What is the difference between this and that in English?
Here you can find out what is the difference between the words this and that.
The English language has many pronouns that serve different roles. This and that are demonstrative pronouns. They indicate a certain object and its distance.
For example, the pronoun this is used with an object located nearby, and the pronoun that with an object located far away. Let's look at this with examples:
I'd like to buy this dress. - I would like to buy this dress.
Look at that scenery. It's absolutely stunning. - Look at that landscape. He's amazing.
Don't touch this big black box. - Don't touch this big black box.
Do you like that jacket? - Do you like that jacket?
As can be seen from the examples, this indicates the proximity of objects, and that indicates distance. Both pronouns have plural forms:
this - these (this - these)
that - those (that - those)
These clothes are mine. - Are these things mine?
Can you see those stars? - Do you see those stars?
The words this and that There are other functions too. This can easily replace the pronoun it:
It is a red clock. = This clock is red. - This watch is red.
That can sometimes replace the pronoun which:
I saw the camera which you bought. = I saw the camera that you bought. - I saw the camera you bought.
The pronoun that is often used in harsh statements, fixed expressions and other emotionally charged phrases. For example:
That’s none of your business! - This doesn't concern you!
That's why you chose to skip my lesson. - So that's why you chose not to come to my lesson.
Never mind. That's all right. - Don't worry. Everything is fine.
That's just what he suggested. - That's exactly what he suggested.
Greetings, everyone! Today we'll talk about the basics. We will tell you the difference between “this / that” and “these / those”, explain their meaning, give clear examples and decorate it all with a final table with the difference.
It's time to clear your doubts and learn the difference so you can be 200% confident in using some of the most common words in the English language.
This and That
The main difference is distance of the object from the speaker.
You need to use " this"[ðɪs] - this / this / this, when the object is close to the speaker (he is holding it in his hands, for example), and " that» [ðæt] - that / that / that when it is at a distance or outside the field of view of the speaker or listener.
This is my cat (pointing at a cat on my lap).
This my cat (pointing to him on her lap).
That is his dog (pointing at a dog beside some stranger on the street).
Ta his dog (pointing to the dog next to the stranger on the street).
Note that tense will also affect the use of "this" and "that" as demonstrative pronouns.
If something happened in the past, use " that" would be more appropriate. Although in Russian we still say “this”.
You can, of course, say “that”, but it will sound suspiciously strange. There is no need for clarification, which cannot be said about English.
He didn't die yet. That made me think.
He's not dead yet. This got me thinking.
On the other hand, if the event has not yet occurred, then the appropriate form would be " this».
She won't go to church tomorrow. This is quite strange.
She won't go to church tomorrow. This quite strange.
It’s surprising that Americans, when they pick up the phone, usually say: “ Who is this?", and the British - " Who is that?».
Usually we use " that", speaking about things, but not about people or animals:
Right: - Have you met Mr. Rogers? - The one with the stupid haircut or silly mustache?
Wrong: That who has stupid haircut?
These and Those
In a formal context, especially in scientific work, when talking about the similarity of something, we use " that of / those of" instead of "the one of / the ones of".
The proton has a similar mass to that of a neutron.
A proton has a similar mass to the proton of a neutron.
The emotions in the poems are those of loss and grief.
The emotions in the poems reflect loss and grief.
How to use these pronouns
- In the role defining word:
What's in this bag?
That whiskey tastes strange.
I might get myself a pair of those Nikes.
- In the role pronouns(meaning things or ideas):
Come and look at this.
That's a very bad idea.
Can I have one of these?
Uses of this and that
Emotional distance
Sometimes we use this, that, these and those to refer to things that make us happy.
For example, you can use " this/these”, referring to something we approve of or feel positive about.
I love this new woolen smartphone cover that you can get.
I like this new wool phone case, which you can get.
We use " that/those” to create distance.
What are you going to say to that friend of yours?
What are you going to say that friend of mine?
We use " those", talking about objects inside the room where we were.
I didn't like his house. It had those awful paintings.
I didn't like his house. It contained those terrible pictures.
Sharing knowledge and new information
Often this happens when we are telling a story or explaining something.
You know that waterfall in the forest nearby? Well, they're gonna privatize it.
You know That waterfall in the forest nearby? Well, they're going to privatize it.
« This" is sometimes used instead of "a/an" when we are referring to something important or recent, or when introducing someone to a new person or thing in our history.
This guy today knocked on the door and asked if I wanted to talk about God.
This the guy knocked on the door and asked if I wanted to talk about God.
Physical proximity and distance
We use " this", And " these» most often, pointing to things and people that are close to the speaker or writer, or to what is happening at the moment.
Shall I use this knife here?
I should take advantage this with a knife?
I'll post these letters on my way home.
I'll throw it in these letters to the post office on the way home.
We use " that" And " those”, pointing out things and people that are not easily identified in a situation. They are often located at a distance from the speaker, and sometimes closer to the listener.
What's in that bottle over there?
What's in it that bottle there?
Sometimes things are not visible to either the speaker or the listener.
Death Star! That's my favorite star!
The Death Star! This my favorite star!
Useful expressions and phrases
That's it- exclamation when solving a problem: “that’s all!”; in the role of agreement: “yes, right”, “exactly!”, “whoa!”, “period!; in the role of the final replica in an unambiguous plan: “that’s it!”, “that’s enough!”, “dry the oars!”; interrogative meaning in the sense of “that’s all?”, “oh well?”.
That's it! I"m not putting up with any more of her rudeness!
That's it! I won't tolerate her rudeness anymore!
That's it, it is working now.
That's all! Now it works.
That's alright(that's ok) - both expressions can be used to express forgiveness.
- Sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you.
-That's ok.
- Sorry, I didn't mean to offend you.
- Everything is fine.
That's right is one of the most popular answers in English. Says that you agree or confirm someone else's words.
Translations: exactly like that, right, exactly, absolutely, just about, like that.
- You must be one lucky son of a b*tch, right?
- You must be a lucky son of a bitch, huh?
- That's right, I am. What?
- Yes sir. What?
And others:
this one time only(this once, just for once) - only 1 time;
this one is still kicking- this one is still alive;
this one is as good as any- this one is no better than any other;
this side of the Black Stump- on “this side” (where there is water, trees, life);
this said- at the same time (despite the fact that ...), everything said means that ... ;
this and that- This and that; bench stoves;
those against?- who is against?;
those abstaining- abstained from voting;
those and those ones- both;
those are her days- on these days she receives (guests, for example).
Is this one taken?- Is it busy/free here?;
What's all this/that about?- What kind of news is this!; Here's more news!;
This is it!- Here it is!; This is what I was looking for!; This is a critical moment!; Fine!; Right!; In fact of the matter!
| This/These | That/That | |
| Meaning | Pronouns and modifier. | |
| Use | 1) With people and objects near the speaker or listener in singular/plural. 2) To introduce someone. 3) Speaking about close time periods. 4) Referring to what will happen in the future, to what has not yet happened, or to what we are going to say or do. 5) Referring to something important or recently happened, or when introducing someone new person or thing in our 6) Speaking about things close in time or location to the speaker or happening at the moment. 7) Referring to something we approve of or feel positive about. |
1) With people and objects away from the speaker or listener in singular/plural. Do you want to sit down on that bench over there? 2) Talking about events in the past. 3) Talking about what just happened. 5) In a formal context, especially in scientific activities, talking about the similarity of something. 6) Talking about objects inside the room where we were. 7) To create a sense of distance. |
Conclusion
Summarize:
This/that- here & singular / there & singular.
These/those- here & plural / there & plural.
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This and that in English
In English speech and in literary texts the words that and this are often found. There is, of course, a difference between them, but what it is remains a mystery to many.
Today we will look not only at the use of this and that, but also at the correct use of these and those pronouns. The difference between these pairs is quite significant, and once you understand it, you will never again confuse the words that, this, those and these.
This or that: usage rule
This and that are demonstrative pronouns.
This translates as this/this/this.
That's accordingly how that/that/that.
Both pronouns refer to the SAME object (or person), the difference between this and that is that the objects that we refer to with these pronouns are at different distances from the speaker.
This denotes what is nearby, nearby, nearby.
That- something that is located in the distance, remote from the speaker.
For example,
This cat is mine. This cat is mine.
That cat is yours. That cat is yours.
“Cat” is a singular word. Choice this or that depends exactly on WHERE exactly this cat is located. The one that lies near my feet is this cat. The one that is far from me is that cat.
When we talk about the distance of an object, we are talking not only about space (the physical location of the object - far or close to the speaker), but also about time.
For example:
That was awesome! I had a wonderful time!
It was great! I had a wonderful time!
The action took place in the past, the narrator now recalls a pleasant time spent and uses the pronoun that. Please note that we will most likely translate into Russian that as “this”, and not as “that” - due to the stylistic features of the Russian language. For us, the difference between “this” and “that” in this context is insignificant. But it is fundamental for the English language. Consume this in this case it will be an error.
Thus, when talking about distant events (actions in the past), we use the pronoun that.
This and that in live speech
This and that are often confused in dialogues, for example, in a telephone conversation.
If you are introducing yourself in a conversation, use this:
- Hello. This is Mary.
If you are asking a question, clarifying who is speaking to you, use that:
- Is that Julia?
Compare:
Is that George?
- No, this is Mike.
These and those: difference and use
In addition to this and that, you can often find another pair of demonstrative pronouns: these-those. The rule for their use is: if there are many items, not just one, we change this to these, and that to those.
These - these
Those - those
These cats are mine. These cats are mine.
Those cats are yours. Those cats are yours.
As you can see, both pronouns those, these indicate many objects (several cats). What is the difference between them? These and those, as well as the pair this–that, denote objects that are at different distances from the speaker.
These - objects are close (these)
Those - objects are far away (those)
Thus, when choosing a suitable pronoun, we always look at only two aspects:
1. Number of objects/persons (how many - one or many)
2. Their distance from the speaker (here or there)
The this–these pair is used if the object/objects are near the speaker. The pair that–those is used if the object or objects are far from the speaker.
We pronounce it correctly: these or this
You have probably encountered the fact that in live speech it is difficult to hear the difference between these and this. Therefore, they are often confused both in speech and in writing. Both pronouns are pronounced similarly, and in a conversation it is not always possible to catch what was said - these or this. How to pronounce these and this correctly:
This is pronounced briefly, with the s at the end sounding like “s”, dull. But these is pronounced with a long “i” sound (as in Russian “NII”), and at the end it sounds “z”, not “s”.
If you yourself pronounce these pronouns correctly, you will hear the difference between them in someone else’s speech.
How to correctly use this, that, these, those in a sentence
Demonstrative pronouns this/that/these/those can be used with or without a noun. Take a look:
Without a noun:
This is your last chance to see him.
This is your last chance to see him.
With a noun:
This meeting is your last chance to see him.
This meeting is your last chance to see him.
If demonstrative pronouns come at the beginning of a sentence and there is no defining noun after them, then, as a rule, the verb to be follows in singular or plural form:
This is/These are/That is/Those are
This is a cat. - It's a cat.
These are butterflies. - These are butterflies.
That is a train. - This is a train.
Those are cucumbers. - These are cucumbers.
Both this and that serve as the subject here and are translated as “this.”
Demonstrative pronouns without nouns can appear in different parts of a sentence:
Which trousers would you choose, these or those?
Which trousers would you choose, these or those?
What is that?
What's that there?
If a demonstrative pronoun precedes a noun, its function is to point to a specific object:
This cat has drunk our milk. - This cat drank our milk.
In this case, the pronoun this specifies that it was this cat, and not some other, that drank all the milk.
Any of the four demonstrative pronouns can be accompanied by a noun:
This flower smells great. - This flower smells great.
That man is very angry. - That man is very evil.
These tickets cost too much. -These tickets are too expensive.
Those presents are from my friend. - Those gifts are from my friends.
Tricky question “What is this?”
When you ask the question “What is this?”, you may encounter difficulty. After all, uttered in Russian, the question “What is this?” It sounds the same no matter how many objects there are and no matter where they are located. Take a look:
Due to the fact that in Russian the question sounds the same in all four situations, many are confused about how to correctly ask in English: “What is this?”
Focus on the distance of the object and the number of objects. Have you determined? Now choose the appropriate pronoun and the appropriate form of the verb to be.
Demonstrative pronouns and one
Sometimes after demonstrative pronouns you can find the word one. And even ones. What it is?
It happens that in order to preserve the beauty of speech it is necessary to avoid repeating a noun. For example:
This T-shirt is too expensive. That T-shirt is cheaper.
This T-shirt is too expensive. That T-shirt is cheaper.
The repetition of the word “T-shirt” is not justified here. For what? In Russian speech we would rather say: “This T-shirt is too expensive. That one is cheaper.” Everyone understands that “that” = “that T-shirt.”
Something similar happens in English. Just like in Russian, we get rid of the double word T-shirt. But if in Russian we can leave the pronoun “ta” in splendid isolation, then in English we must choose a substitute for the noun. This function is performed by the word one. Take a look:
This T-shirt is too expensive. That one is cheaper.
This T-shirt is too expensive. It's cheaper.
Since we are talking about one subject, we used the singular demonstrative pronoun - that. After the pronouns that/this, the rule requires the use of the word one.
If we are talking about many objects and using the pronouns these and those, then we will use ones.
These glasses are awful! Pass me those ones, please.
These glasses are terrible. Pass those to me, please.
Common Mistake: no need to try to translate one and ones. Neither as “one”, nor as “alone”, nor in any other way. In this case, one/ones is a building block that allows you to correctly construct a sentence in terms of structure; neither one nor ones are translated into Russian in such sentences.
Now you know when to use the demonstrative pronouns this, that, these, those and you can correctly structure your speech. Read other Puzzle English articles and improve your English!
How demonstrative pronouns are used in spoken English.
Demonstrative pronouns:
this, this, this these - this
that, that, then - that
those - those
this is it
such, such - such
the same (s), the same (same) - the same
That/that. This/these.
1. This (these)index fingers pronouns used:
to indicate an object located close to the speaker.
This old woman is Mr. White's secretary.
This elderly woman is Mr. White's secretary.
to describe situations relating to the future or present time.
We are sorry but Dr. White is out at this moment.
We're sorry, but Dr. White is not available at the moment.
I'm seeing Tom this Sunday.
I'm meeting Tom this Sunday.
in a situation where you introduce people to each other or introduce yourself over the phone.
Kate, this is Liz and these are my friends Bob and Ted.
Katya, this is Lisa, and these are my friends Bob and Ted.
2. Those/that are used:
To indicate an object or person located at a certain distance from the speaker.
Look at those new beautiful buses over there! they are his!
Look at those beautiful new buses over there! They are his!
to describe situations related to the past.
That month spent at the seaside was the best in my life!
That month spent on the sea coast was the best of my life.
when talking on the phone to clarify who you are talking to.
"Hello! This is Lilia Smith. Who is that, please?”
"Hello. My name is Lilia Smith. Who, tell me, am I talking to?
3. these/ this, those/that are used as pronouns and independently without a noun behind it.
Let's have a talk over this. Let's discuss this.
These peaches are riper than those in the basket.
These peaches are riper than the ones in the basket.
4. If the pronouns these /those are used in an interrogative sentence, then in the answers they are replaced by they.
Are these papers yours? Are these your papers?
Yes, they are. Yes.
It
It is also used as a demonstrative pronoun.
It is a candle. This is a candle.
5. When answering special and general questions containing this or that, the pronoun it is used
Is that a butterfly over there? Is that a butterfly over there?
Yes, it is. Yes.
What is this? What is this?
It is a beetle. It's a beetle.
It or There?
How to use It correctly:
1) in sentences with It +be + adjective + to infinitive, highlighting the adjective, or it + be + adjective (+ that)
It is useless to know how it works without manual.
It's useless to know how it works without instructions.
It was coincident (that) Zinaida met her future husband in Paris.
What a coincidence that Zinaida met her future husband in Paris.
2) When we talk about the weather It has been foggy today.
Today it was foggy.
It has been snowing here since 2 o’clock.
It has been snowing since 2 o'clock.
3) When we ask for the exact time -What is the time?
What time is it now?
-It is 23.30 sharp.
Exactly twenty three thirty.
4) When we describe places (terrains)
It is always calm and beautiful here at the lake.
Here by the lake it is always quiet and beautiful.
5) When we use phrases like it is becoming/ it is going to...
It is going to be boring at Rubik’s party.
Rubek's party promises to be boring.
It is becoming less and less interesting film to watch on TV. There are less and less interesting movies to watch on TV.
There
Used when there is a combination: there + be (is, are, will be, have/has/had been, was, were):
1) When we say that something exists somewhere (is, exists, is located)
There is wooden old church in my village.
In my village there is an old wooden church.
2) When we indicate the presence of something, someone
I ‘m sure there was some people at the restaurant.
I'm sure there were several people outside the restaurant.
3) When we indicate that something is happening or will happen in the future
There was a wedding here 3 hours ago.
There was a wedding here 3 hours ago.
If there is an enumeration in the sentence, then in the phrases there is / are be consistent in number with the first noun.
There was his aunt, two cousins and Granny at my last birthday party. My birthday party last year was attended by his uncle, two cousins and grandmother.
How demonstrative pronouns are used in spoken English.
Demonstrative pronouns:
this, this, this these - this
that, that, then - that
those - those
this is it
such, such - such
the same (s), the same (same) - the same
That/that. This/these.
1. This (these)index fingers pronouns used:
to indicate an object located close to the speaker.
This old woman is Mr. White's secretary.
This elderly woman is Mr. White's secretary.
to describe situations relating to the future or present time.
We are sorry but Dr. White is out at this moment.
We're sorry, but Dr. White is not available at the moment.
I'm seeing Tom this Sunday.
I'm meeting Tom this Sunday.
in a situation where you introduce people to each other or introduce yourself over the phone.
Kate, this is Liz and these are my friends Bob and Ted.
Katya, this is Lisa, and these are my friends Bob and Ted.
2. Those/that are used:
To indicate an object or person located at a certain distance from the speaker.
Look at those new beautiful buses over there! they are his!
Look at those beautiful new buses over there! They are his!
to describe situations related to the past.
That month spent at the seaside was the best in my life!
That month spent on the sea coast was the best of my life.
when talking on the phone to clarify who you are talking to.
"Hello! This is Lilia Smith. Who is that, please?”
"Hello. My name is Lilia Smith. Who, tell me, am I talking to?
3. these/ this, those/that are used as pronouns and independently without a noun behind it.
Let's have a talk over this. Let's discuss this.
These peaches are riper than those in the basket.
These peaches are riper than the ones in the basket.
4. If the pronouns these /those are used in an interrogative sentence, then in the answers they are replaced by they.
Are these papers yours? Are these your papers?
Yes, they are. Yes.
It
It is also used as a demonstrative pronoun.
It is a candle. This is a candle.
5. When answering special and general questions containing this or that, the pronoun it is used
Is that a butterfly over there? Is that a butterfly over there?
Yes, it is. Yes.
What is this? What is this?
It is a beetle. It's a beetle.
It or There?
How to use It correctly:
1) in sentences with It +be + adjective + to infinitive, highlighting the adjective, or it + be + adjective (+ that)
It is useless to know how it works without manual.
It's useless to know how it works without instructions.
It was coincident (that) Zinaida met her future husband in Paris.
What a coincidence that Zinaida met her future husband in Paris.
2) When we talk about the weather It has been foggy today.
Today it was foggy.
It has been snowing here since 2 o’clock.
It has been snowing since 2 o'clock.
3) When we ask for the exact time -What is the time?
What time is it now?
-It is 23.30 sharp.
Exactly twenty three thirty.
4) When we describe places (terrains)
It is always calm and beautiful here at the lake.
Here by the lake it is always quiet and beautiful.
5) When we use phrases like it is becoming/ it is going to...
It is going to be boring at Rubik’s party.
Rubek's party promises to be boring.
It is becoming less and less interesting film to watch on TV. There are less and less interesting movies to watch on TV.
There
Used when there is a combination: there + be (is, are, will be, have/has/had been, was, were):
1) When we say that something exists somewhere (is, exists, is located)
There is wooden old church in my village.
In my village there is an old wooden church.
2) When we indicate the presence of something, someone
I ‘m sure there was some people at the restaurant.
I'm sure there were several people outside the restaurant.
3) When we indicate that something is happening or will happen in the future
There was a wedding here 3 hours ago.
There was a wedding here 3 hours ago.
If there is an enumeration in the sentence, then in the phrases there is / are be consistent in number with the first noun.
There was his aunt, two cousins and Granny at my last birthday party. My birthday party last year was attended by his uncle, two cousins and grandmother.