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

The simple difference between 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' is based on two key ideas: number (is it one thing or many?) and distance (is it near or far?). 'This' (one) and 'these' (many) are for things close to you, while 'that' (one) and 'those' (many) are for things farther away.

Feeling confused? Don't worry! These four little words, called demonstrative pronouns, are some of the most common in the English language. Mastering them is easier than you think. This guide will break down the simple difference between 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' with clear rules and easy-to-remember examples, helping you speak and write with more confidence.

Understanding the Two Key Rules: Number and Distance

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

Number: Am I talking about one thing (singular) or more than one thing (plural)?
Distance: Is the object close to me (near) or far from me (far)?

Let's break it down:

Singular (one item): Use 'this' (near) or 'that' (far).
Plural (two or more items): Use 'these' (near) or 'those' (far).

Think of it like this: if you can touch it or it's within arm's reach, it's probably 'here' (this/these). If you have to point at it across the room or down the street, it's 'there' (that/those).

When Should I Use 'This' and 'These'? (For Things Nearby)

'This' and 'these' are your words for objects, people, or ideas that are physically close to you or currently happening.

H3: Using 'This' (Singular, Near)

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

Example (holding a pen): "This pen writes very well."
Example (pointing to a dog at your feet): "This is my dog, Sparky."
Example (tasting food): "Mmm, this cake is delicious!"

H3: Using 'These' (Plural, Near)

Use 'these' when you are referring to two or more items that are close to you.

Example (holding a bunch of flowers): "Who sent me these beautiful flowers?"
Example (looking at shoes you are wearing): "I think these shoes are too small."
Example (gesturing to books on your desk): "Are these your books?"

When Should I Use 'That' and 'Those'? (For Things Far Away)

'That' and 'those' are for objects, people, or ideas that are at a distance from you, either physically or in time.

H3: Using 'That' (Singular, Far)

Use 'that' when you are referring to a single item that is not near you.

Example (pointing across the street): "That blue car is the one I want to buy."
Example (referring to a building in the distance): "Is that the new library?"
Example (talking about a movie you saw last week): "That was a very funny movie."

H3: Using 'Those' (Plural, Far)

Use 'those' when you are referring to multiple items that are not near you.

Example (pointing to people across the park): "Who are those people playing soccer?"
Example (referring to clouds in the sky): "Those clouds look like they might bring rain."
Example (pointing at items on a high shelf): "Can you please get those boxes for me?"

Quick Chart: The Difference Between 'This', 'That', 'These', and 'Those'

For a quick reference, use this simple chart. Just identify the number and distance to find your word!

Conclusion: Practice Makes Perfect

And that's it! The core difference between 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' really just comes down to number and distance. By remembering to ask yourself 'how many?' and 'how far?', you can easily choose the right word every time. Like any part of learning a language, the key is to practice. Start noticing how native speakers use these words and try to use them in your own daily conversations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use 'this' to introduce someone?

Yes, absolutely! It's very common and polite. When someone is standing next to you, you can say, "This is my colleague, David." or "Mom, Dad, this is my friend, Emily."

What is the opposite of 'these'?

The opposite of 'these' is 'those'. You use 'these' for multiple things that are close to you, and you use 'those' for multiple things that are far from you. For example: "I like these shoes here, but I don't like those shoes over there."

How do you use 'this' and 'that' when talking about time?

Great question! We often use 'this' for current or near-future time periods, like 'this week,' 'this afternoon,' or 'this coming Monday.' We use 'that' to refer to a time in the past, like "I remember that winter. It was so cold!"

Is it 'this information' or 'these information'?

You should always say 'this information'. The word 'information' is an uncountable noun, which means it doesn't have a plural form and is always treated as singular. The same rule applies to other uncountable nouns, such as 'advice' (this advice), 'water' (this water), and 'furniture' (this furniture).