The difference between 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' is based on two simple concepts: distance (is it near or far?) and number (is it singular or 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.
Mastering these four common words, known as demonstrative pronouns and demonstrative adjectives, is a crucial step toward sounding more fluent in English. They help you point out specific people or things without confusion. Let's break down the rules so you'll always know exactly which one to choose. In this guide, we'll cover the simple difference between 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' with plenty of clear examples.
What's the Core Difference Between 'This', 'That', 'These', and 'Those'?
The easiest way to understand these words is to think about two questions:
- How many things are you talking about? (One, or more than one?)
- Where are they in relation to you? (Here, or there?)
This creates a simple grid that makes the choice clear. We call this relationship proximity.
Here’s the basic breakdown:
- 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.
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'.
How Do I Use 'This' and 'That' for Singular Nouns?
When you are referring to just one person, place, or thing, your choice is between 'this' and 'that'. The only deciding factor is distance.
When to Use 'This'
Use 'this' when something is physically close to you. This can mean in your hand, on your desk, or in the room with you.
- Examples:
- "This coffee is delicious." (as you are drinking it)
- "Is this your jacket on the chair?"
- "I'm going to be very busy this week."
When to Use 'That'
Use 'that' when something is physically farther away from you. It might be across the room, outside, or something you are pointing at in the distance.
- Examples:
- "Can you see that house on the hill?"
- "I prefer that painting over there to the one right here."
- "Do you remember that movie we watched last year?"
Understanding the Difference Between 'These' and 'Those' for Plural Items
When you are talking about two or more things, your choice is between 'these' and 'those'. Again, the only difference is how close they are to you.
When to Use 'These'
Use 'these' for multiple items that are close to you. They are the plural form of 'this'.
- Examples:
- "These shoes feel very comfortable." (while trying them on)
- "Who put all these books on my desk?"
- "You should try one of these cookies I just baked."
When to Use 'Those'
Use 'those' for multiple items that are farther away from you. They are the plural form of 'that'.
- Examples:
- "Those birds flying in the sky are migrating south."
- "I need to buy those lightbulbs from the top shelf."
- "Who are those people waiting across the street?"
Can They Be Used Without a Noun?
Yes! When 'this', 'that', 'these', or 'those' is followed by a noun (like "this book"), it acts as a demonstrative adjective. But when it's used alone, it acts as a demonstrative pronoun, replacing the noun entirely.
- Adjective: "This car is mine."
- Pronoun: "This is my car."
- Adjective: "I want those apples."
- Pronoun: "I want those."
This is very common in spoken English. For example, if someone shows you two shirts, you can simply say, "I prefer this one" or even just, "I prefer this."
Conclusion: It's All About Number and Distance
Learning when and how to use these four words correctly is a simple but powerful way to improve your English clarity. By now, you should have a solid grasp of what's the difference between 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those'. Just remember to ask yourself: is it singular or plural? Is it near or far? Once you have the answer, you'll know exactly which word to use. Keep practicing, and soon it will become second nature!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How should I introduce myself on the phone?
When introducing yourself on the phone, you should always use the singular, near-term word: 'this'. For example: "Hello, this is Sarah calling."
What is the difference between 'this is' and 'it is'?
We use 'this is' to introduce or identify something or someone for the first time. 'It is' is used to give more information about something that has already been mentioned. For example: "This is my new car. It is a hybrid model."
How do you pronounce the difference between 'this' and 'these'?
The key difference is the vowel sound. 'This' has a short 'i' sound, like in the word 'sit'. 'These' has a long 'ee' sound, like in the word 'see'. The final consonant sound is also different: 'this' ends in an 's' sound, while 'these' ends in a 'z' sound.
Is it correct to say 'this here' or 'that there'?
In very informal, regional dialects of English, you might hear people say "this here book" or "that there car." However, this is grammatically redundant because the words 'here' and 'there' express the same meaning as 'this' and 'that'. In standard English and in any formal writing, you should avoid this and simply say "this book" or "that car."
When do you use 'that' to connect clauses in a sentence?
This is a different function of the word 'that'. In this case, 'that' is not a demonstrative pronoun but a conjunction used to introduce a subordinate clause. For example: "I think that you are correct." In this sentence, 'that' connects the main clause ("I think") to the dependent clause ("you are correct").