This vs. That: What's the Difference Between 'This', 'These', 'That', and 'Those'?

The difference between 'this', 'these', 'that', and 'those' is determined by two simple factors: distance (is it near or far?) and number (is it singular or plural?). Use 'this' (singular) and 'these' (plural) for things that are close to you. Use 'that' (singular) and 'those' (plural) for things that are farther away.

Mastering these four little words, known as demonstrative pronouns and adjectives, can significantly boost your confidence in everyday English conversation. They seem simple, but knowing exactly when to use each one is a common challenge for learners. Don't worry—the rules are straightforward, and with a few clear examples, you'll be using them like a native speaker. Let's break down the core difference between 'this', 'these', 'that', and 'those' so you can use them perfectly every time.

What's the Core Difference Between 'This', 'These', 'That', and 'Those'?

To choose the correct word, you only need to ask yourself two questions:

How close is the object? (Proximity)
How many objects are there? (Number)

Here is a simple chart to help you visualize the rule:

Think of it this way: if you can touch it or it's within arm's reach, you'll probably use 'this' or 'these'. If you have to point at it across the room or down the street, you'll use 'that' or 'those'.

When Should I Use 'This' and 'These' for Things Nearby?

'This' and 'these' are your words for the immediate world around you. They signal to your listener that you are talking about something right here, right now, or very close to you.

H3: How to Use 'This' (Singular, Near)

Use 'this' when you are referring to a single person, place, or thing that is close to you.

Referring to an object in your hand: "This pen writes very smoothly."
Indicating something next to you: "Is this seat taken?"
Introducing people: "Maria, this is my colleague, John."
Talking on the phone: "Hi, this is Sarah calling."
Referring to a current time or situation: "This movie is fantastic!"

H3: How to Use 'These' (Plural, Near)

Use 'these' when you are referring to two or more people, places, or things that are close to you.

Referring to objects you are holding: "These books are due back at the library."
Indicating items right in front of you: "I'll take these two donuts, please."
Talking about a group of people near you: "These are my friends from university."

How to Know the Difference Between 'That' and 'Those' for Things Far Away

When an object or person is not in your immediate space, you switch to 'that' and 'those'. These words create a sense of distance, either physically or sometimes even in time.

H3: How to Use 'That' (Singular, Far)

Use 'that' to refer to a single person, place, or thing that is at a distance from you.

Pointing to an object across the room: "Could you please pass me that book on the shelf?"
Referring to something outside: "Look at that bird in the tree."
Referring to something someone said: "'We should leave early.' 'That is a great idea.'"
Talking about a past event: "I remember my graduation. That was a happy day."

H3: How to Use 'Those' (Plural, Far)

Use 'those' to refer to two or more people, places, or things that are at a distance from you.

Pointing to objects across the street: "Those cars are driving too fast."
Referring to people on the other side of a room: "Who are those people talking to the manager?"
Identifying items on a high shelf: "I can't reach those boxes."

Conclusion: Mastering Proximity and Number

Ultimately, understanding the difference between 'this', 'these', 'that', and 'those' comes down to remembering the two key concepts: distance and number. 'This' and 'these' pull things closer, while 'that' and 'those' push them farther away. By practicing with the examples above, you can build the instinct to choose the right word automatically and speak English more fluently.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use 'this' to introduce someone?

Yes, absolutely! It's very common and polite to use 'this' when introducing people who are standing with you. For example: "David, this is my sister, Emily. Emily, this is David."

Q2: What's an easy way to remember 'this' vs 'that'?

A simple memory trick is that 'this' and 'here' both have the letter 'h' and refer to things that are close. 'That' and 'there' both have the letter 't' and refer to things at a distance.

Q3: How are 'this' and 'that' used when talking on the phone?

When you are identifying yourself on the phone, you use 'this' (e.g., "Hello, this is Paul."). When you ask who is calling, you can use 'that' (e.g., "Hello, who is that, please?").

Q4: Is it correct to say 'these ones' or 'those ones'?

While you might hear native speakers say 'these ones' or 'those ones' in very informal speech, it is grammatically redundant. The words 'these' and 'those' can stand alone as pronouns. It is better to simply say, "I like these," instead of "I like these ones."

Q5: Do 'that' and 'those' always refer to physical distance?

No, they can also refer to psychological or temporal (time) distance. For example, you might say, "I can't believe I used to like that style of music," referring to music you liked in the past. Here, 'that' refers to a time that feels distant from the present.