Difference Between This and That

“This” and “that” are demonstrative pronouns used to indicate a specific object, person, or idea in relation to the speaker or writer. “This” refers to something that is near or present, while “that” refers to something that is farther away or not present.

They can also be used as determiners, adjectives, and adverbs. In general, “this” is used for things that are close in space or time, while “that” is used for things that are more distant in space or time.

Understanding the difference between “this” and “that” is important for effective communication, as these words are often used to refer to specific objects, people, or ideas. Using the wrong word can lead to confusion or misunderstandings, especially when communicating with someone who is not familiar with the context of the conversation.

Additionally, using “this” or “that” correctly can help to convey a clearer meaning and make communication more efficient. Being aware of the differences between these words can also help to improve overall language proficiency and accuracy.

“This” is a demonstrative pronoun that is used to indicate something that is near or present. Here are some common ways “this” is used:

1. To refer to something close in space: “This book is really interesting.”
2. To refer to something currently happening or being discussed: “This conversation is getting boring.”
3. To refer to a specific time or moment: “I’ll see you this evening.”
4. To introduce an idea or concept: “This is a great opportunity for us.”

As a determiner, “this” is used to indicate a specific noun that is close or present. For example, “This car is mine.”

As an adjective, “this” can be used to modify a noun or pronoun, indicating something that is near or present. For example, “This party is so much fun!”

As an adverb, “this” can be used to modify a verb, indicating that an action is happening now or in the near future. For example, “I’ll do this later.”

1. To refer to something farther away in space: “That house across the street is for sale.”
2. To refer to something that has already been mentioned or discussed: “You remember that movie we saw last week?”
3. To refer to a specific time or moment in the past: “That was a great party last night.”
4. To introduce a new idea or concept: “I have an idea. What about that new restaurant downtown?”

As a determiner, “that” is used to indicate a specific noun that is farther away or not present. For example, “That car over there is really expensive.”

As an adjective, “that” can be used to modify a noun or pronoun, indicating something that is farther away or not present. For example, “That idea is not very practical.”

As an adverb, “that” can be used to modify a verb, indicating that an action happened in the past. For example, “I did that yesterday.”

Here are some key differences between “this” and “that”:

1. Distance: The most obvious difference between “this” and “that” is that “this” is used for objects or concepts that are closer in space or time, while “that” is used for objects or concepts that are farther away in space or time. For example, you would use “this” to refer to an object that is right in front of you, and “that” to refer to an object that is further away or across the room.
2. Specificity: “This” is used to refer to something specific that is near or present, while “that” is used to refer to something specific that is farther away or not present. For example, “This book is really interesting” refers to a specific book that is in front of the speaker, while “That book on the shelf is really interesting” refers to a specific book that is farther away from the speaker.
3. Intimacy: “This” can be used to indicate a closer relationship or familiarity with the object or concept being referred to, while “that” can be used to indicate a more distant or detached relationship. For example, a mother might say “This is my son” when introducing her child to someone, indicating a closer relationship, while a store employee might say “That is our return policy” when explaining a policy to a customer, indicating a more formal or distant relationship.
4. Time: “This” is often used to refer to the present or near future, while “that” is often used to refer to the past or a more distant future. For example, “This is going to be a great day” refers to the present or near future, while “That was a great party last night” refers to the past.
5. Emphasis: “This” is often used to emphasize the importance or relevance of something, while “that” is often used to indicate a contrast or to downplay the importance of something. For example, “This is the most important thing to remember” emphasizes the importance of the thing being discussed, while “That’s not really important right now” downplays its importance.

Here are some common phrases that use “this” and “that”:

Phrases with “this”:

1. This is a great opportunity.
2. I need this right now.
3. I like this one better.
4. This is my favorite restaurant.
5. This is so frustrating!

Phrases with “that”:

1. That’s a good point.
2. I can’t believe that just happened.
3. That’s not what I meant.
4. That’s a really interesting idea.
5. That’s not how it works.

There are also several idiomatic expressions that use “this” and “that”, such as:

• All of this and that: Refers to a variety of things or a mix of different things.
• This and that: Refers to a variety of things or activities.
• This, that, and the other: Refers to a variety of things or ideas.
• By this/that time: Refers to a specific point in time.

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using “this” and “that”:

1. Using “this” and “that” interchangeably: It’s important to remember that “this” and “that” have different meanings and are used to refer to different things. Using them interchangeably can create confusion for the listener or reader.
2. Not using “this” and “that” to indicate distance: One of the key functions of “this” and “that” is to indicate the distance between the speaker and the object or concept being referred to. For example, saying “that book” when the book is right in front of you can be confusing.
3. Using “this” and “that” without a noun: While “this” and “that” can be used on their own as pronouns, it’s important to include a noun to make the meaning clear. For example, saying “I like this” without specifying what “this” refers to can be confusing.
4. Using “this” and “that” with unclear antecedents: When using “this” and “that”, it’s important to make sure the antecedent (the thing being referred to) is clear. For example, saying “This is great!” without specifying what “this” refers to can be confusing.
5. Using “this” and “that” with vague referents: It’s important to be specific when using “this” and “that” to refer to an object or concept. Using vague terms like “thing” or “stuff” can make the meaning unclear.

This and that are common words in the English language that are used to refer to objects, concepts, and ideas. Understanding the differences between “this” and “that” is important for clear communication, as they are used to indicate distance, specificity, intimacy, time, and emphasis.

Common mistakes when using “this” and “that” include using them interchangeably, not indicating distance, using them without a clear noun or antecedent, and using them with vague referents. By being mindful of these differences and avoiding common mistakes, we can use “this” and “that” effectively in our speech and writing.

Here are some reference books that can help you improve your understanding of the English language and its usage:

1. “The Elements of Style” by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White – This classic guide to writing provides essential tips on grammar, punctuation, and style.
2. “Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary” – This authoritative dictionary is a must-have for anyone looking to improve their vocabulary and understanding of word usage.
3. “The Chicago Manual of Style” – This comprehensive style guide is widely used by editors and publishers and provides guidance on grammar, punctuation, and citation style.
4. “The Oxford English Dictionary” – This massive dictionary is the definitive resource on the English language, tracing the history and development of words and their meanings over time.
5. “Garner’s Modern English Usage” by Bryan A. Garner – This guide to English usage is highly respected by language experts and provides authoritative advice on grammar, punctuation, and style.
6. “Fowler’s Modern English Usage” by Henry W. Fowler – This classic guide to English usage has been updated and revised to provide advice on modern usage and includes examples from contemporary literature.
7. “The Gregg Reference Manual” by William A. Sabin – This comprehensive manual provides guidance on grammar, punctuation, and style, as well as information on business writing and communication.
8. “The Cambridge Grammar of the English Language” by Rodney Huddleston and Geoffrey K. Pullum – This in-depth grammar guide provides detailed information on English grammar, including syntax and sentence structure.

These reference books can be helpful resources for anyone looking to improve their understanding and usage of the English language.