The main difference between 'this,' 'that,' 'these,' and 'those' relates to number (singular or plural) and distance (near or far from the speaker). 'This' (singular) and 'these' (plural) refer to items that are close, while 'that' (singular) and 'those' (plural) refer to items farther away.
Mastering these four little words can make a big impact on your English fluency. They are called demonstrative pronouns or demonstrative adjectives, and their job is to 'point out' specific people or things. Getting them right makes your communication clearer and more natural. If you've ever felt confused about them, you're in the right place! This guide will break down the simple rules so you can understand the difference between 'this,' 'that,' 'these,' and 'those' with confidence.
What are the key rules for 'this,' 'that,' 'these,' and 'those'?
To choose the correct word, you only need to ask yourself two simple questions:
- Number: Am I talking about one thing (singular) or multiple things (plural)?
- Proximity: Is the thing (or things) physically or metaphorically near me or far from me?
Here’s a simple breakdown:
- This: Singular and near.
- That: Singular and far.
- These: Plural and near.
- Those: Plural and far.
Let's explore each pair in more detail with clear examples.
When should I use 'this' and 'that'? (Singular)
'This' and 'that' are used when you are referring to a single person, place, or thing. The only deciding factor is the distance between you and the item.
H3: Using 'This' for things nearby
Use 'this' to refer to a singular noun that is close to you. This can mean something you are holding, touching, or is immediately beside you.
- Examples:
- "This is my favorite coffee mug." (while holding it)
- "I'm really enjoying this book." (while reading it)
- "Is this seat taken?" (pointing to the seat next to you)
'This' is also commonly used for introductions or when talking on the phone:
- "Hi Maria, this is John."
- "Hello, this is the customer service line."
H3: Using 'That' for things farther away
Use 'that' to refer to a singular noun that is not close to you. It's something you can see or point to, but it's at a distance.
- Examples:
- "Can you pass me that remote control on the table?"
- "That building across the street is the new library."
- "Look at that bird in the tree!"
'That' is also used to refer to something someone just said or an idea that's more abstract or distant.
- "You passed your exam? That's wonderful news!"
Understanding the difference between 'this,' 'that,' 'these,' and 'those': The Plural Forms
When you're talking about two or more items, you need to switch from 'this' and 'that' to their plural counterparts, 'these' and 'those'. The rule about distance still applies.
H3: Using 'These' for multiple things 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." (while wearing them)
- "Whose keys are these on the kitchen counter?"
- "I bought these apples at the market this morning."
H3: Using 'Those' for multiple things farther away
Use 'those' to refer to plural nouns that are at a distance. It's the plural form of 'that'.
- Examples:
- "Those mountains in the distance are capped with snow."
- "Do you remember those days we spent at the beach last summer?"
- "I'd like to buy some of those donuts in the display case."
Quick Reference Chart
To make it even easier, here is a simple guide you can use anytime you're unsure.
- Is it one thing and near me?
- Use THIS. (e.g., "I like this shirt I'm wearing.")
- Is it one thing and far from me?
- Use THAT. (e.g., "I like that shirt in the shop window.")
- Is it more than one thing and near me?
- Use THESE. (e.g., "These cookies taste amazing!")
- Is it more than one thing and far from me?
- Use THOSE. (e.g., "Can you see those people waiting for the bus?")
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between 'this,' 'that,' 'these,' and 'those' is a fundamental step toward mastering English grammar. By simply remembering to check for number (singular/plural) and proximity (near/far), you can choose the right word every time. Practice using them in your daily conversations, and soon it will become second nature, making your English sound more precise and fluent.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use 'this' and 'these' to talk about time?
Yes, absolutely! We use 'this' and 'these' to refer to time periods that are current or happening now. For example: "I am very busy this week." or "People have been spending more time at home in these past few years."
How do I use 'this' and 'that' on the telephone?
On the phone, you use 'this' to identify yourself and 'that' to ask who the other person is. For example: "Hello, this is Emily." Your friend might respond, "Hi Emily! Is that you on the new number?"
What's the difference between 'that' and 'it'?
'That' is a demonstrative pronoun used to point something out for the first time or for emphasis ("What is that?"). 'It' is a personal pronoun used to refer to something that has already been mentioned ("It is a dog.").
Can 'these' and 'those' be used as pronouns on their own?
Yes. They can act as demonstrative pronouns, replacing a noun entirely. For example, instead of saying "These apples are delicious," you can simply point and say, "These are delicious." Similarly, you could say, "I'll take two of those."