The fundamental difference between 'this,' 'that,' 'these,' and 'those' comes down to two simple concepts: distance from the speaker (proximity) and number (singular or plural). 'This' (singular) and 'these' (plural) refer to things that are near you, while 'that' (singular) and 'those' (plural) refer to things that are farther away.
Mastering these four common words, known as demonstrative pronouns and adjectives, can significantly improve the clarity and fluency of your English. It might seem tricky at first, but once you grasp the core rules of proximity and number, you'll use them correctly every time. Let's break down the real difference between 'this,' 'that,' 'these,' and 'those' with simple examples to make it easy to understand.
What's the Real Difference Between 'This,' 'That,' 'These,' and 'Those'?
The easiest way to remember the rule is by thinking about two questions: "How many?" and "How far away?"
Here’s a simple breakdown:
- This: Use for one thing that is near you.
- That: Use for one thing that is far from you.
- These: Use for more than one thing that is near you.
- Those: Use for more than one thing that is far from you.
Think of it like this: 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'.
How Do I Use the Singular Words 'This' and 'That'?
Let's focus on when you are talking about a single item, person, or idea.
Using 'This' for Things Close to You
Use 'this' when referring to a singular noun that is close by. The closeness can be physical or even in time (like right now).
Examples:
- "Do you like this shirt I'm wearing?"
- "This is my favourite coffee mug." (Holding it or pointing to it right next to you)
- "I'm really enjoying this movie."
You also use 'this' for introductions:
- "Susan, this is my colleague, Mark."
Using 'That' for Things Farther Away
Use 'that' when referring to a singular noun that is at a distance. The distance can be physical, in time (in the past), or conceptual.
Examples:
- "Can you see that house on top of the hill?"
- "I'd like to buy that watch in the display case."
- "Remember that holiday we took last year? It was amazing."
You also use 'that' to refer to something someone just said:
- Person A: "I think we should finish the project by Friday."
- Person B: "That is a great idea."
When Should I Use the Plural Words 'These' and 'Those'?
Now, let's look at what to do when you're talking about multiple items.
Using 'These' for Multiple Items Nearby
Use 'these' when referring to plural nouns that are close to you.
Examples:
- "These books on my desk need to be returned to the library."
- "Are these your keys right here?"
- "I bought these shoes yesterday. Do you like them?" (Pointing to the shoes on your feet)
Using 'Those' for Multiple Items at a Distance
Use 'those' when referring to plural nouns that are farther away from you.
Examples:
- "Who are those people waiting across the street?"
- "Those mountains look beautiful at sunset."
- "Could you please pass me those papers on the other end of the table?"
An Extra Tip: Pronouns vs. Adjectives
One more helpful point is that 'this,' 'that,' 'these,' and 'those' can act as two different parts of speech, but the rules of distance and number stay the same.
- Demonstrative Adjective: It comes *before* a noun to describe it.
- This car is fast.
- That house is old.
- These apples are sweet.
- Those birds are flying south.
- Demonstrative Pronoun: It *replaces* the noun entirely.
- This is my car.
- That is an old house.
- These are sweet apples.
- Those are birds flying south.
Conclusion: It's All About Location and Number
Understanding the difference between 'this,' 'that,' 'these,' and 'those' is a key step in speaking English more naturally. Just remember to ask yourself: Is it singular or plural? Is it near me or far away? By keeping these two simple rules of number and proximity in mind, you’ll be able to choose the correct word with confidence every time you speak or write.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use 'this' or 'that' to talk about time? Yes, absolutely! We use 'this' for current or upcoming time periods (e.g., "I am very busy this week") and 'that' for time periods in the past (e.g., "I was very young back then. That was a long time ago").
What is the most common mistake English learners make with these words? The most frequent error is mismatching the number. For example, pointing to a pair of shoes nearby and saying, "I like this shoes." The correct form is plural: "I like these shoes."
How do I know if something is 'near' or 'far'? 'Near' and 'far' are relative to the speaker. A good rule of thumb is if something is within your personal space or arm's reach, use 'this' or 'these.' If you have to point at it or it's clearly separated from you by distance, use 'that' or 'those.'
Can you use 'that' to agree with someone? Yes, this is very common in conversation. When someone makes a statement and you agree with it, you can respond with "That's true," "That's right," or "That's a good point." Here, 'that' refers to the idea the person just expressed.
Why are 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' called 'demonstratives'? They are called demonstratives because they "demonstrate" or specifically point out which person or thing you are talking about. They help the listener understand exactly what noun you are referring to among many possibilities.