A0 Determiners 14 min read 简单

This & That: 指示事物

Point to singular things nearby with this and faraway with that – it's all about distance!
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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.
👉 (Near) + This | 🔭 (Far) + That

Overview

你是否曾经指着菜单上的东西，却不知道该说 this 还是 that？你不是一个人。这看起来很简单，但做对了会让你听起来自然得多。这一切都围绕着一个关键思想：距离。
this 和 that 被称为“指示词”。听起来很高级，对吧？它只是意味着它们“指示”或指出一个特定的人或物。把它们想象成你口头的指路手指。你选择的那个词会告诉听者那个东西相对于你的位置。它是在你手里，还是在架子那边？是现在播放的这首很棒的歌，还是昨晚那首糟糕的歌？我们经常使用它们，从告诉朋友“看看 this 视频！”到说“我不敢相信我昨天说了 that。”掌握它们是让你英语流利度快速提升的法宝。它们有单数形式（this，that）和复数形式（these，those），同样的核心距离规则适用于所有这些词。

How This Grammar Works

this、that、these 和 those 的整个系统都基于一个简单的概念：邻近性。它离你近，还是离你远？
  • 邻近性（近 vs. 远）： 这是主要工作。如果某物在你触手可及的范围内或离你很近，你使用 this（用于单件物品）或 these（用于多件物品）。如果它更远——在房间的另一边，街道的尽头，甚至在另一个国家——你使用 that（用于单件物品）或 those（用于多件物品）。想象一下你在一个农贸市场。你会举起一个苹果说，“This apple looks delicious.” 但你会指着摊位另一边的箱子里的苹果说，“Are those apples fresh?”
  • 时间（现在 vs. 那时）： “近”和“远”的概念也适用于时间。this 和 these 通常指现在或正在发生的事情。that 和 those 可以指过去或已完成的事件。例如：“This week has been so busy”（本周）vs. “That was a fun party last weekend”（过去的事件）。这就像现在在时间上离你“近”，而过去“远”。如果你指的是现在，你不会说“That week is busy”。
  • 抽象概念和话题： 我们也用 this 和 that 来指代想法。你可以用 this 来介绍一个你即将解释的新话题：“Okay, listen to this. I have a crazy idea.” 你经常用 that 来回应别人刚说的话。如果你的朋友说，“I just won tickets to the concert!” 你会回答，“That's amazing!” 你正在回应他的陈述，这个陈述现在与你当前反应的时刻有“一点距离”。这有点像指着他的话。

Formation Pattern

1
好消息是什么？没有复杂的变位。这些词永远不会变！你只需要根据两个简单的问题来选择正确的词。
2
是单数还是复数？ 首先，确定你是在谈论一件东西还是多件东西。
3
对于一件东西，你唯一的选择是 this 或 that。
4
对于多件东西，你的选择是 these 或 those。
5
是近还是远？ 现在，确定它相对于你的位置。
6
如果它离你近（在空间或时间上），使用 this（单数）或 these（复数）。
7
如果它离你远（在空间或时间上），使用 that（单数）或 those（复数）。
8
就是这样。这是一个2x2的系统。没有动词变化，没有需要担心的名词结尾。只要选择正确的指示词。这可能是你这周学到的最简单的构成模式了。如果你跳一小段胜利之舞，我们不会告诉任何人。

When To Use It

你会整天、每天都使用这些词。它们非常普遍，对于清晰的沟通至关重要。
  • 指出实体物品： 最明显的用法。在咖啡馆里：“Can I get this croissant, please?”（指着你面前陈列柜里的一个）。购物时：“I like that jacket in the window.”
  • 介绍人物： 当你和某人在一起时，你用 this 来介绍他们。“Hey Chris, this is my friend, Maria.” 如果她就站在你旁边，说“That is my friend, Maria”听起来会有点奇怪。
  • 在电话上： 当你表明自己身份时，你总是使用 this。“Hi, is this Alex?” “Yes, this is he.” 这是一个固定的惯例。使用 that 就像在问电话另一端的人是否离得很远。如果你想一想，这有点道理。
  • 指代刚才说过的话： 你的朋友在讲故事，说了一些令人震惊的事情。你反应道：“That's crazy!” 你是在指代他的故事。
  • 在社交媒体的标题中： 发布你的新小狗的照片：“Meet this little guy!” 发布一张怀旧旅行照片：“Remember that amazing trip to Italy? Good times.”
  • 表达情感（情感距离）： 有时，that 可以表明你不喜欢某样东西。想象一下一个朋友在放很难听的音乐。你可能会说，“Can you please turn off that song?” 这会产生一点情感上的距离。如果你喜欢它，你可能会在它播放时说，“Wow, I love this song!”

Common Mistakes

每个人一开始都会在这些词上出错。关键是抓住自己的错误，并记住核心的“近 vs. 远”规则。
  • 混淆单数和复数： 一个典型的错误是说“this shoes”或“that people”。记住：this/that 用于单数，these/those 用于复数。应该是“these shoes”和“those people”。你的大脑知道它是复数，所以只要匹配指示词就行了。
  • 对近处的东西使用 that： 当你拿着手机时，不要指着它问朋友，“Have you seen that app?” 它在你手里，所以是近的。你应该说，“Have you seen this app?” 如果你搞混了，这很明显地表明你是一个学习者。
  • 忘记名词： 有时如果上下文很清楚，你可以单独使用 this/that（“Give me that.”）。但通常最好具体一点：“Give me that book.” 不指着东西说“I want this”可能会让人困惑。听者会想，“This...什么？”
  • 电话上用词错误： 在许多语言中，说“Hello, I am Sarah”很常见，但在英语中，我们说“Hello, this is Sarah.” 这只是一个你必须记住的标准短语。不，我们也不知道为什么我们对此这么奇怪。

Contrast With Similar Patterns

this 和 that 可能会与像 the 这样的冠词或像 it 这样的代词混淆。
  • this/that vs. the： this 和 that 是具体的，并指出某物。the 是确定的，但没有同样“指点”的感觉。
  • this book = 我手里这本特定的书。
  • the book = 我们都已经知道我们在谈论哪本书，但它可能不是实体存在的。
如果你说，“The dog is cute”，你是在谈论你们都知道的一只特定的狗。如果你说，“This dog is cute”，你是在指着眼前的一只狗。
  • that vs. it： 这是一个棘手的问题。当回指一个想法或情况时，that 和 it 有时感觉很相似，但它们有不同的工作。it 是一个用于事物的通用代词。that 是一个指示代词，它回指更具体的东西，比如一个事实、事件或陈述。
  • 朋友： “The café is closed today.”
  • 你： “That's a shame.”（你指的是咖啡馆关门这个*事实*）。
  • 你： “It's a shame.”（这也行，但更笼统一些）。
基本上，如果你能用“你刚才说的那件事”来替换这个词，那么 that 很可能是你的最佳选择。

Quick FAQ

问：我可以用 this 来谈论一个我将要讲的故事吗？
答：当然可以！这是介绍一个新话题的好方法。“So, get this: I was walking down the street yesterday and saw a cat riding a skateboard.”
问：它总是关于物理距离吗？
答：不是！它也可以是关于时间（现在 vs. 那时）甚至是情感距离（喜欢 vs. 不喜欢某物）。
问：如果某物在中等距离之外怎么办？比如，不在我手里，但也不在街对面？
答：这就是主观判断的地方了！一般来说，如果你能轻易走过去在一秒钟内触摸到它，那它很可能仍然是 this 或 these。如果你必须走一段距离，它就变成了 that 或 those。没有警察会管这个，凭你的直觉来吧。
问：我可以用 that 来表示无礼吗？
答：有时候可以。在 that 上加上额外的重音可以表明你不喜欢某样东西。“Are you really going to wear *that* hat?” 这听起来有点评判的意思。所以，你知道的，明智地使用你的新能力吧。

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.

1

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.”

2

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.”

3

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

Reference table for This & That: 指示事物
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.

正式程度

正式
Could you please identify this object?

Could you please identify this object? (General inquiry)

中性
What is this?

What is this? (General inquiry)

非正式
What's this thing?

What's this thing? (General inquiry)

俚语
What's this dealio?

What's this dealio? (General inquiry)

The Demonstrative Map

Demonstratives

Near

  • This Singular
  • These Plural

Far

  • That Singular
  • Those Plural

This vs That

This (Near)
In my hand This pen
Next to me This chair
That (Far)
Across the room That window
In the sky That cloud

Choosing the Right Word

1

Is it near you?

YES
Go to Singular/Plural check for Near
NO
Go to Singular/Plural check for Far
2

Is it only one thing?

YES
Use This (Near) or That (Far)
NO
Use These (Near) or Those (Far)

Demonstrative Categories

☝️

Singular

  • • This
  • • That
✌️

Plural

  • • These
  • • Those
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按水平分级的例句

1

This is my cat.

This is my cat.

2

That is a big plane.

That is a big plane.

3

These are my shoes.

These are my shoes.

4

Is that your car?

Is that your car?

1

This soup is very hot.

This soup is very hot.

2

Those birds are beautiful.

Those birds are beautiful.

3

I like this song.

I like this song.

4

That was a great party last night.

That was a great party last night.

1

This is exactly what I meant.

This is exactly what I meant.

2

That's a very interesting idea.

That's a very interesting idea.

3

These problems are difficult to solve.

These problems are difficult to solve.

4

I'll never forget that day.

I'll never forget that day.

1

This constant rain is depressing.

This constant rain is depressing.

2

That being said, we must move on.

That being said, we must move on.

3

Those who disagree should speak now.

Those who disagree should speak now.

4

This new policy will affect everyone.

This new policy will affect everyone.

1

That's a bit much, don't you think?

That's a bit much, don't you think?

2

This is where the argument falls apart.

This is where the argument falls apart.

3

I can't stand that 'I'm better than you' attitude.

I can't stand that 'I'm better than you' attitude.

4

These findings contradict previous research.

These findings contradict previous research.

1

This, then, is the crux of the matter.

This, then, is the crux of the matter.

2

That which is seen cannot be unseen.

That which is seen cannot be unseen.

3

The difference between this and that is negligible.

The difference between this and that is negligible.

4

Those present at the signing were historical figures.

Those present at the signing were historical figures.

容易混淆

This & That: Pointing Things Out 对比 This vs It

Learners use 'it' to point things out, which is less specific than 'this'.

This & That: Pointing Things Out 对比 This vs These

Mixing up singular and plural forms.

This & That: Pointing Things Out 对比 That vs Those

Using 'that' for plural objects far away.

常见错误

✗

This is my friends.

✓

These are my friends.

You must use 'these' and 'are' for plural nouns.
✗

That is my books.

✓

Those are my books.

Use 'those' for plural objects that are far away.
✗

I like that.

✓

I like this.

If you are holding the object, 'this' is much more natural.
✗

Is this you car?

✓

Is this your car?

Don't forget the possessive 'your' after the demonstrative.
✗

This days are cold.

✓

These days are cold.

Time expressions also require plural agreement.
✗

That is a good idea you have there.

✓

This is a good idea you have there.

Actually, 'that' is usually better for someone else's idea, but 'this' is used if we are currently looking at it together.
✗

Who is this?

✓

Who is that?

When asking about someone far away, use 'that'.
✗

This was a great movie we saw last week.

✓

That was a great movie we saw last week.

Use 'that' for events that are finished and in the past.
✗

This is the man I told you about.

✓

That is the man I told you about.

In storytelling, 'that' is often used to refer back to a previously mentioned person.

句型

This is my ___.

That is a ___.

These ___ are ___.

Those ___ belong to ___.

Real World Usage

Ordering Food constant

I'll have this, please.

Texting very common

Check this out! [link]

Job Interview occasional

This project was my biggest achievement.

Travel / Directions very common

Is that the right bus?

Shopping constant

How much are those shoes?

Social Media very common

This! So true.

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💡

The Touch Test

If you can reach out and touch it, use 'this'. If you have to point your arm, use 'that'.
⚠️

Plural Trap

Don't forget that 'this' and 'that' change to 'these' and 'those'. This is the most common mistake for beginners.
🎯

Phone Identification

Always use 'This is...' to say who you are on the phone. Never say 'I am...' or 'It is...'.
💬

Emotional Distance

Use 'that' to talk about something you don't like. It creates a feeling of distance between you and the bad thing.

Smart Tips

Always use 'This is...' followed by their name.

He is my friend Mark. → Mom, this is my friend Mark.

Use 'this' because the phone is in your hand, even if the photo is of something far away.

That is my house in the photo. → This is my house.

Use 'That's true' or 'That's right' to refer to their words.

It is true. → That's true!

Use 'this' to show the problem is happening right now, or 'that' to distance yourself from it.

The noise is bad. → I can't stand this noise!

发音

/ðɪs/, /ðæt/

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'.

/ðɪs/ vs /ðiːz/

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.

记住它

记忆技巧

T-H-I-S is for things I can kiss (near). T-H-A-T is for things over at the cat (far).

视觉联想

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

thisthatthesethosenearfarsingularplural

挑战

Walk around your room. Touch 5 things and say 'This is a...'. Point to 5 things out the window and say 'That is a...'.

文化笔记

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.

对话开场白

“

What is this?

“

Is that your car over there?

“

What are those things on the table?

“

This weather is crazy, isn't it?

日记主题

Look around your room. Write 5 sentences about things near you and 5 sentences about things far away.
Describe your favorite outfit. Use 'these' and 'those' for shoes, socks, or glasses.
Write about a memory from your childhood. Use 'that' and 'those' to refer to things in the past.
Discuss a current news event. Use 'this' to refer to the situation and 'that' to refer to people's reactions.

常见错误

Incorrect

正确

Incorrect

正确

Incorrect

正确

Incorrect

正确

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Test Yourself

Choose the correct word for an object in your hand. 多项选择

___ is my phone.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: This
Since the phone is in your hand (near), use 'this'.
Fill in the blank for plural objects far away.

Look at ___ birds in the sky!

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: those
Birds in the sky are far and plural, so 'those' is correct.
Fix the mistake in the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

This shoes are very comfortable.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: These shoes are
'Shoes' is plural, so 'this' must change to 'these'.
Match the word to its description. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-Near/Singular, 2-Far/Singular, 3-Near/Plural, 4-Far/Plural
This (Near/Sing), That (Far/Sing), These (Near/Plur), Those (Far/Plur).
Put the words in the correct order. Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words in the correct order:

All words placed

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: That is my house over there.
The demonstrative 'that' starts the sentence as the subject.
Choose the correct response for a phone call. 多项选择

Hello? ___ is David.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: This
We use 'This is...' to identify ourselves on the phone.
Choose the best word for a past event.

___ was a great movie we saw yesterday.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: That
We use 'that' for singular events in the past.
Choose the correct word for an abstract idea mentioned before. 多项选择

You want to quit? ___ is a big decision.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: That
'That' is used to refer back to a statement made by someone else.

Score: /8

练习题

8 exercises
Choose the correct word for an object in your hand. 多项选择

___ is my phone.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: This
Since the phone is in your hand (near), use 'this'.
Fill in the blank for plural objects far away.

Look at ___ birds in the sky!

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: those
Birds in the sky are far and plural, so 'those' is correct.
Fix the mistake in the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

This shoes are very comfortable.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: These shoes are
'Shoes' is plural, so 'this' must change to 'these'.
Match the word to its description. Match Pairs

Match: 1. This, 2. That, 3. These, 4. Those

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-Near/Singular, 2-Far/Singular, 3-Near/Plural, 4-Far/Plural
This (Near/Sing), That (Far/Sing), These (Near/Plur), Those (Far/Plur).
Put the words in the correct order. Sentence Reorder

is / my / that / house / over there

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: That is my house over there.
The demonstrative 'that' starts the sentence as the subject.
Choose the correct response for a phone call. 多项选择

Hello? ___ is David.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: This
We use 'This is...' to identify ourselves on the phone.
Choose the best word for a past event.

___ was a great movie we saw yesterday.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: That
We use 'that' for singular events in the past.
Choose the correct word for an abstract idea mentioned before. 多项选择

You want to quit? ___ is a big decision.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: That
'That' is used to refer back to a statement made by someone else.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

12 exercises
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence. 填空

I like ___ shirt you are wearing right now.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: this
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence. 填空

Who is ___ man standing at the end of the street?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: that
Find and fix the mistake in the sentence. Error Correction

This a good idea.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: This is a good idea.
Find and fix the mistake in the sentence. Error Correction

I saw that movies yesterday.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I saw that movie yesterday.
Which sentence is correct? 多项选择

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: This is my book.
Which sentence is grammatically correct? 多项选择

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I need that pen.
Type the correct English sentence 翻译

Translate into English: '¿Qué es eso?'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["What is that?"]
Type the correct English sentence 翻译

Translate into English: 'Quiero este coche.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["I want this car."]
Put the words in order to form a correct sentence. Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: That is my new car
Put the words in order to form a correct sentence. Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: This is my bag
Match each phrase with the correct determiner based on distance. Match Pairs

Match the phrases with 'this' or 'that':

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched
Match each question with the appropriate demonstrative word. Match Pairs

Match the questions with 'this' or 'that':

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched

Score: /12

常见问题 (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

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Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

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In Other Languages

Spanish moderate

este / ese / aquel

English combines 'ese' and 'aquel' into just 'that'.

Japanese low

kore / sore / are

English 'that' covers both 'sore' and 'are'.

German high

dieser / jener

English speakers use 'that' much more often than Germans use 'jener'.

French moderate

ce / cette / ces

English forces you to choose between near and far every time.

Arabic moderate

hadha / dhalika

English demonstratives are gender-neutral.

Chinese high

zhè / nà

English does not use measure words (like 'ge') with demonstratives.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Connected Grammar

Plural Nouns

Prerequisite

You need to know how to make nouns plural to use 'these' and 'those' correctly.

Verb To Be

Prerequisite

Demonstratives are almost always used with 'is' or 'are'.

Articles (A, An, The)

Similar

Articles and demonstratives are both types of determiners that specify nouns.

Relative Clauses

Advanced Form

The word 'that' is also used as a relative pronoun to connect sentences.

Next
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