The primary difference between 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' relates to distance (near vs. far) and number (singular vs. plural). We use 'this' for a single item near the speaker, 'that' for a single item far away, 'these' for multiple items nearby, and 'those' for multiple items far away.
Mastering these four little words—known as demonstrative pronouns and demonstrative adjectives—can instantly make your spoken English sound more natural and precise. They are pointer words, helping you identify specific people, objects, or ideas for your listener. Understanding the difference between 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' is a fundamental step in English fluency, ensuring your communication is always clear. Let's break down the simple rules so you can use them with confidence every time.
What are the core rules for using this, that, these, and those?
The choice between these four words depends on two simple questions: How many items are you talking about (one or more than one)? And where are those items in relation to you (close by or at a distance)?
Here’s a simple chart to help you remember:
- This: Use for a single (singular) item that is near you.
- That: Use for a single (singular) item that is far from you.
- These: Use for multiple (plural) items that are near you.
- Those: Use for multiple (plural) items that are far from you.
'Near' can mean something you are holding, touching, or is within arm's reach. 'Far' refers to anything else that is at a distance.
How do 'this' and 'that' work for singular nouns?
When you are talking about just one person, place, object, or idea, you will use either 'this' or 'that'. The only deciding factor is distance.
Using 'This' for things close by
Use 'this' when referring to a singular noun that is physically close to you. Think of it as pointing to something right in front of you.
- Examples:
- "Could you pass me this book?" (You are pointing to a book right next to you.)
- "This is my favourite coffee shop." (You are standing inside or just outside the shop.)
- "Is this seat taken?" (Referring to the seat right beside you.)
Using 'That' for things at a distance
Use 'that' when referring to a singular noun that is physically far from you. It creates a sense of distance between you and the object.
- Examples:
- "Do you see that bird on the roof?" (The roof is far from you.)
- "I'd like to buy that painting on the wall." (You are pointing to a painting across the room.)
- "That building in the distance is the new library."
Understanding the difference between 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' for plural nouns
When you shift from talking about one thing to talking about two or more things, you must switch from 'this' and 'that' to 'these' and 'those'.
Using 'These' for multiple items nearby
Use 'these' to refer to plural nouns that are close to you. It's the plural form of 'this'.
- Examples:
- "These shoes feel very comfortable." (Referring to the shoes on your feet.)
- "I bought these apples at the market this morning." (You are holding the apples or they are on the table in front of you.)
- "Are these your keys on the counter?"
Using 'Those' for multiple items far away
Use 'those' to refer to plural nouns that are at a distance. It's the plural form of 'that'.
- Examples:
- "Who are those people waiting across the street?" (The people are far from you.)
- "Those mountains look so beautiful at sunset." (The mountains are in the distance.)
- "I prefer those chairs over there, not the ones here."
Going beyond physical distance: Time and ideas
The concepts of 'near' and 'far' can also apply to time and abstract ideas in a conversation.
- Time: We use this/these for present or upcoming periods of time. We use that/those for past periods of time.
- "This week is going to be very busy."
- "I remember that summer we went to Italy. Those were the best days."
- Ideas: We use this to introduce a new idea or topic. We use that to refer back to an idea someone just mentioned.
- "Listen to this; I have a great idea for our project."
- (Someone says, "I'm thinking of learning to code.") You reply: "That is a fantastic goal!"
Getting comfortable with the difference between 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' is all about practice. By remembering the core rules of number and distance, you'll be able to choose the right word with confidence and make your English communication much clearer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use 'this', 'that', 'these', or 'those' without a noun?
Yes, absolutely. When used alone, they function as demonstrative pronouns. For example, instead of saying "This chair is comfortable," you can simply point and say, "This is comfortable." The same applies to the others: "That is my car," "These are fresh," and "Those belong to her."
Q2: What is the most common mistake English learners make with 'this' and 'these'?
The most common mistake is a noun-agreement error: using the singular 'this' with a plural noun. For example, saying "I like this shoes" is incorrect. Because 'shoes' is plural, you must use the plural demonstrative: "I like these shoes."
Q3: How do you use 'that' to agree or react to something someone said?
'That' is very commonly used in conversation to refer back to a statement or idea that was just mentioned. For instance, if a friend says, "The traffic was terrible today," you might reply, "Oh, that's annoying," or "That explains why you're late."
Q4: When introducing people, should I use 'this' or 'that'?
You should always use 'this' when making introductions, as the person is near you. For example: "Mary, this is my colleague, John. John, this is Mary."
Q5: Can 'those' be used to talk about a general group of people?
Yes, 'those' is often used formally to refer to a certain type or group of people in a general sense. For example: "Our services are available to those who need them most." This is a more abstract use that doesn't rely on physical distance.