This or That? The Ultimate Guide to 'This', 'That', 'These', and 'Those'

The words 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' are called demonstratives, and the primary difference between them relates to distance (near or far) and number (singular or plural). 'This' and 'these' refer to things that are close by, while 'that' and 'those' refer to things farther away. Understanding the difference between 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' is a crucial step in making your English sound clear and natural.

These four little words are some of the most common in the English language. They act as pointers, helping you identify specific people or things without confusion. Whether you're pointing to an object in your hand or a mountain on the horizon, choosing the right word is easy once you master two simple rules: proximity and count. Let's break it down.

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

The easiest way to remember the rule is to ask yourself two questions:

How many things am I talking about? (One, or more than one?)
Where are they? (Here, near me, or there, far from me?)

Here is a simple chart to help you visualize the concept:

Think of it this way:

This: One thing, close to you.
That: One thing, far from you.
These: Multiple things, close to you.
Those: Multiple things, far from you.

How Do You Use 'This' and 'These' for Things Nearby?

When an object, person, or idea is physically close to you (within reach) or metaphorically close (happening now), you should use 'this' for singular and 'these' for plural.

Using 'This' (Singular, Near)

Use 'this' when referring to a single item that is here with you.

"Do you like this shirt I'm wearing?"
"This is my dog, Sparky."
"This coffee tastes amazing!" (as you are drinking it)

Using 'These' (Plural, Near)

Use 'these' when referring to two or more items that are here with you.

"These shoes feel very comfortable."
"Could you please hand me these books right next to you?"
"These are my parents, and this is my sister."

When Should You Use 'That' and 'Those' for Things Far Away?

When an object, person, or idea is at a distance—across the room, down the street, or in the past—you should use 'that' for singular and 'those' for plural.

Using 'That' (Singular, Far)

Use 'that' to point out a single item that is over there, not close to you.

"What is that building on the hill?"
"That car across the street is the one I want to buy."
"I didn't like that movie we watched last night."

Using 'Those' (Plural, Far)

Use 'those' to point out multiple items that are not close to you.

"Who are those people waiting by the door?"
"Can you see those birds flying way up there?"
"Those were the days!" (referring to a time in the past)

Beyond Physical Space: Another Difference Between 'This', 'That', 'These', and 'Those'

These words aren't just for physical distance; they also apply to time and abstract concepts. 'This' and 'these' often refer to the present or immediate future, while 'that' and 'those' can refer to the past or a more distant idea.

Introducing ideas: "Listen to this idea..." (an idea you are about to present).
Referring to a previous point: "That's an excellent point you just made."
On the phone: You introduce yourself with 'this' ("Hello, this is Maria.") and ask who you are speaking to with 'that' ("Is that David?").

Conclusion

To recap, the choice between these four powerful words comes down to number and distance. 'This' (singular) and 'these' (plural) are for things nearby in space or time. 'That' (singular) and 'those' (plural) are for things farther away. Mastering the difference between 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' is a simple but effective way to improve your English fluency and sound like a native speaker. Keep practicing, and soon it will become second nature!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use 'this' to introduce a person?

Yes, absolutely. It's very common to use 'this' when introducing someone who is with you. For example: "Mark, this is my colleague, Sarah. Sarah, this is Mark."

What is the opposite of 'these'?

It depends on what you are changing. If you are changing the number from plural to singular, the opposite is 'this'. If you are changing the distance from near to far, the opposite is 'those'.

How do you use 'this' and 'that' on the phone?

In phone conversations, the speaker uses 'this' to identify themselves (e.g., "Hi, this is Jane.") and 'that' to ask for the identity of the person on the other end (e.g., "Hello, is that the manager?").

Is it correct to say 'those ones' or 'these ones'?

While you might hear 'these ones' or 'those ones' in very informal, spoken English, it is grammatically redundant. The words 'these' and 'those' already imply the noun. It is better and more correct to just say, "I like these," instead of "I like these ones."

When are these words pronouns versus adjectives?

They function as demonstrative adjectives (or determiners) when they modify a noun that follows them (e.g., "This car is fast."). They function as demonstrative pronouns when they stand alone and replace a noun (e.g., "This is fast.").