This & That: Pointing Things Out
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'this' for things you can touch and 'that' for things further away.
- Use 'this' for one thing near you: 'This is my coffee.'
- Use 'that' for one thing far away: 'That is a bird.'
- Change to 'these' and 'those' when there is more than one object.
Overview
This and that are very important. We use them to point. Use them for one thing. Use this for near. Use that for far.
Near means you can touch it. Far means away from you. These words help you talk about your world.
Use these words to show a person what you see. You do not need many words. This is very fast and easy.
These words help you learn more later. They show what is happening now. They connect words to real things.
How This Grammar Works
Thisrefers to a singular item that is close to you, the speaker. "Close" typically implies an item within your arm's reach, easily touchable, or perceived as being within your immediate personal space. It focuses attention on something present and readily accessible. For example, if you are holding a book, you say,This book is interesting.The wordthisconnects your listener to the specific book currently in your possession or very near you. This immediate connection makesthisa powerful tool for indicating direct presence.
Thatrefers to a singular item that is far from you, the speaker. "Far" denotes an item beyond arm's reach, requiring movement to access, or generally located outside your immediate vicinity. It directs attention to something more distant or separate. For instance, if a book is on a table across the room, you refer to it as,That book is interesting.Here,thatsignals to your listener that the object is not immediately at hand but is identifiable elsewhere. The distinction is about the effort required to interact with the object.
- 1Determiner: When placed directly before a singular noun, they specify which noun is being discussed. They act like adjectives, modifying the noun by pointing it out. Consider the difference:
a penrefers to any pen, whilethis penrefers specifically to the pen near you. You use them to narrow down the reference. For example,I want this appleimplies a specific apple you are indicating.
- 1Demonstrative Pronoun: When used alone,
thisorthatstand in for a previously understood singular noun, or for a noun clearly identifiable from context. In this role, they replace the noun entirely, preventing repetition and maintaining clarity. If someone asksWhat is this?while pointing,thisacts as a pronoun referring to the unknown object itself. For instance,This is my carusesthisas a pronoun to identify the car.
Formation Pattern
This coffee is hot. (The coffee is in your hand.)
That car is red. (The car is parked far away.)
Could you pass me this pen? (The pen is close to you.)
This is a new phone.
That is a beautiful painting.
Who is that?
This is delicious!
When To Use It
this to introduce or identify something physically close to you, or something you are currently interacting with. Use that for something physically further away, requiring a change in your position or attention to reach.This is my new laptop.(You are touching or holding it.)That is the library across the street.(You are pointing at it from a distance.)- (In a store, holding an item)
How much is this shirt?
- (Pointing to a menu item)
I'll have this sandwich, please. - (Referring to a color swatch)
I prefer that one, the darker blue. - (Choosing between two ideas)
This idea sounds better.
This week has been very busy.(The current week.)That was a fantastic concert last night.(Referring to a past event.)I don't like this situation at all.(The current problematic circumstance.)
- (Introducing a person to another)
Hi Sarah, this is my colleague, Mark. - (Responding positively to an idea)
That's an excellent suggestion. - (On the phone, when asked to identify yourself)
Hello, this is Jane speaking.(A standard telephone opening.) - (Referring to something just said)
Did you hear that?
- (Picking up an unfamiliar object)
What is this? - (Seeing a person far away)
Who is that over there? - (Trying to understand a sound)
What was that noise?
Please review this document carefully.(The document you are giving them now.)Remember that principle we discussed yesterday.(A previously mentioned principle.)This is the key difference.(Highlighting an important distinction.)
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect:
This books are heavy. - Correct:
These books are heavy.(If the books are close.) - Incorrect:
That cars are fast. - Correct:
Those cars are fast.(If the cars are far.)
this and that based on Perceived Distance:- Error Pattern: Referring to a pen on the other side of a large desk as
this penwhen it requires you to stand up or stretch significantly to reach it. - Correction: It should be
that penbecause it is not within easy, immediate reach or your personal workspace. - Error Pattern:
I liked that movie I saw yesterday.(Often,thatis correct here, but if the movie was particularly impactful and you are still feeling its presence,this movie I saw yesterdaymight be used to indicate its lingering effect.) - Correction (for clarity): For A0, stick to
thatfor past events unless the immediate emotional connection is very strong.
- Error Pattern:
This is my new smartphone. This is very fast. - Correction:
This is my new smartphone. It is very fast.(Oncethis smartphoneis introduced,itefficiently refers to the same smartphone.) - Tip: Use
thisorthatto point to something new or to contrast it. Useitfor continuing the conversation about something already known.
this/that instead of Articles (a/an, the):- Error Pattern: (Talking generally about cars)
I want to buy this car.(When you don't mean a specific car in front of you.) - Correction:
I want to buy a car.(Any car.) orI want to buy the car.(A specific car already agreed upon.)
Real Conversations
This and that are ubiquitous in everyday English, crucial for clear communication across various contexts, from casual chats to more formal exchanges. Understanding their natural flow in real dialogue helps you sound more authentic.
In Casual Chat/Texting:
You'll often see this and that used concisely to refer to current topics, objects, or recent events.
- Friend 1: Look at this photo! (Showing a picture on their phone.)
- Friend 2: Wow, that's beautiful. (Referring to the photo.)
- Text: Are you free this weekend? (Referring to the upcoming weekend.)
- Text: That was a fun party. (Referring to a past party.)
In Professional Settings (Emails, Meetings):
While informal language is common, this and that still serve their core function of specific reference, maintaining professionalism.
- Email: Please review this proposal by Friday. (Attached or currently open document.)
- Meeting: I think that point needs more discussion. (Referring to a previous comment or agenda item.)
- Presentation: This chart shows our sales growth. (Pointing to a visible chart.)
On the Phone:
This is particularly common when identifying yourself or referring to the call itself.
- Caller: Hello, this is John Smith from Acme Corp.
- Recipient: Okay, John. What is this regarding?
- Caller: Can you hear me clearly on this line?
Social Media/Online Comments:
This and that are used to refer to the content being viewed or discussed.
- Comment: This post perfectly explains the issue.
- Comment: That's a great idea, I agree.
- Caption: Loving this view right now! (Referring to the current scenery.)
These examples demonstrate how this and that are integrated seamlessly into spontaneous communication. They act as quick pointers, ensuring everyone understands what specific item or concept is being discussed without lengthy explanations.
Quick FAQ
- Can I use
thisfor a person? Yes, you can.This is my friend, Maria.is correct. You can also askWho is this?when someone is close or on the phone. - Can
thisandthatrefer to ideas or situations? Absolutely.This is a good idea.refers to a current proposal.That was a bad situation.refers to a past problem. - What if something is close to both the speaker and listener? In such cases, use
this. The primary reference point is always you, the speaker.Look at this book here. - When is
thatpreferred for a past event? Generally,thatrefers to something completed or in the past, giving a sense of distance.That trip was fun. - Do
thisandthathave plural forms? Yes, but they are different words.Thisbecomesthesefor close plural, andthatbecomesthosefor far plural. You will learn these forms later. - Are
thisandthatalways used with a noun? No. They can be pronouns, standing alone.This is beautiful.(referring to something implicit).
Demonstrative Distance and Number
| Distance | Singular (1) | Plural (2+) |
|---|---|---|
|
Near (Close)
|
This
|
These
|
|
Far (Away)
|
That
|
Those
|
Common Contractions
| Full Form | Contraction | Usage |
|---|---|---|
|
That is
|
That's
|
Very common in speech
|
|
This is
|
None
|
We rarely contract 'this is'
|
|
That will
|
That'll
|
Informal future
|
Meanings
Demonstratives are words used to point to specific people or things. They indicate the physical or psychological distance between the speaker and the object.
Physical Proximity
Pointing to objects in physical space based on whether they are within reach or not.
“This pen in my hand is blue.”
“That car across the street is fast.”
Temporal Distance
Referring to time. 'This' refers to the present or upcoming time, while 'that' refers to the past.
“This morning was very cold.”
“That summer in 2010 was amazing.”
Introduction & Identification
Using demonstratives to introduce people or identify things on the phone or in person.
“Mom, this is my friend Sarah.”
“Hello? This is John speaking.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative (Singular)
|
This/That + is + Noun
|
This is a dog.
|
|
Affirmative (Plural)
|
These/Those + are + Noun
|
Those are birds.
|
|
Negative (Singular)
|
This/That + is not + Noun
|
That is not my car.
|
|
Negative (Plural)
|
These/Those + are not + Noun
|
These are not your keys.
|
|
Question (Singular)
|
Is + this/that + Noun?
|
Is this your phone?
|
|
Question (Plural)
|
Are + these/those + Noun?
|
Are those your friends?
|
|
Short Answer (+)
|
Yes, it is / Yes, they are
|
Yes, it is.
|
|
Short Answer (-)
|
No, it isn't / No, they aren't
|
No, they aren't.
|
Formality Spectrum
Could you please identify this object? (General inquiry)
What is this? (General inquiry)
What's this thing? (General inquiry)
What's this dealio? (General inquiry)
The Demonstrative Map
Near
- This Singular
- These Plural
Far
- That Singular
- Those Plural
This vs That
Choosing the Right Word
Is it near you?
Is it only one thing?
Demonstrative Categories
Singular
- • This
- • That
Plural
- • These
- • Those
Examples by Level
This is my cat.
That is a big plane.
These are my shoes.
Is that your car?
This soup is very hot.
Those birds are beautiful.
I like this song.
That was a great party last night.
This is exactly what I meant.
That's a very interesting idea.
These problems are difficult to solve.
I'll never forget that day.
This constant rain is depressing.
That being said, we must move on.
Those who disagree should speak now.
This new policy will affect everyone.
That's a bit much, don't you think?
This is where the argument falls apart.
I can't stand that 'I'm better than you' attitude.
These findings contradict previous research.
This, then, is the crux of the matter.
That which is seen cannot be unseen.
The difference between this and that is negligible.
Those present at the signing were historical figures.
Easily Confused
Learners use 'it' to point things out, which is less specific than 'this'.
Mixing up singular and plural forms.
Using 'that' for plural objects far away.
Common Mistakes
This is my friends.
These are my friends.
That is my books.
Those are my books.
I like that.
I like this.
Is this you car?
Is this your car?
This days are cold.
These days are cold.
That is a good idea you have there.
This is a good idea you have there.
Who is this?
Who is that?
This was a great movie we saw last week.
That was a great movie we saw last week.
This is the man I told you about.
That is the man I told you about.
Sentence Patterns
This is my ___.
That is a ___.
These ___ are ___.
Those ___ belong to ___.
Real World Usage
I'll have this, please.
Check this out! [link]
This project was my biggest achievement.
Is that the right bus?
How much are those shoes?
This! So true.
The Touch Test
Plural Trap
Phone Identification
Emotional Distance
Smart Tips
Always use 'This is...' followed by their name.
Use 'this' because the phone is in your hand, even if the photo is of something far away.
Use 'That's true' or 'That's right' to refer to their words.
Use 'this' to show the problem is happening right now, or 'that' to distance yourself from it.
Pronunciation
The Voiced 'TH'
The 'th' in this, that, these, and those is voiced. Your vocal cords should vibrate. Put your tongue between your teeth and blow air while making a sound like a 'z'.
Vowel Length in These vs This
'This' has a short 'i' sound (like 'sit'). 'These' has a long 'e' sound (like 'see').
Emphasis for Contrast
I want THIS one, not THAT one.
Stress the demonstrative to show a specific choice between two items.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
T-H-I-S is for things I can kiss (near). T-H-A-T is for things over at the cat (far).
Visual Association
Imagine a circle around your feet. Everything inside the circle is 'this/these'. Everything outside the circle is 'that/those'.
Rhyme
This and These are near my knees. That and Those are far from my toes.
Story
You are at a market. You pick up an apple (This). You point to a mountain (That). You hold two flowers (These). You see two birds in the sky (Those).
Word Web
Challenge
Walk around your room. Touch 5 things and say 'This is a...'. Point to 5 things out the window and say 'That is a...'.
Cultural Notes
Pointing with the index finger while saying 'that' can be considered rude in some formal contexts. It is better to gesture with an open hand.
In English-speaking countries, you identify yourself with 'This is...' rather than 'I am...'.
British speakers often use 'that' more frequently than 'this' when referring to something the other person just said.
Both words come from Old English, where demonstratives were highly inflected for gender, case, and number.
Conversation Starters
What is this?
Is that your car over there?
What are those things on the table?
This weather is crazy, isn't it?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
___ is my phone.
Look at ___ birds in the sky!
Find and fix the mistake:
This shoes are very comfortable.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
Hello? ___ is David.
___ was a great movie we saw yesterday.
You want to quit? ___ is a big decision.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises___ is my phone.
Look at ___ birds in the sky!
Find and fix the mistake:
This shoes are very comfortable.
Match: 1. This, 2. That, 3. These, 4. Those
is / my / that / house / over there
Hello? ___ is David.
___ was a great movie we saw yesterday.
You want to quit? ___ is a big decision.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesI like ___ shirt you are wearing right now.
Who is ___ man standing at the end of the street?
This a good idea.
I saw that movies yesterday.
Choose the correct sentence:
Choose the correct sentence:
Translate into English: '¿Qué es eso?'
Translate into English: 'Quiero este coche.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the phrases with 'this' or 'that':
Match the questions with 'this' or 'that':
Score: /12
FAQ (8)
Use `this` to point something out for the first time. Use `it` to refer to it again later. Example: 'This is my car. It is fast.'
Yes, but only for introductions or identification. 'This is my brother.' You wouldn't say 'This is tall' to describe him; you'd say 'He is tall.'
Physically, yes. But it's also used for things in the past or things someone else just said. 'That was a good point.'
It sounds like 'theez' with a long 'e' and a 'z' sound at the end. It's different from 'this' which has a short 'i' and an 's' sound.
No. 'This' is only for one book. For more than one, you must say 'these books'.
This is an idiom meaning 'That is the end' or 'That is correct.' It uses 'that' to refer to a completed situation.
No, it's neutral. It's just the plural of 'that'. It's used in all levels of English.
Yes! In informal English, we say 'There was this guy...' to introduce a new character.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
este / ese / aquel
English combines 'ese' and 'aquel' into just 'that'.
kore / sore / are
English 'that' covers both 'sore' and 'are'.
dieser / jener
English speakers use 'that' much more often than Germans use 'jener'.
ce / cette / ces
English forces you to choose between near and far every time.
hadha / dhalika
English demonstratives are gender-neutral.
zhè / nà
English does not use measure words (like 'ge') with demonstratives.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Connected Grammar
Plural Nouns
PrerequisiteYou need to know how to make nouns plural to use 'these' and 'those' correctly.
Verb To Be
PrerequisiteDemonstratives are almost always used with 'is' or 'are'.
Articles (A, An, The)
SimilarArticles and demonstratives are both types of determiners that specify nouns.
Relative Clauses
Advanced FormThe word 'that' is also used as a relative pronoun to connect sentences.