Meaning
Used to identify or introduce an object further away.
Cultural Background
Americans often use 'That is' to confirm agreement in business meetings to show they are listening. British speakers might use 'That is' with a slightly more reserved tone to express polite agreement.
Use your hand
When you say 'That is', a small gesture with your hand makes it sound more natural.
Don't point aggressively
Avoid pointing with just your index finger in formal settings; use an open palm.
Meaning
Used to identify or introduce an object further away.
Use your hand
When you say 'That is', a small gesture with your hand makes it sound more natural.
Don't point aggressively
Avoid pointing with just your index finger in formal settings; use an open palm.
Contractions
Use 'That's' in almost all casual conversations to sound like a native speaker.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word.
____ is a bird in the sky.
The bird is far away, so we use 'That'.
Which sentence is correct?
Select the correct sentence.
'That is' must be followed by a singular noun.
Complete the response.
A: 'The sky is blue.' B: '____ true.'
We use 'That is' to agree with a previous statement.
Match the situation to the phrase.
You are pointing at a star.
The star is far away and singular.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises____ is a bird in the sky.
The bird is far away, so we use 'That'.
Select the correct sentence.
'That is' must be followed by a singular noun.
A: 'The sky is blue.' B: '____ true.'
We use 'That is' to agree with a previous statement.
You are pointing at a star.
The star is far away and singular.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsYes, you can use it to identify someone at a distance.
It is neutral and very common in both speech and informal writing.
You can say 'What is that?' to ask.
Because 'those' is the plural form of 'that'.
Yes, it is very common to agree with ideas.
No, it is a neutral way to identify things.
Usually we use 'That was' for past time.
Point at things in your house and name them.
Related Phrases
This is
contrastIdentifying things nearby.
Those are
similarIdentifying multiple things far away.
That is to say
builds onIn other words.
