The core difference between 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' is based on two factors: distance (near vs. far) and number (singular vs. plural). 'This' (singular) and 'these' (plural) refer to things close to you, while 'that' (singular) and 'those' (plural) refer to things farther away.
Mastering these four little words can instantly make your English sound more natural and precise. They are called demonstrative adjectives and demonstrative pronouns, but you don't need to remember the fancy grammar terms. You just need to know how to use them correctly. Let's break down the real difference between 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' with clear rules and examples.
What Is the Core Difference Between 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those'?
To choose the right word, you only need to ask yourself two simple questions:
- Is it near me or far from me? (Proximity)
- Is it one thing or multiple things? (Number)
Here’s a simple chart to help you visualize it:
| | Near (Here) | Far (There) | |---|---|---| | Singular (One) | this | that | | Plural (More than one) | these | those |
Think of them as pointer words. You're using them to point out specific nouns to your listener, and the word you choose gives them extra information about where that noun is and how many there are.
How Do You Use 'This' and 'These' for Things Nearby?
When an object, person, or idea is physically close to you (within reach, in the same room, or right here), you use 'this' or 'these'. Your choice depends on whether you're talking about one thing or many.
Using 'This' (Singular, Near)
Use 'this' to refer to a single noun that is close to you.
- Examples:
- "I am reading this book right now." (You are holding the book.)
- "Is this your pen on my desk?"
- "This coffee tastes amazing!"
Using 'These' (Plural, Near)
Use 'these' to refer to two or more nouns that are close to you.
- Examples:
- "These shoes are very comfortable." (You are wearing or holding the shoes.)
- "Who made these cookies? They're delicious!"
- "I need to file these documents before I leave."
When Should You Use 'That' and 'Those' for Things Far Away?
When an object, person, or idea is at a distance—across the room, outside, or over there—you use 'that' or 'those'. Again, the choice depends on whether you're pointing out one thing or several.
Using 'That' (Singular, Far)
Use 'that' to refer to a single noun that is not close to you.
- Examples:
- "Can you see that bird in the tree?"
- "I'd like to buy that painting on the wall over there."
- "That car across the street is the one I was telling you about."
Using 'Those' (Plural, Far)
Use 'those' to refer to two or more nouns that are not close to you.
- Examples:
- "Those mountains in the distance are beautiful."
- "Could you please pass me those books on the top shelf?"
- "Who are those people waiting by the door?"
Beyond Physical Space: Abstract and Time-Based Differences
The concepts of 'near' and 'far' don't just apply to physical space. They can also refer to time or ideas, which is another key difference between 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those'.
- Time: We use 'this' and 'these' for current or upcoming time periods. We use 'that' and 'those' for past time periods.
- Near in time: "Listen to this song, it's my new favorite." / "These next few weeks will be very busy."
- Far in time (past): "I loved living in London. That was a great time in my life." / "Remember the 90s? Those were the days!"
- Ideas: We use 'this' to introduce a new topic or idea we are about to discuss. We use 'that' to refer back to an idea someone else just mentioned.
- Introducing an idea: "I have a suggestion. What do you think about this: we postpone the meeting until Friday."
- Referring to an idea: (After a colleague speaks) "That is an excellent point. I hadn't considered it."
Conclusion: Mastering the Pointers
Ultimately, understanding the difference between 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' boils down to mastering the concepts of proximity (near/far) and number (singular/plural). By asking yourself where the noun is and how many there are, you'll choose the correct word every time, making your English communication clearer and more effective.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use 'this' when telling a story?
Yes, absolutely! 'This' is often used in storytelling to create a sense of immediacy and make the listener feel like they are part of the action, even if the events happened in the past. For example: "So I'm walking down the street, and this guy comes up to me and asks for the time."
What is the rule for using 'that' on the phone?
When you are introducing yourself on the phone, it is common to use 'this' (e.g., "Hi, this is Sarah."). When you ask who is calling, you use 'that' (e.g., "Is that Michael?"). This is a convention of phone etiquette in English.
Is it correct to say 'this people' or 'these people'?
'People' is a plural noun, so you must always use the plural demonstrative. The correct phrase is "these people" (if they are near) or "those people" (if they are far). 'This people' is grammatically incorrect.
How do I know if something is 'near' or 'far' enough for 'this' vs 'that'?
There isn't a strict rule measured in feet or meters. 'Near' generally means within your personal space or easy reach (e.g., on your desk, in your hands, in the same small room). 'Far' is everything else (e.g., across a large room, outside, on a screen, or in the distance). The context is determined by the speaker's perspective.
Are 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' always followed by a noun?
No. When they are followed by a noun (e.g., "this book"), they act as demonstrative adjectives. When they stand alone and replace a noun (e.g., "Give me that."), they act as demonstrative pronouns. The rules of near/far and singular/plural still apply in both cases.