it. They answer the question "Which one(s)?"
- *Example:* "This car is fast." ('This' modifies 'car').
- *Example:* "I want to buy those shoes." ('Those' modifies 'shoes').
- Demonstrative Pronouns: They *replace* a noun entirely. You use them when the noun is already understood from the context.
- *Example:* "This is my car." ('This' replaces the noun 'car').
- *Example:* "I want to buy those." ('Those' replaces the noun 'shoes').
Understanding this dual function helps you build more varied and sophisticated sentences. The key is to remember that when they stand alone, they are pronouns; when they are followed by a noun, they are adjectives.
Conclusion
Ultimately, mastering the difference between 'this,' 'that,' 'these,' and 'those' comes down to remembering the simple rules of number and distance. By asking yourself if the noun is singular or plural, and near or far, you will be able to choose the correct word with confidence every time. Keep practicing, and soon it will become second nature!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main rule for using 'this,' 'that,' 'these,' and 'those'? The main rule combines number and distance. Use 'this' for a single item nearby, 'that' for a single item far away, 'these' for multiple items nearby, and 'those' for multiple items far away.
How do I know if something is 'near' or 'far'? 'Near' usually means within arm's reach or in your immediate vicinity. 'Far' is anything outside of that immediate area. This can be subjective, but in conversation, the context usually makes it clear whether you mean something you can touch versus something you have to point at.
Can 'this' and 'that' refer to time? Yes. 'This' refers to the present or upcoming time (e.g., "I am busy this week"), while 'that' often refers to a time in the past (e.g., "I remember my graduation day; that was a happy time").
Is it correct to say "these ones" or "those ones"? While you might hear it in informal speech, it's generally considered redundant in formal writing. Because 'these' and 'those' are already plural pronouns, you can usually just say "I'll take these" instead of "I'll take these ones."
Can you use 'that' to refer to an idea? Absolutely. 'That' is very commonly used to refer to an idea, statement, or concept that was just mentioned. For example: "The Earth is getting warmer. That is a fact we can't ignore."