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This Vs That – Know The Difference

December 16, 2022

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In This Article

Meaning Of This
Where You Can Use ‘This’?
Meaning Of That
Where You Can Use That?
Difference Between ‘This’ And ‘That’

The words this and that are demonstrative pronouns used for indicating, referring to or pointing at something. They are known as demonstrative determiners that are used before a singular noun, to tell the reader which person or object one is talking about. The word ‘this‘ is used to point to a singular person or object that is close to you. On the other hand, ‘that‘ is used to point to a singular person or an object which is farther away from you.

Meaning Of This

We use the word ‘this’ in English to show or point to a sungular object, person, idea, time, etc. which is right here with you or close to you or which is recently mentioned, experienced or supposed to be understood.

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Where You Can Use ‘This’?

We can use the word “this” to indicate:

Something close by
A singular object or person
The object being talked about in the sentence, which is already introduced or about to be introduced.

However, in formal and colloquial English, “this” can be used in several contexts:

1. To Refer Someone or Something

Kate studies in this college.
This pancake is superb.

2. To Refer to Something Near in Time or Space, to the Speaker

Alex joined the army in March this year.
I have seen her in the coffee house, this evening.

3. To Talk About Degree

The car was this close to me.
How can you be this careless!

Example Of This

By this time, I will reach New York tomorrow.
I will go to my Granny’s home, this vacations.
I would love to watch this movie once again.
His friend repaired this mobile himself.
Where shall I keep this jar?
Who is going to complete this?
I didn’t think she would be this upset.

Meaning Of That

When we talk about a particular object, idea or person, which is previously mentioned or implied, we use the word ‘that’. Moreover, it is also used to refer to someone or something which is far away from the speaker.

Where You Can Use That?

In formal and colloquial English, “that” can be used in several contexts:

1. To Indicate Someone or Something, Distant in Time or Space From the Speaker

That issue has to be resolved first.
Who is that boy talking to Lisa?

2. To Refer to Something Which was Formerly Discussed or You Already Have an Idea of it

She stopped working on that project, after coming back from Australia.
They always arrange a party at that restaurant.

3. As a Conjunction, to Introduce Relative Clause

Where are the earrings that you have borrowed from me?
Claudia works for a company, that deals in security alarms.

4. As an Adverb it Refers to as Much as Suggested or Given

The lady is too old to work that much.
The candidates are not given that much time.

Example Of ‘That’

That accident happened a few days ago.
That colleague has shifted to Delhi.
You should try that new restaurant on the high street.
You were late that day.
I need to go to the shop that sells party hats.
The destination is not that far.

Difference Between ‘This’ And ‘That’

Let us understand the difference between the use of “this” and “that” in English grammar:

‘This’ is a demonstrative pronoun and adjective used to indicate a person object or an idea, that is right here, close to you, i.e. within the speaker’s vision range. In contrast, ‘that’ is a demonstrative pronoun and adjective used to indicate a person object or an idea which is at a distant and faraway place or position to you, i.e. not within the speaker’s vision range.
‘This’ can be used to talk about something that was just mentioned. Conversely, ‘that’ refers to something which was previously mentioned or implied.
The plural form of the this is ‘these’, and ‘those’ is the plural form of that.
The word ‘that’ can be used as a conjunction to add a subordinate clause in a sentence, in order to mention something or to give the reason. The word ‘this’ cannot be used as a conjunction.

With the given examples of ‘This’ Vs ‘That’ in this article, your child would have learnt how to use these words in the right context. If they are ever confused in the usage of this versus that, bookmark this page to help them out at any given time!