When it comes to English grammar, one of the most common sources of confusion is the use of ‘this’ and ‘that’. These two words are demonstrative pronouns, which means they are used to point out specific things or ideas.
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between “this” and “that” and when to use each one. We’ll provide you with clear examples and a comparison table to help you understand the nuances of each word. Whether you’re writing an email, an essay, or a social media post, understanding the differences between “this” and “that” can make a big difference in the clarity and accuracy of your writing. Let’s dive in!
This or That
This or That?
Basic Differences
The main difference between ‘this’ and ‘that’ is their proximity to the speaker. ‘This’ is used to refer to something that is close to the speaker, while ‘that’ is used to refer to something that is farther away. For example:
- This book is really interesting. (The book is close to the speaker)
- That book over there is really interesting. (The book is farther away from the speaker)
Singular vs. Plural
Both “this” and “that” are used with singular nouns.
- This apple is delicious. (Singular noun)
- That apple and those oranges are delicious. (Singular and plural nouns)
Time and Space
In addition to proximity and singular usage, ‘this’ and ‘that’ can also be used to refer to time and space. ‘This’ is used to refer to something that is happening now or in the near future, while ‘that’ is used to refer to something that happened in the past or is farther away in time. For example:
- I’m going to the store this afternoon. (Near future)
- That was a great movie. (Past)
Similarly, ‘this’ can be used to refer to something that is physically close to the speaker, while ‘that’ can be used to refer to something that is farther away in space. For example:
- This chair is comfortable. (Close to the speaker)
- That mountain in the distance is beautiful. (Farther away from the speaker)
Comparison Table
To summarize the differences between ‘this’ and ‘that’, we’ve created a comparison table:
| This | That | |
|---|---|---|
| Proximity | Close to the speaker | Farther away from the speaker |
| Singular/Plural | Singular | Singular and plural |
| Time | Happening now or in the near future | Happened in the past or farther away in time |
| Space | Physically close to the speaker | Farther away in space |
Usage of ‘This’
Singular and Proximal Context
One common use of “this” is to refer to a singular noun that is close in proximity to the speaker. For example, “This book is really interesting” would be appropriate if the speaker was holding the book in their hands. Similarly, “This coffee is delicious” would be appropriate if the speaker was pointing to a cup of coffee on the table in front of them.
Referring to Previously Mentioned Ideas
Another use of “this” is to refer to an idea or concept that has been previously mentioned in conversation or writing. For example, “I really enjoyed the movie we saw last night. This is the kind of film that I could watch again and again.” In this case, “this” is used to refer back to the idea of the movie that was previously mentioned.
In Introductions
Finally, “this” can also be used in introductions to draw attention to a particular person or thing. For example, “This is my friend John” would be appropriate when introducing someone to a group of people. Similarly, “This is my favorite restaurant in town” would be appropriate when recommending a restaurant to someone.
Here’s a table summarizing the different uses of “this”:
| Context | Example |
|---|---|
| Singular and Proximal | “This book is really interesting” |
| Referring to Previously Mentioned Ideas | “I really enjoyed the movie we saw last night. This is the kind of film that I could watch again and again.” |
| In Introductions | “This is my friend John” |
Usage of ‘That’
Singular and Distal Context
‘That’ is often used to refer to something that is singular and distal, meaning it is physically or emotionally further away. For example:
- That dog over there is barking loudly.
- I don’t like that movie.
- That book on the shelf looks interesting.
In these examples, ‘that’ is used to refer to something specific that is not close to the speaker or the listener. It can also be used to refer to something that is not as emotionally or symbolically close as ‘this’.
Referring to Previously Mentioned Ideas
‘That’ can also be used to refer to previously mentioned ideas or concepts. For example:
- That was the first time I’ve ever talked to him.
- I hate that book very much.
- That’s the idea that I was trying to convey.
In Introductions
Finally, ‘that’ can be used in introductions to provide more information about a person, place, or thing. For example:
- That’s my friend, Sarah.
- This is the restaurant that I was telling you about.
- That’s the car that I want to buy.
In these examples, ‘that’ is used to provide more information about the subject being introduced. It can be used to clarify or add details to the conversation.
| Singular and Distal Context | Referring to Previously Mentioned Ideas | In Introductions |
|---|---|---|
| Refers to something physically or emotionally further away | Refers back to something that was mentioned earlier in the conversation or text | Provides more information about the subject being introduced |
| Used to avoid repetition | Used to clarify or add details to the conversation |
Comparing ‘This’ and ‘That’
In Terms of Distance
The key difference between ‘this’ and ‘that’ is distance. ‘This’ is used to refer to something that is close to the speaker, while ‘that’ is used to refer to something that is farther away. For example:
- “This pen is mine.” (The pen is close to the speaker.)
- “That car over there is mine.” (The car is farther away from the speaker.)
It’s important to note that distance can be relative. For example, if two people are standing next to each other, one might refer to something as ‘this’ while the other person might refer to it as ‘that’. In general, however, ‘this’ is used for things that are closer to the speaker, while ‘that’ is used for things that are farther away.
In Terms of Time
Another difference between ‘this’ and ‘that’ is time. ‘This’ is used to refer to something that is happening now or in the immediate future, while ‘that’ is used to refer to something that has already happened or is happening in the distant future. For example:
- “I’m going to take this cake out of the oven.” (The cake is being taken out of the oven now.)
- “That party last night was so much fun.” (The party happened in the past.)
Again, it’s important to note that time can be relative. For example, if someone is talking about plans for the weekend, they might refer to them as ‘this weekend’ or ‘that weekend’, depending on how far away the weekend is.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the differences between “this” and “that” are clear. While both words can refer to something specific, “this” is used to refer to something that is closer in space or time, while “that” refers to something that is further away or more distant in time.
It is important to use the correct word in order to avoid confusion or ambiguity in your writing. If you are referring to something that is nearby or currently happening, use “this.” If you are referring to something that is further away or happened in the past, use “that.”
To illustrate the differences between “this” and “that,” here are some example sentences:
- “This book is really interesting.” (referring to a book that is currently being read)
- “That book was really interesting.” (referring to a book that was read in the past)
- “This coffee is delicious.” (referring to a cup of coffee that is currently being consumed)
- “That coffee was delicious.” (referring to a cup of coffee that was consumed in the past)
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use ‘this’ instead of ‘that’?
‘This’ is used to refer to something that is close to the speaker or is happening now. Use ‘this’ when referring to a singular object or idea that is nearby or immediate.
What are the differences between ‘this’ and ‘these’?
‘This’ is used to refer to a singular object or idea that is nearby or immediate, while ‘these’ is used to refer to multiple objects or ideas that are nearby or immediate.
What are some examples of when to use ‘that’ instead of ‘this’?
‘That’ is used to refer to an object or idea that is farther away or not immediate. For example, “That book on the shelf is mine.”
Can you explain the differences between ‘those’ and ‘these’?
‘Those’ is used to refer to multiple objects or ideas that are farther away or not immediate, while ‘these’ is used to refer to multiple objects or ideas that are nearby or immediate.
When do I use ‘that’ versus ‘those’ in English grammar?
‘That’ is used to refer to a singular object or idea that is farther away or not immediate, while ‘those’ is used to refer to multiple objects or ideas that are farther away or not immediate.
- This pen is mine.
- That car over there is mine.
- These books on the table are mine.
- Those books on the shelf are mine.
- Metalepsis in English - January 17, 2025
- Flashback (Literary Device): How to Use It Effectively in Your Writing - January 17, 2025
- Foil (Literary Device): How Contrasting Characters Can Elevate Your Writing - January 16, 2025