The main difference between 'this,' 'that,' 'these,' and 'those' lies in two simple concepts: distance (near vs. far) and number (singular vs. plural). We use 'this' (singular) and 'these' (plural) for things that are close to us, and 'that' (singular) and 'those' (plural) for things that are farther away. Understanding this core rule is the first step to mastering these common English words.
Whether you're pointing to an object, introducing a friend, or referring to an idea, these four words, known as demonstratives, are essential for clear communication. Getting them right will make your English sound more natural and precise. This guide will break down the complete difference between 'this,' 'that,' 'these,' and 'those' with clear rules and simple examples.
Understanding the Core Difference: This, That, These, and Those
To use these words correctly, you only need to ask yourself two questions:
- Is the noun I'm talking about singular (one) or plural (more than one)?
- Is the noun near me or far from me?
The answer will immediately tell you which word to use. Let's visualize this with a simple chart:
| | Near (Here) | Far (There) | |---|---|---| | Singular (One) | this | that | | Plural (More than one) | these | those |
This simple grid is the foundation for everything. If you can remember this, you're already 90% of the way there.
When to Use 'This' and 'These' (For Things Nearby)
We use 'this' and 'these' to refer to people or objects that are physically close to us. Think of them as things you could easily touch or that are in the same room as you. We often associate them with the word "here."
Using 'This' (Singular, Near)
Use 'this' when you are talking about one person, object, or idea that is close to you.
- Example (Object): "This pen in my hand writes very well."
- Example (Place): "I love this coffee shop. We should come here more often."
- Example (Introduction): "Everyone, this is my colleague, David."
Using 'These' (Plural, Near)
Use 'these' when you are talking about two or more people, objects, or ideas that are close to you.
- Example (Objects): "Could you please pass me these books on the table beside me?"
- Example (Ideas): "These points I'm making are crucial for the project."
- Example (Introduction): "I'd like you to meet my parents. These are the people who raised me."
When to Use 'That' and 'Those' (For Things Far Away)
We use 'that' and 'those' to refer to people or objects that are farther away. They might be across the room, outside, or simply not within your immediate reach. We often associate them with the word "there."
Using 'That' (Singular, Far)
Use 'that' when you are talking about one person, object, or idea that is not close to you.
- Example (Object): "Do you see that car parked across the street?"
- Example (Referring to the past): "I really enjoyed our conversation yesterday. That was fun."
- Example (On the phone): "Hi, is that Maria?"
Using 'Those' (Plural, Far)
Use 'those' for two or more people, objects, or ideas that are distant from you.
- Example (Objects): "Those mountains in the distance are the Alps."
- Example (People): "Who are those people waiting by the entrance?"
- Example (Ideas): "I didn't agree with those suggestions from last week's meeting."
More Than Just Pointers: Demonstrative Pronouns vs. Adjectives
Another key aspect of understanding the difference between 'this,' 'that,' 'these,' and 'those' is knowing their grammatical role. They can function as either demonstrative adjectives or demonstrative pronouns.
- Demonstrative Adjective: The word comes *before* a noun to modify it.
- "This cake is delicious." ('This' describes the noun 'cake'.)
- "I want to buy those shoes." ('Those' describes the noun 'shoes'.)
- Demonstrative Pronoun: The word *replaces* a noun to avoid repetition.
- "This is delicious." (Here, 'this' replaces the noun 'cake'.)
- "I want to buy those." (Here, 'those' replaces the noun 'shoes'.)
Mastering these demonstratives is a significant milestone in your English learning journey. By focusing on the simple rules of distance and number, you can use them with confidence and accuracy. Keep practicing, and soon the difference between 'this,' 'that,' 'these,' and 'those' will feel completely natural.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use 'this' or 'that' to talk about time?
Absolutely! We use 'this' to refer to a time period that is current or happening now, like 'this week,' 'this month,' or 'this morning.' We use 'that' to refer to a time period in the past, often to create a sense of distance from it, such as "Do you remember that summer we went to Italy?"
What is the rule for using 'this' and 'that' on the phone?
When you are identifying yourself on the phone, you use 'this' (e.g., "Hello, this is Sarah."). When you are asking who the other person is, you use 'that' (e.g., "Hello, is that Michael?"). This is a fixed convention in English.
How do I choose between 'these' and 'those' for abstract ideas?
It works the same way as physical objects. Use 'these' for ideas you are currently discussing or presenting ("These reasons I've just listed are why we should proceed."). Use 'those' for ideas that were mentioned in the past or feel more distant ("I prefer our current strategy to those ideas we had last year.").
Is it correct to say 'this information' or 'these information'?
The correct phrase is "this information." The word 'information' is an uncountable (or mass) noun in English, which means it doesn't have a plural form. Uncountable nouns are always treated as singular, so you must use 'this' or 'that' with them.