This refers to something near or present, while that refers to something farther away or less immediate. Use this for closeness and that for distance.
I used to confuse this and that more often than I expected. The confusion became obvious when writing instructions and emails because sometimes I would use this when referring to something far away or use that for something right in front of me. After noticing this pattern, I started paying attention to how native speakers used these words in conversations, meetings, and writing.
The solution turned out to be simple. This usually points to something close, while that points to something farther away. Once I understood this rule and practiced with examples, using them became much easier.
If you have ever wondered when to use this or that, this guide explains everything clearly with rules, examples, grammar explanations, and common mistakes.
Quick Answer
This refers to something close.
That refers to something farther away.
Examples
This book is mine.
That building is very tall.
This coffee tastes great.
That car belongs to my friend.
What Does This Mean
The word this is used to point to something near the speaker.
The object may be physically close.
It may also be emotionally close or happening now.
Examples
This chair is comfortable.
This movie is amazing.
I love this song.
This week has been busy.
What Does That Mean
The word that refers to something farther away.
Distance may be physical.
Distance may also refer to time or ideas.
Examples
That mountain looks beautiful.
That was a difficult year.
I remember that conversation.
That house belongs to them.
This vs That Difference
| Word | Meaning | Distance | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| This | Refers to something near | Close | This bag is heavy |
| That | Refers to something farther away | Far | That bag is heavy |
Simple Rule
Close equals this.
Far equals that.
Grammar Rule Depth
Both this and that belong to demonstratives.
Demonstratives help point to specific people, objects, places, or ideas.
This as Demonstrative Determiner
When used before nouns.
Examples
This phone is expensive.
This restaurant is crowded.
This as Pronoun
When replacing nouns.
Examples
This is beautiful.
This belongs to me.
That as Demonstrative Determiner
Examples
That computer is slow.
That teacher is helpful.
That as Pronoun
Examples
That looks amazing.
That was unexpected.
Singular and Plural Forms
This and that are singular.
Plural forms are different.
| Singular | Plural |
|---|---|
| This | These |
| That | Those |
Examples
This apple
These apples
That car
Those cars
Origin of This and That
Both words come from Old English.
They have existed for hundreds of years.
Originally, speakers used them mainly to indicate physical distance.
Over time, meanings expanded.
Today, speakers use them for:
Physical distance
Time references
Ideas
Emotions
Conversation flow
Why People Confuse This and That
There are several reasons.
Similar Function
Both words point to things.
Non Native Language Influence
Some languages do not separate distance the same way.
Abstract Usage
Distance is not always physical.
This creates confusion.
Physical Distance Rules
Use This for Near Objects
This pen is mine.
This chair is broken.
Use That for Far Objects
That tree looks old.
That building is huge.
Imagine pointing.
Close equals this.
Far equals that.
Time Related Usage
Distance also applies to time.
This for Present or Near Time
This morning
This month
This year
Examples
This month has been difficult.
That for Past or Distant Time
That day changed everything.
That summer was unforgettable.
Emotional Distance
People also use these words emotionally.
This Creates Closeness
I love this moment.
This opportunity means everything.
That Creates Distance
That experience was painful.
That memory still hurts.
This or That in Everyday Examples
Emails
Please review this document.
Could you explain that issue again?
Social Media
This picture looks great.
That concert was amazing.
Office Communication
This report needs updates.
That project finished yesterday.
Daily Conversation
This food tastes good.
That sounds interesting.
This or That in Questions
Questions often use both.
Examples
Is this your bag?
Who said that?
Did you buy this?
What was that noise?
Common Mistakes with This or That
Mistake 1 Using This for Far Objects
Incorrect
This mountain over there looks huge.
Correct
That mountain over there looks huge.
Mistake 2 Using That for Nearby Objects
Incorrect
Pass me that pen in my hand.
Correct
Pass me this pen in my hand.
Mistake 3 Forgetting Time Usage
Incorrect
That week has been stressful.
Correct
This week has been stressful.
This or That in Formal Writing
Formal writing often uses both.
Examples
This research shows important results.
That conclusion requires more evidence.
Business reports use these words frequently because they improve clarity.
This or That in Academic Writing
Examples
This study examines language patterns.
That theory remains controversial.
Academic writing often uses this when discussing current topics.
Related Expressions
This Related
this much
this far
this way
That Related
that much
that far
that way
Memory Trick
Use this simple method.
Touch it.
If you can easily touch it use this.
If it feels farther away use that.
Usage Trends
Both words are among the most frequently used words in English.
However, learners commonly confuse them because physical distance and abstract distance overlap.
Regular practice improves accuracy.
Exercise 1 Choose the Correct Word
The chair beside me is ______.
Answer: this
Look at ______ building across the street.
Answer: that
I love ______ movie we are watching.
Answer: this
Remember ______ vacation years ago.
Answer: that
Exercise 2 Correct the Sentence
This mountain over there is beautiful.
Answer:
That mountain over there is beautiful.
Pass me that pen I am holding.
Answer:
Pass me this pen I am holding.
That week has been stressful.
Answer:
This week has been stressful.
FAQs
What is the difference between this and that?
This refers to something close while that refers to something farther away.
When should I use this?
Use this for nearby objects, current situations, or ideas that feel close.
When should I use that?
Use that for distant objects, past situations, or ideas that feel farther away.
Are this and that singular?
Yes. Both are singular demonstratives.
What are the plural forms?
This becomes these.
That becomes those.
Can this and that refer to time?
Yes. This usually refers to present or near time while that often refers to past or distant time.
Why do English learners confuse this and that?
Because distance can be physical, emotional, or abstract.
Conclusion
Understanding this or that becomes easier once you remember the idea of distance. The word this generally refers to things that are near, present, or emotionally close. The word that usually refers to things that are farther away, less immediate, or more distant in time.
Although the rule sounds simple, many learners struggle because English uses these words in physical, emotional, and abstract ways. Learning examples and practicing real situations makes the difference much easier to understand.
A simple rule can help you every time: close equals this and far equals that.
Once this rule becomes natural, using these words correctly in speaking and writing becomes much easier.
