When to Use 'This,' 'That,' 'These,' and 'Those': A Simple Guide

Use 'this' and 'these' to talk about people or things that are near you in space or time. Use 'that' and 'those' for people or things that are farther away. 'This' and 'that' are used for singular and uncountable nouns, while 'these' and 'those' are for plural nouns.

Demonstratives are some of the most common words in English, but knowing exactly when should I use 'this,' 'that,' 'these,' and 'those' can be tricky. These four words, known as demonstrative pronouns and adjectives, help us point to specific things. Getting them right will make your English sound much more natural and precise. Let's break down the simple rules so you can use them with confidence.

How Do I Know When to Use 'This,' 'That,' 'These,' and 'Those'?

The choice between these words depends on two simple factors: distance (is it near or far?) and number (is it singular or plural?). Once you understand this core concept, everything else falls into place.

Factor 1: Distance (Proximity)

Think about whether the object is physically close to you or far from you.

Near: For things within reach or very close by, we use this (for one thing) and these (for more than one thing). They often correspond with the word "here."
*Example:* "This apple in my hand is delicious."
*Example:* "Are these your keys right here on the table?"

Far: For things that are not close to you, we use that (for one thing) and those (for more than one thing). They often correspond with the word "there."
*Example:* "Can you see that bird in the tree over there?"
*Example:* "I'd like to buy one of those paintings on the far wall."

Factor 2: Number (Singular vs. Plural)

Think about whether you are talking about one thing or multiple things.

Singular & Uncountable: For a single person, place, thing, or an uncountable noun (like water, advice, or information), use this (if near) or that (if far).
*Example:* "This chair is very comfortable."
*Example:* "I don't like that music they are playing."

Plural: For more than one person, place, or thing, use these (if near) or those (if far).
*Example:* "These shoes feel too tight."
*Example:* "Those mountains in the distance are beautiful."

Quick Reference Chart

To make it even simpler, here is a chart you can use:

Beyond Physical Distance: How to Use 'This,' 'That,' 'These,' and 'Those' for Time and Ideas

Demonstratives aren't just for physical objects. We also use them to refer to points in time, situations, and abstract ideas.

Using Demonstratives for Time

The same rule of proximity applies. 'This' and 'these' refer to the present or a time period that is currently happening. 'That' and 'those' refer to a completed time in the past.

Near in Time (Present):
"I'm very busy this week."
"He's been working hard these last few days."

Far in Time (Past):
"Do you remember that summer we went to Spain?"
"Those were the good old days."

Introducing and Referring to Ideas

We use 'this' or 'these' to introduce a new topic or idea we are about to explain. We use 'that' or 'those' to refer back to something someone else has just said.

Introducing: "Listen to this: I think we should start the project on Monday."
Referring: (In response to the previous sentence) "That is an excellent idea."

On the Telephone

A special rule applies to phone calls. When introducing yourself, you use 'this.' When asking who is on the other end, you use 'that.'

"Hello, this is Mark."
"Hi, is that Susan?"

Conclusion: Mastering Demonstratives

Understanding when you should use 'this,' 'that,' 'these,' and 'those' is all about remembering the two key rules of distance and number. Whether you are pointing to a book across the room, talking about last summer, or introducing a great idea, these four little words are essential for clear communication. Practice using them in your daily conversations, and soon it will become second nature.

Frequently Asked Questions about Demonstratives

What is the difference between 'this is a book' and 'this book'? In 'this is a book,' the word 'this' is a demonstrative pronoun; it replaces the noun and stands on its own. In 'this book is heavy,' the word 'this' is a demonstrative adjective (or determiner); it describes or modifies the noun 'book.'

How do I choose between using 'that' and 'it'? Use 'that' to point something out for the first time or to add emphasis (e.g., "What is *that*?"). Use 'it' to refer to something that has already been mentioned and is the current topic of conversation (e.g., "It's a bird.").

Is it grammatically correct to say 'these ones' or 'those ones'? While you might hear this in informal speech, it is generally considered redundant and grammatically incorrect in formal writing. Because 'these' and 'those' are already plural, you can simply say "I like these" or "I prefer those" instead of "I like these ones."

Why do we say 'Is that you?' on the phone instead of 'Is this you?' On the phone, the other person is physically distant from you. Following the rule of distance (far), we use 'that' to refer to the person on the other end of the line. You use 'this' to refer to yourself because you are 'here.'

Can I use 'this' to talk about something in the future? Yes, absolutely. 'This' is often used for the near future. For example, you can say, "I'm going on vacation this coming Friday" or "This year, I plan to travel more."