This vs. That — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 23, 2023
This" refers to something close to the speaker, both in space and time, while "That" refers to something further away in distance or time.
Difference Between This and That
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
This" and "That" are demonstrative pronouns that pinpoint specific items, with their usage determined by their relative proximity to the speaker. "This" often relates to items or concepts in close proximity or more immediately relevant. For instance, if you're holding a book, you'd say "This book is mine."
"That", on the other hand, typically addresses items or ideas at a further distance or less immediately relevant. Observing a book across the room, one might comment, "That book looks interesting." The distinction, while subtle, emphasizes the relational aspect of the two terms to the speaker.
Furthermore, "This" and "That" serve to provide clarity in speech and writing, distinguishing between two items or concepts. For example, in comparing two solutions, one might say, "This solution is practical, but that one isn't." Here, the use of "This" and "That" clearly differentiates between the two.
"This" can also be used to introduce something, as in, "This is my friend, John." "That", in contrast, might be utilized in recognition or to recall, as in, "That was a memorable trip." In these scenarios, "This" feels immediate and present, while "That" evokes a sense of distance or past.
In essence, the selection between "This" and "That" rests on their relationship to the speaker's current point of reference, be it spatial, temporal, or contextual.
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Comparison Chart
Proximity
Near the speaker
Away from the speaker
Temporal Relevance
More immediate or current
More distant in time
Introduction vs. Recognition
Introduces something/someone
Recognizes or recalls something/someone
Familiarity
Often indicates familiarity or immediate relevance
Might indicate lesser familiarity or past relevance
Function in Sentence
Can be a subject or object
Often used to point to a specific item or concept
Compare with Definitions
This
Denotes something being introduced.
This is my dog, Max.
That
Points to an item or concept further away.
That mountain looks tall.
This
Indicates a subject or object close to the speaker.
This jacket keeps me warm.
That
Emphasizes a distinction from something closer.
Not this method, but that one works better.
This
Being just mentioned or present in space, time, or thought
She left early this morning.
That
The function word that is used in the English language for several grammatical purposes.These include: as a complementizer/subordinating conjunction. ("He asked that she go.") That can be omitted when used to introduce a subordinate clause—"he told me that it is a good read" could just as easily be "he told me it is a good read".
This
Being nearer or more immediate
This side and that side.
That
Being the one singled out, implied, or understood
That place.
Those mountains.
This
Being about to be stated or described
Just wait till you hear this story.
That
Being the one further removed or less obvious
That route is shorter than this one.
This
(Informal) Used as a substitute for the indefinite article
Looking for this book of recipes.
That
To such an extent or degree
Is your problem that complicated?.
This
To this extent; so
Never stayed out this late.
That
To a high degree; very
Didn't take what he said that seriously.
This
The (thing) here used in indicating something or someone nearby.
This classroom is where I learned to read and write.
That
Used to introduce a noun clause that is usually the subject or object of a verb or a predicate nominative
"That contemporary American English is exuberantly vigorous is undeniable" (William Arrowsmith).
This
The known (thing) used in indicating something or someone just mentioned.
They give the appearance of knowing what they're doing. It's this appearance that lets them get away with so much.
That
Used to introduce a subordinate clause stating a result, wish, purpose, reason, or cause
She hoped that he would arrive on time. He was saddened that she felt so little for him.
This
The known (thing) used in indicating something or someone about to be mentioned.
When asked what he wanted for his birthday, he gave this reply: “[…]”
That
Used to introduce an anticipated subordinate clause following the expletive it occurring as subject of the verb
It is true that dental work is expensive.
This
(informal) A known (thing) used in first mentioning a person or thing that the speaker does not think is known to the audience. Compare with "a certain ...".
I met this woman the other day who's allergic to wheat. I didn't even know that was possible!
There's just this nervous mannerism that Bob has with his hands, and it drives me crazy.
That
Used to introduce a subordinate clause modifying an adverb or adverbial expression
Will go anywhere that they are welcome.
This
(of a time reference) Designates the current or next instance.
It's cold this morning.
I plan to go to London this Friday.
That
Used to introduce a subordinate clause that is joined to an adjective or noun as a complement
Was sure that she was right.
Persists in the belief that rates will rise soon.
This
To the degree or extent indicated.
I need this much water.
Do we need this many recommendations?
We've already come this far, we can't turn back now.
That
Used to introduce an elliptical exclamation of desire
Oh, that I were rich!.
This
The thing, item, etc. being indicated.
This isn't the item that I ordered.
That
Introducing a clause which is the subject or object of a verb (such as one involving reported speech), or which is a complement to a previous statement.
He told me that the book is a good read.
I believe that it is true. — She is convinced that he is British.
That she will come is almost certain.
This
(philosophy) Something being indicated that is here; one of these.
That
Introducing a subordinate clause expressing a reason or cause: because, in that.
Be glad that you have enough to eat.
This
(Internet slang) Indicates the speaker's strong approval or agreement with the previous material.
― I wish trolls could be banned from the forum immediately, without any discussion.
― This!
― This!
That
(dated) Introducing a subordinate clause that expresses an aim, purpose, or goal ("final"), and usually contains the auxiliaries may, might, or should: so, so that.
This
As a demonstrative pronoun, this denotes something that is present or near in place or time, or something just mentioned, or that is just about to be mentioned.
When they heard this, they were pricked in their heart.
But know this, that if the good man of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched.
That
Introducing — especially, but not exclusively, with an antecedent like so or such — a subordinate clause expressing a result, consequence, or effect.
The noise was so loud that she woke up.
The problem was sufficiently important that it had to be addressed.
This
As an adjective, this has the same demonstrative force as the pronoun, but is followed by a noun; as, this book; this way to town.
This way and that wavering sails they bend.
A body of this or that denomination is produced.
Their judgment in this we may not, and in that we need not, follow.
Consider the arguments which the author had to write this, or to design the other, before you arraign him.
Thy crimes . . . soon by this or this will end.
This twenty years have I been with thee..
I have not wept this years; but nowMy mother comes afresh into my eyes.
That
Introducing a premise or supposition for consideration: seeing as; inasmuch as; given that; as would appear from the fact that.
This
Refers to a nearby item or concept.
This apple is juicy.
That
Introducing a subordinate clause modifying an adverb.
Was John there? — Not that I saw.
How often did she visit him? — Twice that I saw.
This
Highlights immediate relevance or currency.
This moment is crucial.
That
Introducing an exclamation expressing a desire or wish.
Oh that spring would come!
This
Specifies one item among others.
I want this one, not the other.
That
Introducing an exclamation expressing a strong emotion such as sadness or surprise.
That
The (thing, person, idea, etc) indicated or understood from context, especially if more remote physically, temporally or mentally than one designated as "this", or if expressing distinction.
That book is a good read. This one isn't.
That battle was in 1450.
That cat of yours is evil.
That
(demonstrative) The thing, person, idea, quality, event, action, or time indicated or understood from context, especially if more remote geographically, temporally or mentally than one designated as "this", or if expressing distinction.
That's my car over there.
He went home, and after that I never saw him again.
That
The known (thing); used to refer to something just said.
They're getting divorced. What do you think about that?
That
(demonstrative) The aforementioned quality or proposition; used to emphatically affirm or deny a previous statement or question.
The water is so cold! — That it is.
Would you like another piece of cake? — That I would!
We think that you stole the tarts. — That I did not!
That
(relative) (plural that) Which, who; representing a subject, direct object, indirect object, or object of a preposition.
The CPR course that she took really came in handy.
The house that he lived in was old and dilapidated.
That
(colloquial) Used in place of relative adverbs such as where or when; often omitted.
The place that [= where or to which] I went last year
The last time that [= when] I went to Europe
That
Clipping of that is; used to reinforce the preceding assertion or statement.
That's proper funny, that.
That
(degree) To a given extent or degree.
"The ribbon was that thin." "I disagree, I say it was not that thin, it was thicker... or maybe thinner..."
That
(degree) To a great extent or degree; very, particularly in negative constructions.
I'm just not that sick.
I did the run last year, and it wasn't that difficult.
That
To such an extent; so. in positive constructions.
Ooh, I was that happy I nearly kissed her.
That
(philosophy) Something being indicated that is there; one of those.
That
As a demonstrative pronoun (pl. Those), that usually points out, or refers to, a person or thing previously mentioned, or supposed to be understood. That, as a demonstrative, may precede the noun to which it refers; as, that which he has said is true; those in the basket are good apples.
The early fame of Gratian was equal to that of the most celebrated princes.
That be far from thee, to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked.
And when Moses heard that, he was content.
I will know your business, Harry, that I will.
Two principles in human nature reign;Self-love, to urge, and Reason, to restrain;Nor this a good, nor that a bad we call.
If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this or that.
That
As an adjective, that has the same demonstrative force as the pronoun, but is followed by a noun.
It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city.
The woman was made whole from that hour.
Upon a day out riden knightes two . . . That one of them came home, that other not.
That
As a relative pronoun, that is equivalent to who or which, serving to point out, and make definite, a person or thing spoken of, or alluded to, before, and may be either singular or plural.
He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame.
A judgment that is equal and impartial must incline to the greater probabilities.
We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen.
That I have done it is thyself to wite [blame].
The ship that somebody was sailing in.
I saw to-day a corpse yborn to churchThat now on Monday last I saw him wirche [work].
That that dieth, let it die; and that that is to cut off, let it be cut off.
That
As a conjunction, that retains much of its force as a demonstrative pronoun.
That
To introduce a clause employed as the object of the preceding verb, or as the subject or predicate nominative of a verb.
She tells them 't is a causeless fantasy,And childish error, that they are afraid.
I have shewed before, that a mere possibility to the contrary, can by no means hinder a thing from being highly credible.
That
As adverb: To such a degree; so; as, he was that frightened he could say nothing.
With singing, laughing, ogling, and all that.
The rank is but the guinea's stamp,The man's the gowd [gold] for a'that.
That
To introduce, a reason or cause; - equivalent to for that, in that, for the reason that, because.
He does hear me;And that he does, I weep.
That
To introduce a purpose; - usually followed by may, or might, and frequently preceded by so, in order, to the end, etc.
These things I say, that ye might be saved.
To the end that he may prolong his days.
That
To introduce a consequence, result, or effect; - usually preceded by so or such, sometimes by that.
The birds their notes renew, and bleating herdsAttest their joy, that hill and valley rings.
He gazed so longThat both his eyes were dazzled.
So wept Duessa until eventide,That shining lamps in Jove's high course were lit.
Is not this the dayThat Hermia should give answer of her choice?
That
In an elliptical sentence to introduce a dependent sentence expressing a wish, or a cause of surprise, indignation, or the like.
Ha, cousin Silence, that thou hadst seen that that this knight and I have seen!
O God, that right should thus overcome might!
To try if that our own be ours or no.
When he had carried Rome and that we lookedFor no less spoil than glory.
That
Recalls or recognizes something.
That was a great show!
That
Refers to a specified item distinct from others.
I'd rather have that piece of cake.
That
Introduces a defining or restrictive clause.
The book that you lent me was thrilling.
Common Curiosities
Can "This" be plural?
Yes, the plural form is "These."
What's the plural form of "That"?
The plural form is "Those."
Is "This" always about physical distance?
No, it can also refer to ideas, moments in time, or contextual closeness.
Why are "This" and "That" important in English?
They provide clarity by distinguishing between items or ideas based on proximity or relevance.
Can "This" and "That" refer to abstract concepts?
Absolutely, e.g., "This idea" or "That belief."
How do I choose between "This" and "That" in writing?
Consider the proximity and relevance to the speaker or the context.
Are there other words related to "This" and "That"?
Yes, "These" (plural of This) and "Those" (plural of That).
Are "This" and "That" used in formal writing?
Yes, they are fundamental words used in all forms of English writing.
Are "This" and "That" interchangeable?
No, "This" refers to something closer, while "That" indicates something further away.
Can "That" introduce someone?
Typically, "This" is used to introduce, while "That" is used to recognize or recall.
Do "This" and "That" only function as pronouns?
No, they can also be used as determiners, as in "This book" or "That car."
Can "This" and "That" start a sentence?
Yes, e.g., "This is important." or "That was unexpected."
Do other languages have equivalents to "This" and "That"?
Yes, most languages have their versions of demonstrative pronouns.
Can "That" be used to refer to something mentioned earlier?
Yes, e.g., "She said she was busy. That was her excuse."
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
