The Difference Between 'This', 'That', 'These', and 'Those': A Simple Guide

The difference between 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' depends on two key factors: distance (near or far) and number (singular or plural). 'This' and 'these' refer to things that are close to the speaker, while 'that' and 'those' refer to things that are farther away. 'This' and 'that' are used for singular items, and 'these' and 'those' are for plural items.

Mastering these four little words—called demonstrative determiners or pronouns—is a huge step toward sounding more natural in English. They might seem tricky, but the rules are actually quite simple. In this guide, we'll break down the difference between 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' with clear examples, making it easy for you to use them correctly every time.

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

The choice between these words always comes down to answering two simple questions:

Number: Is the noun I'm talking about singular (one) or plural (more than one)?
Distance: Is the noun physically or conceptually near me or far from me?

Here’s a simple chart to help you remember:

This: (Singular + Near) Use for one item that is close to you.
That: (Singular + Far) Use for one item that is far from you.
These: (Plural + Near) Use for multiple items that are close to you.
Those: (Plural + Far) Use for multiple items that are far from you.

Think of it this way: if you can touch it, it's probably 'this' or 'these'. If you have to point at it, it's likely 'that' or 'those'.

How do I use 'this' and 'that' for singular nouns?

'This' and 'that' are used when you are referring to a single person, place, thing, or idea. The only difference between them is the concept of distance.

H3: Using 'This' (Singular, Near)

Use 'this' when referring to something singular that is close to you in space or time.

Physical objects: "I am reading this book right now." (The book is in your hands).
Introducing people: "Mary, this is my colleague, John."
On the telephone: "Hello, this is David speaking."
Current situations: "I love this song playing on the radio."

H3: Using 'That' (Singular, Far)

Use 'that' for a singular noun that is farther away from you in space or time.

Physical objects: "Can you see that bird in the tree?" (The tree is at a distance).
Referring to something someone said: Person A: "I'm not feeling well." Person B: "I'm sorry to hear that."
Past events: "That concert we went to last month was amazing."

What is the difference between 'these' and 'those' for plural nouns?

'These' and 'those' follow the exact same logic as 'this' and 'that', but they are used for plural nouns (two or more items).

H3: Using 'These' (Plural, Near)

Use 'these' for multiple items that are close to you in space or time.

Physical objects: "These shoes I'm wearing are very comfortable." (The shoes are on your feet).
Current items: "Whose keys are these on the table?" (The keys are right here).
Ideas or options: "These are the plans we need to discuss today."

H3: Using 'Those' (Plural, Far)

Use 'those' for multiple items that are farther away from you in space or time.

Physical objects: "I'd like to buy some of those apples over there."
People at a distance: "Who are those people waiting across the street?"
Past events/items: "Do you remember those holidays we took as children? They were the best."

Can these words be pronouns and adjectives?

Yes! This is an important distinction. These four words can act as demonstrative adjectives (determiners) or demonstrative pronouns.

As Adjectives (Determiners): They come *before* a noun to modify it.
"This car is fast."
"That house looks old."
"These cookies are delicious."
"Those mountains are beautiful."

As Pronouns: They *replace* a noun or noun phrase entirely.
"This is my car."
"That looks old."
"These are delicious."
"Those are beautiful."

The grammatical role changes, but the core rules of number and distance always stay the same.

Conclusion

Ultimately, understanding the difference between 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' is all about mastering the concepts of distance and number. By asking yourself "Is it near or far?" and "Is it one or many?", you can choose the right word with confidence. Keep practicing, and soon it will become second nature!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How do I choose between 'this' and 'that' when talking about ideas?

Use 'this' for an idea you are about to introduce or are currently discussing. Use 'that' to refer to an idea someone else just mentioned or one from the past. For example: "Listen to this idea..." versus "I like that idea you just shared."

Q2: What is the rule for using 'this', 'that', 'these', 'those' for time?

'This' and 'these' refer to the present or near future (e.g., "this week," "these last few days"). 'That' and 'those' often refer to the past (e.g., "I remember that day," "those were the good old days").

Q3: Can I use 'that' to identify someone on the phone?

Yes. While you introduce yourself with "This is [Your Name]," you would ask about the other person using 'that'. For example: "Hello, this is Sarah. Is that Mark?"

Q4: Is it grammatically correct to say 'this one' or 'that one'?

Absolutely. Adding 'one' (for singular) or 'ones' (for plural) is very common and grammatically correct. It helps to clarify which specific item you are talking about, especially when choosing between options. For example: "I don't want this shirt, I want that one over there."