This or That? The Simple Difference Between 'This', 'That', 'These', and 'Those'

The simple difference between 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' comes down to two key factors: number (is it singular or plural?) and distance (is it near or far from the speaker?). 'This' (singular) and 'these' (plural) refer to things that are close, while 'that' (singular) and 'those' (plural) refer to things that are farther away. Mastering these common words, known as demonstratives, is a huge step toward sounding more natural in English.

Confused? Don't be. In this guide, we'll break down the rules with clear examples to make you an expert in no time. We'll explore how to use them for physical objects, abstract ideas, and even time, so you can use them confidently in any conversation.

The Core Rule: A Quick Guide to Number and Distance

At its heart, choosing the right word is about answering two questions:

How many items am I talking about? (One, or more than one?)
Where is the item in relation to me? (Is it here, or over there?)

Here’s a simple chart to help you remember:

Think of it this way: if you can easily touch it, you'll probably use 'this' or 'these'. If you have to point at it, you'll likely use 'that' or 'those'.

What's the simple difference between 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' for physical objects?

This is the most common way we use these words. It's all about pointing out specific nouns in the space around you.

H3: When should I use 'this' and 'these' for things nearby?

You use 'this' (for one item) and 'these' (for multiple items) when referring to objects that are physically close to you. This is the 'here' category.

This apple in my hand is for you. (One apple, close by)
Do you like this shirt I'm wearing? (One shirt, very close!)
These books on my desk need to be returned to the library. (Multiple books, close by)
Are these your keys? (Multiple keys, held out for someone to see)

H3: When should I use 'that' and 'those' for things farther away?

You use 'that' (for one item) and 'those' (for multiple items) to refer to objects that are at a distance from you. This is the 'there' category.

Can you see that house on the hill? (One house, far away)
That car across the street is the one I want. (One car, distant)
Who are those people waiting by the bus stop? (Multiple people, far away)
I'd like to buy those shoes in the window. (Multiple shoes, at a distance)

How do I use 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' for time and ideas?

Demonstratives aren't just for physical things; they also help us talk about abstract concepts, events, and periods of time.

'This' and 'These' for the Present or Near Future: We often use 'this' and 'these' to talk about something happening now, a recent experience, or something coming up soon.
Listen to this song; it's my favourite right now.
This is the best day of my life!
These next few months are going to be very exciting.

'That' and 'Those' for the Past: We use 'that' and 'those' to refer to experiences or times that are finished and in the past.
That was a fantastic movie we watched last night.
Remember our trip to Italy? Those were the days!
I didn't like that argument we had earlier.

What's the simple difference between 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' as pronouns vs. adjectives?

These four words can play two different grammatical roles, but the rules of number and distance always stay the same. This is a crucial detail for understanding English grammar.

Demonstrative Pronoun: Replaces a noun. It stands on its own.
*Example:* This is my computer.

Demonstrative Adjective (or Determiner): Modifies a noun. It comes *before* the noun.
*Example:* This computer is mine.

Here they are side-by-side:

Pronoun: *That* is a beautiful painting.

Adjective: *That painting* is beautiful.

Pronoun: *These* are my shoes.

Adjective: *These shoes* are mine.

Pronoun: *Those* look delicious.

Adjective: *Those cookies* look delicious.

Conclusion: Mastering Your Demonstratives

Ultimately, understanding the simple difference between 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' all comes back to number and distance. Ask yourself 'how many?' and 'how close?' and you'll choose the right word every time. By practising with objects around you and paying attention to how native speakers use them, these words will quickly become a natural part of your English vocabulary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do you use 'this' to introduce someone? Yes, this is very common and polite. When you are standing with someone, you can introduce them using 'this'. For example: "Anna, this is my colleague, Mark. Mark, this is Anna."

What is the difference between 'that' and 'it'? 'That' is a demonstrative pronoun used to point out something specific, often to contrast it with something else ("I don't want this one, I want *that* one"). 'It' is a personal pronoun that refers to a thing that has already been mentioned or is obvious from context ("The book is on the table. *It* is very old.").

How do I know if something is 'near' or 'far'? 'Near' and 'far' are relative to the speaker's point of view. 'Near' usually means within arm's reach or in your immediate personal space. 'Far' is everything else—across the room, across the street, or in the distance. The context depends entirely on you, the speaker.

Is it correct to say 'these ones' or 'those ones'? While very common in informal, spoken English, phrases like 'these ones' and 'those ones' are often considered redundant in formal writing. In most cases, you can just say 'these' or 'those'. For example, instead of "I'll take these ones," it's more concise to say, "I'll take these."