The core difference between 'this,' 'that,' 'these,' and 'those' is based on two simple factors: distance (is it near or far?) and number (is it singular or plural?). Use 'this' (singular) and 'these' (plural) for things close to you, and 'that' (singular) and 'those' (plural) for things farther away.
Understanding these four little words, known as demonstrative pronouns and adjectives, is a huge step toward sounding more natural and precise in English. They act like pointers, helping your listener understand exactly which person, place, or thing you’re talking about. Let's break down the rules and clear up any confusion about the difference between 'this,' 'that,' 'these,' and 'those' so you can use them with confidence.
Understanding the Core Difference: Number and Distance
To choose the correct word, you just need to answer two questions:
- Is it singular or plural? Are you talking about one thing or multiple things?
- Is it near or far? Is the object physically or conceptually close to you, or is it at a distance?
Let’s map it out:
- This: Singular (one thing) + Near
- These: Plural (more than one thing) + Near
- That: Singular (one thing) + Far
- Those: Plural (more than one thing) + Far
Think of it as a simple grid. Once you master this concept, the rest is easy.
When Should I Use 'This' and 'These'? (For Things Nearby)
You use 'this' and 'these' to refer to people or objects that are physically close to you. If you can touch it or it's right beside you, you’ll probably use one of these words.
Using 'This' (Singular, Near)
Use 'this' when you are talking about one object or person that is close to you.
- Examples:
- "*This* book in my hand is very interesting."
- "Is *this* your pen?"
- "I love *this* song that's playing right now."
'This' is also used when introducing someone: "Hi, Sarah, *this* is my friend, Mark."
Using 'These' (Plural, Near)
Use 'these' when you are talking about two or more objects or people that are close to you.
- Examples:
- "*These* shoes feel really comfortable."
- "Whose keys are *these* on the table?"
- "I'm going to buy *these* apples."
When Should I Use 'That' and 'Those'? (For Things at a Distance)
You use 'that' and 'those' to refer to people or objects that are farther away from you. If you have to point to it because it's across the room or down the street, you’ll need 'that' or 'those'.
Using 'That' (Singular, Far)
Use 'that' when you are talking about one object or person that is not near you.
- Examples:
- "Can you see *that* bird in the tree?"
- "I'd like to buy *that* painting on the wall."
- "*That* car across the street is the one I was talking about."
Using 'Those' (Plural, Far)
Use 'those' when you are talking about two or more objects or people that are not near you.
- Examples:
- "*Those* mountains in the distance are beautiful."
- "Who are *those* people waiting outside?"
- "Please pass me *those* papers on the other desk."
Quick Reference Chart: This vs. That vs. These vs. Those
| | Singular (One) | Plural (More than One) | |:----------|:---------------|:-----------------------| | Near | this | these | | Far | that | those |
Putting It All Together: What’s the Difference Between 'This,' 'That,' 'These,' and 'Those' in Practice?
Using these words correctly often involves contrast. You might use them in the same sentence to compare things based on their location.
- "I don't want *this* chair here; I want *that* one over there."
- "*These* cookies taste better than *those* ones we had yesterday."
They can also refer to non-physical things like time or ideas:
- Time: "*This* week has been so busy." (the current week) vs. "Do you remember *that* summer we went to Spain?" (a summer in the past).
- Ideas: "*This* is a great idea." (an idea just mentioned) vs. "*That*'s what I was thinking!" (referring to something another person just said).
By mastering the simple rules of number and distance, you'll find that understanding the difference between 'this,' 'that,' 'these,' and 'those' becomes second nature, making your English sound much more fluent and clear.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use 'this' when talking on the phone?
Yes, absolutely. When you introduce yourself on the phone, it's common to say, "Hi, *this* is Jane." Here, 'this' refers to yourself as the speaker in the immediate (but not physical) space of the conversation.
What is the basic rule for 'this,' 'that,' 'these,' and 'those'?
The basic rule depends on number and proximity. For one thing nearby, use 'this.' For multiple things nearby, use 'these.' For one thing far away, use 'that.' For multiple things far away, use 'those.'
How do you use 'that' to agree with someone?
'That' is often used to refer to a statement or idea someone just mentioned. If someone says, "It's a beautiful day," you can respond, "*That*'s true!" or "*That*'s what I was thinking." You are referring to their idea, which is conceptually separate from you.
Is it correct to say 'these ones' or 'those ones'?
While you might hear native speakers say this in casual conversation, it's grammatically redundant. 'These' and 'those' are already plural. It is more correct to just say, "I like *these*," not "I like *these ones*." The exception is when you need to be very specific, like, "I'll take the green ones, not *those ones*."
Can 'this' and 'that' refer to time?
Yes. 'This' refers to a current or upcoming time period (e.g., "*This* year is flying by"), while 'that' refers to a past or more distant time period (e.g., "I was very young back in *that* decade").