This vs. That: What's the Real Difference Between 'This', 'That', 'These', and 'Those'?

The real difference between 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' is based on two simple concepts: distance (is the object near or far?) and number (is it one object or many?). 'This' and 'these' refer to things close to you, while 'that' and 'those' refer to things farther away.

Are you just starting your English learning journey? If so, you've probably met four little words that cause big confusion: this, that, these, and those. They seem simple, but knowing when to use the right one can be tricky. Don't worry! This guide will make everything clear. By the end, you'll understand the real difference between 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' and use them like a native speaker.

What is the Core Difference Between 'This', 'That', 'These', and 'Those'?

These four words are called demonstratives. Their job is to point to specific people or things. To choose the correct word, you only need to ask yourself two questions:

Number: Am I talking about one thing (singular) or more than one thing (plural)?
Distance: Is it near me (here) or far from me (there)?

Let's break it down in a simple chart:

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 probably 'that' or 'those'.

When Should You Use 'This' and 'These'?

Use 'this' and 'these' for people, objects, or ideas that are physically near you or happening right now. The key idea is closeness, both in space and time.

Using 'This' (Singular, Near)

Use 'this' when you are talking about one thing that is close to you.

Example (Object): "I love this song." (The song is playing now.)
Example (Object): "This coffee is hot." (You are holding the cup.)
Example (Person): "This is my sister, Maria." (You are introducing someone next to you.)

Using 'These' (Plural, Near)

Use 'these' when you are talking about two or more things that are close to you.

Example (Objects): "These books are heavy." (You are carrying the books.)
Example (Objects): "Whose keys are these on the table?" (The keys are on a table near you.)
Example (People): "These are my friends from Canada." (Your friends are standing with you.)

How is 'That' Different from 'Those'?

The difference between 'that' and 'those' is the same as with 'this' and 'these', but it's all about distance. Use them for people or objects that are farther away from you.

Using 'That' (Singular, Far)

Use 'that' for a single person or object that is not near you.

Example (Object): "What is that building across the street?" (You are pointing to a building in the distance.)
Example (Object): "I want that piece of cake." (Pointing to a cake in a display case.)
Example (Past event): "That was a fun party last week." (The event is 'far' away in time.)

Using 'Those' (Plural, Far)

Use 'those' for multiple people or objects that are not near you.

Example (Objects): "Can you pass me those papers on the other desk?" (The papers are on a desk far from you.)
Example (Objects): "Those clouds look like they have rain in them." (The clouds are far away in the sky.)
Example (People): "Who are those people waiting by the door?" (The people are across the room.)

Conclusion: It's All About Number and Distance

Mastering these four words is a huge step in your English fluency. Just remember the two simple rules of number (singular/plural) and distance (near/far). Once you understand this core concept, you'll see how easy it is to know the difference between 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those'. Keep practicing, and soon you won't even have to think about it!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use 'this' to introduce someone on the phone?

Yes, absolutely! This is a very common and correct usage. When you are on the phone, you say, "Hello, this is Mark," to introduce yourself. Even though the other person is far away, you use 'this' because you are referring to yourself in the present moment.

What is the direct opposite of 'these'?

The direct opposite of 'these' (plural, near) is 'those' (plural, far). For example, you might say, "I don't want these shoes here; I want those shoes over there."

Do 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' work the same for people and objects?

Yes, the rules are exactly the same. The grammar doesn't change whether you are pointing to a book or a person. For example: "This is my book" and "This is my brother."

How do I use 'this' and 'that' when talking about ideas?

Great question! You use 'this' for an idea you are about to explain or are currently discussing. For example: "Listen to this idea..." You use 'that' for an idea someone else just mentioned or that was discussed in the past. For example: "That's a brilliant idea!" or "I didn't like that idea you had yesterday."