The Real Difference Between 'This', 'That', 'These', and 'Those' (A Beginner's Guide)

The real difference between 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' comes down to two simple rules: number (is it one thing or many?) and distance (is it near you or far away?). 'This' refers to one thing nearby, while 'that' refers to one thing far away. 'These' refers to multiple things nearby, and 'those' refers to multiple things far away.

Feeling a little confused by these four common English words? You're not alone! Many beginner English learners struggle to remember which one to use. But don't worry. Once you understand the two simple rules of number and distance, you'll master them in no time. Understanding the difference between 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' is a key step in speaking English more clearly and confidently. Let's break it down.

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

These four words are called demonstratives. Their job is to point to or identify a specific noun (a person, place, or thing). To choose the correct word, you just need to ask yourself two questions:

How many things am I talking about? (Number: singular or plural)
Where are they located in relation to me? (Distance: near or far)

Here’s a simple chart to help you visualize it:

Let's explore how to use each pair correctly.

How Do I Use 'This' and 'These' for Things Nearby?

When you are talking about something within your reach or in your immediate space, you will use 'this' for a single item and 'these' for multiple items. Think of them as the words for things 'here'.

Using 'This' (Singular, Near)

Use 'this' when you are pointing to one thing that is close to you.

This book in my hand is very interesting.
Is this your jacket?
I love this song playing right now.

Using 'These' (Plural, Near)

Use 'these' when you are pointing to two or more things that are close to you.

These shoes feel very comfortable.
Whose keys are these on the table?
Could you pass me these papers?

Understanding the Difference: When to Use 'That' and 'Those' for Things Far Away

Now, let's look at the words you use for things that are not close to you. When an object is across the room, on a high shelf, or further away, you'll use 'that' for one item and 'those' for multiple items. These are the words for things 'there'.

Using 'That' (Singular, Far)

Use 'that' when you are pointing to one thing that is far from you.

Can you see that bird in the tree?
That building across the street is the new library.
I’d like to buy that painting on the wall.

Using 'Those' (Plural, Far)

Use 'those' when you are pointing to two or more things that are far from you.

Who are those people waiting by the door?
Those mountains in the distance are beautiful.
Please don't touch those statues.

Quick Rules: A Simple Summary

Feeling more confident? Let's recap with a quick-reference list to help you remember.

This = 1 thing here (singular, near).
That = 1 thing there (singular, far).
These = 2+ things here (plural, near).
Those = 2+ things there (plural, far).

It's important to note that 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' can also refer to non-physical things like time or ideas. For example, "This week has been busy," or "That was a great idea!"

Mastering the difference between 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' is all about practice. Try pointing to objects around you right now and describing them using the correct word. The more you use them, the more natural it will become!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use 'this' to introduce a person?

Absolutely! It's very common and polite. You can say, "This is my friend, Maria," when you are standing next to Maria. You can also use it on the phone, for example, "Hello, this is John."

What is the opposite of 'these'?

In terms of distance, the opposite of 'these' (plural, near) is 'those' (plural, far). If you are talking about number, the singular version of 'these' is 'this'.

How do I know if something is 'near' or 'far'?

A good rule of thumb is that 'near' (this/these) is anything you can easily touch or is in your personal space. 'Far' (that/those) is everything else—across the room, outside, or anything you have to point to rather than touch.

Do 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' change for male or female?

No, they do not. These words are neutral and stay the same regardless of the gender of the noun you are referring to. For example, "This is my brother," and "This is my sister."

Can you give an example sentence using all four words?

Of course! Imagine you are at a fruit stand. You could say: "I like this apple right here, but not that one over there. However, these oranges next to me look better than those ones at the back of the display."