The main difference between 'this/that' and 'these/those' is about number and distance. 'This' and 'that' are singular, referring to one item, while 'these' and 'those' are plural, referring to more than one. 'This' and 'these' are for things near you, while 'that' and 'those' are for things far away.
Welcome to your essential guide to some of the most common words in English! For a beginner, understanding the difference between 'this/that' and 'these/those' is a huge step toward speaking more clearly and naturally. These four little words, called *demonstrative pronouns*, are like pointing with your language. They help you show people exactly what you’re talking about, whether it's right in front of you or across the street. Let's break it down so you can use them with confidence.
What's the main difference between 'this/that' and 'these/those'?
To master these words, you only need to ask two simple questions:
- How many? Is it one thing (singular) or more than one thing (plural)?
- How far? Is it close to me (near) or far from me (far)?
This simple chart shows you exactly which word to use:
| | Near (Here) | Far (There) | | :-------- | :-------------- | :-------------- | | Singular (One) | this | that | | Plural (Many) | these | those |
Let's look at each pair in more detail.
When do I use 'this' and 'that'? (For singular things)
You use 'this' and 'that' when you are talking about only one person, place, or thing. The only difference is distance.
Use 'This' for one thing NEAR you
'This' is for a singular item that is close to you. Think of it as something you could touch or that is within your reach.
- This is my phone. (You are holding it.)
- I am reading this book. (The book is in your hands.)
- Is this your pen on the desk?
- I love this song! (The song is playing now.)
Use 'That' for one thing FAR from you
'That' is for a singular item that is at a distance. You can probably see it, but you can't easily touch it.
- That is my house across the street.
- What is that bird in the tree?
- I would like to buy that painting on the wall.
- That car looks expensive.
When do I use 'these' and 'those'? (For plural things)
When you are talking about more than one thing, you need to use the plural forms: 'these' and 'those'. Again, the only difference is distance.
Use 'These' for many things NEAR you
'These' is the plural of 'this'. Use it for multiple items that are close to you.
- These are my keys. (You are holding them.)
- These shoes feel very comfortable. (You are wearing them.)
- Are these your glasses on the table?
- Please try one of these cookies.
Use 'Those' for many things FAR from you
'Those' is the plural of 'that'. Use it for multiple items that are at a distance from you.
- Those mountains are beautiful.
- Who are those people waiting for the bus?
- I can't reach those books on the top shelf.
- Do you see those birds flying south?
Conclusion: Mastering Pointing Words in English
Congratulations! You now understand the core difference between 'this/that' and 'these/those'. Just remember to think about number (one or many) and distance (near or far). 'This' and 'these' keep things close, while 'that' and 'those' put them at a distance. Keep practicing, and soon using these demonstrative pronouns will feel completely natural.
Frequently Asked Questions about 'This', 'That', 'These', and 'Those'
Can you use 'this' or 'that' to talk about a person?
Yes, absolutely! It's very common, especially when you are introducing someone. For example: "Sarah, this is my colleague, Mark." You can also use it on the phone: "Hi, is that John?"
How do I ask a question with 'these' or 'those'?
It's simple. You start the question with the verb, just like with 'this' and 'that'. For example: "Are these your tickets?" or "What are those strange lights in the sky?"
What's a common mistake learners make with these words?
The most common mistake is mixing up singular and plural. A learner might say "these book" (incorrect) instead of "this book" or "these books". Always make sure your demonstrative pronoun matches the noun: singular with singular, plural with plural.
Can I use 'this' and 'that' to talk about ideas or situations?
Yes. We use them all the time to refer to abstract things, not just physical objects. For example: "This is a wonderful idea!" or "I didn't like that he was late." You can also refer to a recent event: "That was a great movie."
Is there a simple trick to remember the difference?
A great memory trick is to connect the words to 'here' and 'there'. Words with a 'T' often go together, and words with an 'S' can be grouped.
- This / These → Here (close)
- That / Those → There (far)