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This, That, These, Those in English: Which One to Use and When
This and that are singular, these and those are plural. This/these is near, that/those is far.
Written by Bryan López, Profesor de inglés · Updated
This, that, these, and those are used to point something out. This and that are singular, these and those are plural. This and these are used for something near you, that and those for something far away.
The 4 by distance and number
It also works with time, not just space
This/these are used for the present or something close in time: "This year has been great." That/those are used for something distant in time, past or future: "I remember that day." "Those were good times."
A special use on the phone
In English, you identify yourself on the phone with this, not I: "This is Carlos" (not "I am Carlos" when answering). To ask who's on the other end, you use that: "Is that Maria?" It's a special use that doesn't follow the usual near/far logic.
Common mistakes with this, that, these, those
Some languages have three levels of distance (this, that, and a further "that over there"), but English only has two (this/that). It's common to instinctively look for a "middle option" for something that's neither very close nor very far, but in English you always have to pick one of the two, there's no third option.
How to choose in two quick questions
First ask: is it one thing or more than one? Singular uses this or that, plural uses these or those. Second ask: is it near me or far from me? Near uses this or these, far uses that or those. Combine both answers and you have the right word. "This book" is one book near me, and "those books" are several books far from me.
Four words, four situations
Practice this, that, these, those with real audio
Interactive exercises, real pronunciation, and the full lesson taught in English.
This and that for ideas, not only objects
These words also point to ideas, not only physical things. "That's a great idea" refers to something someone just said. "This is important" introduces something you are about to explain. In conversation, "that" is usually used for something already mentioned and "this" for something about to come: "Listen to this, you'll love it." "That was really funny." Noticing this habit makes you sound more natural.
Examples with each word
- This is my brother, and that is his friend.
- Can you pass me those papers, please?
- These cookies taste amazing.
- I don't like that song.
- Look at this photo, it was taken last summer.
Singular and plural mix-up
Incorrect
These book is interesting.
Correct
This book is interesting.
Introducing people
When you introduce someone near you, English uses this: "Mom, this is Sara." On the phone, people say "Hi, this is Carlos" to introduce themselves, never "I am Carlos." And when you point at someone far away, use that: "Who is that man over there?" These small habits are useful in everyday life.
Pronunciation matters too
The difference between this /ðɪs/ and these /ðiːz/ is the length of the vowel, and many learners say them the same. Practice pairs like this/these and sit/seat out loud. Native speakers hear the vowel difference right away, and it also helps them know if you mean one thing or several.
Common phrases with this and that
- this morning, this week, this year (the current period)
- that day, that night, that time (a moment in the past)
- That's right. That's great. That's a pity.
- This is it! (the moment you were waiting for)
- What is this? What is that? (asking about objects)
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between this, that, these, and those?
This (singular, near), that (singular, far), these (plural, near), those (plural, far). All of them are used to point something out.
When do you use this and when do you use that?
This for something near you (This is my phone), that for something far away (That is your car). Both are singular.
When do you use these and those?
These for several things near you (These are my keys), those for several things far away (Those are your shoes). Both are plural.
Do this, that, these, and those also work with time?
Yes. This/these for the present or something recent ("this year"), that/those for something distant in the past or future ("that day," "those years").
What do this, that, these, and those mean?
They're demonstrative words that point to something specific: "this/that" (singular) and "these/those" (plural), depending on the distance from the speaker.
How do you use this and that on the phone?
To identify yourself, you use this: "This is Carlos." To ask who's speaking, you use that: "Is that Maria?"
What is the difference between this and it?
This points to something you are showing or are close to, and it simply refers to something already known: "This is my phone" and "It is new."
Can I use this, that, these, and those without a noun?
Yes. They can work as pronouns: "I love this." "Give me those." When the object is clear from context, the noun is not needed.
Practice this, that, these, those with real audio
Interactive exercises, real pronunciation, and the full lesson taught in English.
Keep learning
- The: When to Use the Definite Article in English (and When Not To)The is used when both you and your listener already know exactly what you're talking about. If not, you don't use it.
- Possessive Adjectives in English: My, Your, His, Her, Its, Our, TheirThe 7 possessive adjectives in English, with examples and the two mix-ups everyone makes: its/it's and your/you're.
- Plural Nouns in English: Regular and Irregular Rules (Cats, Boxes, Children)Most plurals in English just add -s, but there are spelling rules and exceptions you have to memorize.