The main 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?). Use 'this' for a single item close to you, 'that' for a single item far from you, 'these' for multiple items close to you, and 'those' for multiple items far from you.
Mastering English grammar can feel like a big challenge, but some rules are simpler than they seem. For many beginners, understanding the difference between 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' is a huge step toward speaking more naturally. These four words, called demonstratives, are essential for pointing out specific people or things. The good news is that once you learn the two key questions—'how many?' and 'how close?'—you'll use them perfectly every time.
Let's break down this fundamental concept with clear examples.
What's the Difference Between 'This' and 'That'? (For Singular Items)
The first pair, 'this' and 'that', are used when you are talking about one single person, place, or thing. The only difference between them is distance.
When Should I Use 'This'?
Use 'this' when you are referring to a singular noun that is near you. Think of it as something you can touch or that is 'here'.
- Examples:
- "I am reading this book." (You are holding the book.)
- "Is this your seat?" (Pointing to an empty seat next to you.)
- "This coffee is delicious." (You are drinking the coffee.)
When Should I Use 'That'?
Use 'that' when you are referring to a singular noun that is far from you. Think of it as something you have to point to, or that is 'there'.
- Examples:
- "Can you see that bird in the tree?" (The tree is far away.)
- "I would like that piece of cake, please." (Pointing to a cake behind the counter.)
- "That car across the street is a nice color."
What's the Difference Between 'These' and 'Those'? (For Plural Items)
Just like the first pair, 'these' and 'those' also follow the rule of distance. The only change is that we use them when talking about more than one thing (plural nouns).
When Should I Use 'These'?
Use 'these' when you are referring to multiple items that are near you. 'These' is the plural form of 'this'.
- Examples:
- "Whose keys are these on the table?" (The keys are right here.)
- "I bought these shoes today." (You are holding or wearing the shoes.)
- "These are my friends, John and Sarah." (They are standing with you.)
When Should I Use 'Those'?
Use 'those' when you are referring to multiple items that are far from you. 'Those' is the plural form of 'that'.
- Examples:
- "Who are those people waiting by the bus stop?" (They are across the street.)
- "I can't reach those books on the top shelf."
- "Do you remember those days we spent at the beach?" (Referring to a distant memory.)
A Simple Chart to Help You Remember
Visual aids can be very helpful. Here is a simple chart that summarizes everything we've discussed about the difference between 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those'.
| | Singular (One) | Plural (More than one) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Near (Here) | this | these | | Far (There) | that | those |
Conclusion: It's All About Distance and Number
As you can see, the rules are quite straightforward. By asking yourself if the object is near or far, and if it's singular or plural, you can easily choose the correct word. Mastering the difference between 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' is a fantastic achievement for any beginner, and it will make your English sound much more accurate and confident. Keep practicing, and soon it will become second nature!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do you use 'this' to introduce someone?
You can absolutely use 'this' to introduce a person who is with you. For example, if you are standing with your friend Maria, you can say to someone else, "This is my friend, Maria." You would use 'these' for more than one person: "These are my colleagues, Ben and Chloe."
Is it correct to say 'this people' or 'these people'?
The correct phrase is "these people." The word 'people' is a plural noun, so you must use the plural demonstrative 'these' (for people near you) or 'those' (for people far from you). For example: "These people in front of me are in a long queue."
When do you use 'that' on the telephone?
'That' is commonly used on the phone to ask who is speaking. For example, if someone calls and you don't recognize their voice, you might ask, "Hello, who is that?" Similarly, you can ask to speak to someone by saying, "Hello, is that Rebecca?"
Can 'this' and 'that' be used for ideas or time?
Yes, they can! We use 'this' for current or upcoming periods of time ("I'm very busy this week") and for introducing a new idea or story ("Listen to this, you won't believe what happened."). We use 'that' to refer to a completed action, an idea someone just mentioned, or a time in the past ("That was a delicious meal." or "That's a great idea!").