Hello readers, we all know that both words “this” and “that” are commonly used in the English language, but they will be confusing for non-native speakers or those who are new learners of English. In this article, we will provide a clear and in-depth explanation of when and how to use “this” and “that” correctly in different contexts.
We will start by defining the two words and explaining their basic usage. We will then move into more advanced usage, including how to use them with specific nouns, as well as how to use them in different tenses and grammatical structures.
Throughout the article, we will provide clear examples and explanations to help you to understand the concepts easily. By the end of the article, you will have a solid understanding of when and how to use “this” and “that” in everyday conversation and writing. also, we will teach you the “major difference between the words that and that”
Because English communication has become the key to a successful profession in recent years, you may find yourself in an unusual scenario if you do not utilize words correctly and pronounce them correctly. Then there’s the question of when to use ‘this’ and when to use ‘that’.
Use of this and that in English with examples
Let us begin by comprehending the terms and their meanings.
The words ‘this’ and ‘that’ are singular. ‘This’ denotes anything physically close by. It can also relate to anything being “near” figuratively or emotionally. That could allude to something “out there” or something not as symbolically or emotionally “near” as this.
The primary distinction between them is that “This” alludes to something nearby or present in the area, whereas “That” refers to something further away.
Meanings of ‘This’ with Examples
Meaning 1: We tend to use ‘this’ to refer to something that is near at hand and under close scrutiny.
For Example, The senior professor said,” We will continue this topic in the next lecture.”
Meaning 2: The second meaning of ‘this’ is to refer to someone or something close in location or time.
For Example, My friend said to me,” This is the tutor I wanted you to meet.”
Meaning 3: The third meaning of ‘this’ is something that has been mentioned in a subsequent expression.
Example: “This is what I want you to say about veggies; they are the best source of vitamins and minerals,” the teacher added.
Meanings of ‘That’ with Examples
Meaning 1: The word ‘that’ refers to something or someone who is in a remote location or who is not in the immediate vicinity.
Example: That girl is not in our class.
That location is a little out of the way.
Meaning 2: It’s used to start an exclamatory clause.
Example: Sam said that he met the captain of the student-run organization at a party.
Meaning 3: “That” Used to identify a person, an event, etc.
Example:
- We were introduced at a party and began meeting frequently after that.
- We tend to use this when an action is close in time.
- This time I will cook for you.
- I feel good this morning.
- We use this when an action has been completed or is in the past.
- We have never met after that encounter.
- That was the worst day of my life.
Example Sentences using ‘This’ and ‘That’
Some more examples of this and that in a sentence to show the different usage of the words:
- This is my bike.
- This is big.
- That is our house.
- I made that.
- I want that.
- This party is boring.
- Look at this.
- This is Tom.
- That city is busy.
- This book is old.
Usage of ‘This’.
‘This’ is used to denote a single thing and can be used to indicate something or someone nearby, or it can also be used as an introduction. In brief, ‘This’ indicates the distance between the speaker and the noun.
Example:
- This is my residence.
- This is an excellent bowl of soup.
- Hiiii …! This is maria.
- My name is Jenny and this is my friend Ron.
- Hello, my name is Rahul. May I speak with Suresh?
- We’ve been in this city for a year now.
Usage of ‘That’
‘That’ is employed in specific situations and for objects kept at a distance.
Example:
- That is my residence.
- That is an extremely pricey vehicle.
- What exactly is that?
- Over there is Ranjit’s farmhouse.
- Whose cat is that?
- Does anyone live in that apartment?
- That is a one-of-a-kind flower.
- That is a dam.
- That phone number is busy.
Usage of ‘This’ and ‘That’ with different parts of speech:
Usage of “this” and “that” with nouns:
In some cases, demonstrative adjectives can be used directly with nouns.
Example:
- This is an exciting party.
- That muffin is delectable.
- That painting is stunning.
- This restaurant is wonderful.
- That structure is quite tall.
- That dude is mad.
- This package appears to be quite suspicious.
- This puppy was discovered abandoned.
- That player is gifted.
- This is my cell phone case.
Usage of “this” and “that” As a Pronoun
- I understand this.
What exactly is ‘This’? That is exactly what we are doing right now. We’re learning grammar. This is the lesson. “I understand this” and “I comprehend this (lesson)” are interchangeable. We don’t need to utilize it because the word (lesson) is self-explanatory. Instead, we simply say ‘this’. ‘This’ becomes the sentence’s noun, and it’s referred to as a pronoun because it refers to something else.
Usage of “This” and “That” as an adjective
When the words this/that are used before a noun, they serve as adjectives. These terms are known as demonstrative adjectives in the technical sense.
- I remember that sad cat from the nest building.
- This cat has blue eyes.
“This” can be used to refer back to entire phrases and sentences, as well as prior sections of a text. “This” emphasizes the information much more strongly than it does. When a point or thought is to become a significant component of the conversation that follows, writers frequently use “this”:
People are discovering that Tai Chi is one of the most beneficial kinds of exercise. As a result, there is a high demand for classes. (This refers to a whole sentence.)
Throughout the summer, heavy rains and stormy circumstances have resulted in serious shortages of strawberries and other soft fruits. As a result, many supermarkets and retailers have raised their prices.
This is comparable to how we utilize it. When we utilize it, though, we detach ourselves from the issue or from components of the topic:
For many traditional football followers, the fact that so many young girls and women attend football events these days is a source of concern. Of course, that is a sexist mindset.
That can also relate to notions associated with another person:
The chairman apologized for the company’s dismal performance and promised investors a brighter future. Many people thought he couldn’t possibly keep that promise.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding when and how to use “this” and “that” correctly is an essential topic of mastering the English language. By using these words properly, we can communicate our ideas more effectively and can avoid confusion or grammatical mistakes.
Throughout this article, we have provided clear explanations and examples to help you to understand how to use “this” and “that” in different contexts, and we hope that this information will be helpful for anyone looking to improve their English language skills. By practicing and using these words correctly in everyday conversations and writing, we can become more confident and proficient in the English language.
Whether you’re a non-native speaker, a student, or someone who simply wants to improve their English language skills, in this article we have tried our best to provide you valuable insights and practical tips to help you to use “this” and “that” with confidence and without any grammar mistakes. In the end, please don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family.
