The Basics: This vs That
Before we delve into the differences, let’s establish a basic understanding of this vs that:
- This: Typically refers to something that is near in space or time. It is used to indicate something close to the speaker. Example: “I love this book.” (The book is physically close to the speaker.)
- That: Generally refers to something that is farther away in space or time. It is employed to point out something more distant from the speaker. Example: “Look at that beautiful sunset.” (The sunset is a bit far from the speaker.)
Now that we’ve covered the fundamentals, let’s explore the diverse ways these pronouns are used in different contexts.
Uses of “This”
- Proximity in Space
“This” is commonly used when referring to something physically close to the speaker.
Example: “This coffee is delicious.” (The coffee is right in front of the speaker.)
- Present Time
When discussing something happening in the present, “this” is the appropriate choice.
Example: “I can’t believe this is happening!” (Referring to a current event or situation.)
- Introducing Something
“This” is often employed to introduce or present something.
Example: “Let me show you this amazing painting.” (Presenting the painting to someone.)
- Demonstrating Objects
When physically pointing to an object or item, “this” is the preferred pronoun.
Example: “I want to buy this shirt.” (Pointing to the shirt in question.)
Uses of “That”
- Distance in Space
“That” is used when referring to something physically distant from the speaker.
Example: “Look at that mountain in the distance.” (The mountain is far from the speaker.)
- Past Time
When discussing something that occurred in the past, “that” is more appropriate.
Example: “Remember that time we went on a road trip?” (Referring to a past event.)
- Referring to a Specific Thing
“That” is often employed to refer to a specific thing previously mentioned or understood.
Example: “I want a new phone. That one looks good.” (Referring to a specific phone.)
- Demonstrating Ideas or Concepts
When pointing to an abstract idea or concept, “that” is the suitable choice.
Example: “The way he handled the situation was impressive. I want to learn how to do that.” (Referring to a specific way of handling a situation.)
- As conjunction: to introduce a relative clause
Example: I found the book that you recommended at the bookstore.
Comparison Chart: This vs That
| Aspect | “This” | “That” |
|---|---|---|
| Proximity (Space) | Refers to something physically close to the speaker. | Refers to something physically farther from the speaker. |
| Proximity (Time) | Typically used for something happening in the present. | Often used for something that occurred in the past. |
| Introducing Something | Commonly used to introduce or present something. | Used to refer to something mentioned or understood earlier. |
| Demonstrating Objects | Used when physically pointing to an object or item. | Also used for demonstrating objects but those at a bit of a distance. |
| Pointing in Conversation | Used for referring to a specific point in the ongoing conversation. | Also used for referring to a specific point but often in a more distant context. |
| Recognition or Agreement | Emphasizes something current or immediately present. | Often used to express recognition or agreement regarding something in the past. |
| Examples | “I love this neighborhood. It’s so peaceful.” | “Look at that beautiful sunset on the horizon.” |
| “Let me show you this new recipe I found.” | “Remember that time we went on a road trip?” | |
| “Can you pass me this pen on the table?” | “I want a new phone. Can you recommend that model?” |
Examples of “This”
- I can’t believe you bought this house. It’s gorgeous!
- Try this dessert; it’s homemade.
- Do you like this song? It’s playing on the radio right now
- Let me introduce you to my dog. This is Max, the friendliest pup you’ll ever meet
- I need this tool to fix the broken chair
- Let me show you this painting I created over the weekend; it’s inspired by nature
Examples of “That”
- Look at the stars in the sky. See that bright one over there
- I want to visit that beautiful island we saw in the travel brochure
- Remember that incredible party we attended last year.
- I miss that time when we used to go on spontaneous road trips
- I heard that you aced the exam. Congratulations!
- Look at the mountain range over there; do you see that majestic peak?
How to remember the difference
Here is a tip to remember the use to this vs that, ‘this’ when someone/something is right here with you, and use ‘that’ when it’s over there, away from you.’.
Test Your Understanding of This vs That
- I can’t believe __________ just happened! It’s so unexpected. (Referring to a current event or situation.)
- Have you seen __________ new movie everyone is talking about? (Referring to a specific thing introduced or mentioned earlier.)
- Look at __________ beautiful painting on the wall. (Pointing to a nearby object.)
- __________ is the book I was telling you about. (Introducing something.)
- Remember __________ amazing trip we took last summer? (Referring to a specific past event.)
- __________ is the solution to the problem we discussed earlier. (Referring to a specific point in the conversation.)
- Can you pass me __________ pen on the table? (Referring to a nearby object.)
- I can’t believe __________ you said during the meeting. (Referring to a specific point in a conversation.)
- Did you hear __________ noise coming from the backyard? (Referring to a current situation or event.)
Answers
- this
- that
- this
- This
- that
- This
- that
- what
- that
