This vs. That: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 27, 2024
"This" refers to something near in place or time, or being discussed, while "That" refers to something farther in place, time, or less immediate in the conversation.
Key Differences
"This" is used to indicate something close in distance or recent in time. "That" refers to something further away or farther back in time.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024
"This" emphasizes something currently relevant or under discussion. "That" is used to refer to something previously mentioned or less central to the current context.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024
In its demonstrative role, "This" points to something nearby or current. "That" points to something distant or past.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024
"This" specifies a subject that is close or immediate. "That" specifies a subject that is distant or less immediate.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024
"This" is often used to contrast with "that," highlighting differences in proximity, relevance, or preference.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Contextual Relevance
Highly relevant, under discussion
Less immediate, previously mentioned
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Jan 27, 2024
Subject Specification
Something being interacted with
Something being referred to
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Jan 27, 2024
Usage in Contrast
Used to emphasize current focus
Used to refer to something else
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Jan 27, 2024
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This and That Definitions
This
Refers to a specific object or person near the speaker.
This is the book I was talking about.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
That
Refers to a specific object or person away from the speaker.
That was the moment I knew.
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Jan 02, 2024
This
Identifies a specific instance or occurrence.
This was when I decided to leave.
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Jan 02, 2024
This
Used to emphasize something about to be mentioned.
This quickly, she finished her work.
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Jan 02, 2024
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That
Being the one singled out, implied, or understood
That place.
Those mountains.
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Jan 02, 2024
This
Highlights a particular item in a list or group.
This item is the most important.
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Jan 02, 2024
That
Being the one further removed or less obvious
That route is shorter than this one.
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Jan 02, 2024
This
Being just mentioned or present in space, time, or thought
She left early this morning.
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Jan 02, 2024
This
Being about to be stated or described
Just wait till you hear this story.
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Jan 02, 2024
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).
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Jan 02, 2024
This
(Informal) Used as a substitute for the indefinite article
Looking for this book of recipes.
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Jan 02, 2024
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
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.
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Jan 02, 2024
This
The (thing) here used in indicating something or someone nearby.
This classroom is where I learned to read and write.
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Jan 02, 2024
That
Used to introduce a subordinate clause modifying an adverb or adverbial expression
Will go anywhere that they are welcome.
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Jan 02, 2024
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.
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Jan 02, 2024
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
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: “[…]”
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
That
Used to introduce an elliptical exclamation of desire
Oh, that I were rich!.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
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.
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Jan 02, 2024
This
(of a time reference) Designates the current or next instance.
It's cold this morning.
I plan to go to London this Friday.
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Jan 02, 2024
That
Introducing a subordinate clause expressing a reason or cause: because, in that.
Be glad that you have enough to eat.
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Jan 02, 2024
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.
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Jan 02, 2024
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.
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Jan 02, 2024
This
The thing, item, etc. being indicated.
This isn't the item that I ordered.
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Jan 02, 2024
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
That
Introducing a premise or supposition for consideration: seeing as; inasmuch as; given that; as would appear from the fact that.
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Jan 02, 2024
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!
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
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.
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Jan 02, 2024
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
That
Introducing an exclamation expressing a desire or wish.
Oh that spring would come!
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Jan 02, 2024
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.
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Jan 02, 2024
That
Introducing an exclamation expressing a strong emotion such as sadness or surprise.
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Jan 02, 2024
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
That
The known (thing); used to refer to something just said.
They're getting divorced. What do you think about that?
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Jan 02, 2024
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!
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
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.
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Jan 02, 2024
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
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Jan 02, 2024
That
Clipping of that is; used to reinforce the preceding assertion or statement.
That's proper funny, that.
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Jan 02, 2024
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..."
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
That
To such an extent; so. in positive constructions.
Ooh, I was that happy I nearly kissed her.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
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.
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Jan 02, 2024
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.
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Jan 02, 2024
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
That
As a conjunction, that retains much of its force as a demonstrative pronoun.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
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?
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
That
Describes a noun as being distant from the speaker.
Look at that mountain.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
That
Used to refer back to something already mentioned.
That is what I meant.
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Jan 02, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is 'this' only for physical proximity?
'This' can refer to time, proximity, or context.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024
When should I use 'this'?
Use 'this' for something close or currently relevant.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024
How do 'this' and 'that' work in time reference?
'This' refers to a closer, more recent time, 'that' to a more distant time.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024
Can 'this' be used for emphasis?
Yes, 'this' is often used for emphasis in speech and writing.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024
Can 'this' and 'that' be used interchangeably?
No, they refer to different degrees of proximity and immediacy.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024
Does 'that' always refer to the past?
'That' often refers to something in the past but can also indicate distance or a previously mentioned subject.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024
Are 'this' and 'that' used in comparisons?
Yes, they are commonly used to compare two different things.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024
Can 'this' refer to a previously mentioned subject?
Typically, 'this' refers to a subject currently being introduced or discussed.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024
How is 'that' different from 'this'?
'That' refers to something further away or less immediate.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024
Does 'that' imply a large distance?
'That' implies more distance than 'this', but not necessarily far.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024
Can 'this' and 'that' start a sentence?
Yes, both can be used to start sentences, especially in demonstrative uses.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024
Can 'this' be a standalone response?
Yes, 'this' can be used alone to indicate agreement or reference.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024
Does 'that' always need a noun after it?
Not always, 'that' can stand alone as a pronoun.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024
Is 'that' used in formal writing?
Yes, 'that' is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024
Can 'this' be used as an adverb?
'This' can function as an adverb for emphasis.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024
How do 'this' and 'that' function in speech?
They help specify and differentiate subjects or objects in conversation.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024
How do I choose between 'this' and 'that'?
Choose based on the proximity and immediacy of what you're referring to.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024
Do 'this' and 'that' change in plural form?
Yes, the plural of 'this' is 'these', and 'that' is 'those'.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024
How do 'this' and 'that' affect sentence clarity?
They provide clarity by specifying which objects or subjects are being referred to.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024
Is 'that' used as a conjunction?
Yes, 'that' can introduce clauses as a conjunction.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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