Do you ever stop and ask yourself, “Should I use this or that?” You are not alone. Many people search for this or that because they are confused.
Both words point to things, but they are not the same. The choice can be tricky for beginners. In this guide, we will explain the difference in very simple words.
You will learn how to use both words like a native speaker. We will give you clear rules and many examples.
By the end, you will know exactly which word to use. Let us make this easy for you.
This or That – Quick Answer
Use this to point to something close to you. Use that to point to something farther away. For example, if you are holding a book, say “this book.” If a book is across the room, say “that book.” It is all about distance and context. Both spellings are correct when used in the right way.
Key Difference Between This and That
The main difference between this and that is physical or mental distance.
- This is for things that are near you in space or time.
- That is for things that are far from you in space or time.
- This feels present and current.
- That feels past or distant.
Here is a quick comparison table to show you the differences:
| Feature | This | That |
|---|---|---|
| Distance | Near | Far |
| Time | Now or present | Then or past |
| Physical | Close to the speaker | Away from the speaker |
| Emotional | Feelings of closeness | Feelings of distance |
| Plural Form | These | Those |
Is This or That Correct or Incorrect?
Both are correct. The words themselves are not wrong. The only mistake is using the wrong one for the situation. If you use this for something far away, it is incorrect. If you use that for something in your hand, it is also wrong. It all depends on where the object or idea is. You must look at the context to know which one is correct.
Why Do People Confuse This and That?
Many people struggle to choose between this and that. There are a few simple reasons why.
- Translation issues: Many languages do not have two separate words for this idea. They just use one word. Learners must learn a new concept.
- British vs American English: Both forms of English use the words similarly. However, beginners often worry that one is “more correct.”
- Internet exposure: People see both words used online without clear context. They cannot see the physical distance.
- Education differences: Many students are not taught the simple rule of distance. They are given complex grammar rules instead.
- Mental distance: Sometimes the distance is not physical. It is about emotion or time. This abstract idea is hard for beginners.
The Origin of This and That
The words this and that are very old. They come from the Old English language. “This” comes from the word “þis.” “That” comes from the word “þæt.” These words were used to show objects. The difference between them has always been about distance. Even hundreds of years ago, people used “this” for close things and “that” for far things. The spelling has changed, but the rule has stayed the same.
British English vs American English Spelling
Here is some good news. The spelling of this and that is the same in British and American English! You do not have to worry about color vs. colour. You do not have to think about center vs. centre. The words are spelled the same way. They follow the same rules in both countries. This is a rare and easy part of English.
Let’s look at a table comparing the two:
| Feature | British English | American English |
|---|---|---|
| Spelling of “This” | this | this |
| Spelling of “That” | that | that |
| Rule for Distance | Yes | Yes |
| Usage in Writing | Same | Same |
Which Spelling Should You Use?
For US Audience
If you live in the US, just follow the simple rule. Use this for near objects and that for far objects. You can use this in all kinds of writing. You will be perfectly understood.
For UK/Commonwealth Audience
If you live in the UK, Australia, or Canada, the rule is the same. The spelling does not change. Use this for near and that for far. These words are the same in all English-speaking countries.
For Global/SEO Writing
When writing for the whole world, it is very easy. You do not have to choose a version. Just think about distance. Write “this” for something you are talking about now. Write “that” for something you mentioned before. This will make your writing clear for everyone.
How to Pronounce This and That
The words this and that sound a little different.
- This is pronounced: “THISS” (rhymes with “miss”).
- That is pronounced: “THAT” (rhymes with “cat”).
They sound different from each other. You will not confuse them when you speak. Listen to the “i” sound in “this” and the “a” sound in “that.” It is easy to hear the difference.
Formal vs Informal Usage of This and That
Academic Writing
In academic writing, you can use both words. Use this to point to an idea you just wrote. Use that to refer to an idea from a previous paragraph. This helps the reader follow your argument.
Business Communication
In business, be clear. Use this to talk about your current project or proposal. Use that to reference a past project or an external competitor. This shows you are on top of the details.
Casual Conversation
In casual talk, you use these words all the time. When talking to friends, use this for things you are holding or doing now. Use that to point at things across the room. It makes your speech clear.
Common Mistakes with This and That
1: Using “That” for Something in Your Hand
Incorrect: “Can you pass me that pen?” (while holding it).
Correct: “Can you pass me this pen?” (while holding it).
Why: If it is in your hand, it is close to you. You must use this.
2: Using “This” for Something Far Away
Incorrect: “Look at this building over there!”
Correct: “Look at that building over there!”
Why: The building is far away. You cannot touch it. You must use that.
3: Using “This” for a Distant Past Event
Incorrect: “This summer when I was a child…”
Correct: “That summer when I was a child…”
Why: The summer is far away in time. You must use that.
This and That in Everyday Examples
In Emails
When writing an email, use this to refer to the current email. “I am writing this email to…” Use that to refer to a previous email. “I read that email from yesterday.”
In News
News reporters use these words often. “This building is new.” “That law was passed five years ago.” The distance in time and place is very clear.
In Social Media
On social media, you see posts like “This is my dog.” Or “Look at that sunset!” You can see the words are used to show how far the item is from the poster.
In Formal Writing
In formal reports, you might write: “The company had a bad year. That is why we are changing our strategy.” You use that to refer to the past bad year.
Simple Rule to Remember
Here are some easy rules to help you remember the difference.
- Touch Test: If you can touch it, use this.
- Point Test: If you have to point at it, use that.
- Time Test: If it is happening now, use this. If it already happened, use that.
This or That – Google Trends & Usage Data
The words this and that are very common. They are used everywhere in English. However, people search for this or that in different countries.
- United States: People search for “this or that” when writing or speaking.
- United Kingdom: Usage is the same, but they might search for “this vs that.”
- India: Very common due to the large English-speaking population.
Both words are used equally in all countries. The difference is not in the spelling, but in the distance.
Related Grammar Terms You Should Know
- These and Those: These are the plural forms. “These” for near, “Those” for far.
- Demonstrative Pronouns: This is the grammar name for words that point to things.
- Demonstrative Adjectives: This is when you use the word before a noun, like “this car.”
FAQs
1. Which is correct: “this” or “that”?
Both are correct. It depends on the distance. If the object is near you, use “this.” If it is far, use “that.”
2. Can I use “this” and “that” for time?
Yes, you can. Use “this” for the present time. Use “that” for the past.
3. Is “these” the plural of “this”?
Yes, “these” is the plural of “this.” You use it for multiple things that are near you.
4. Is “those” the plural of “that”?
Yes, “those” is the plural of “that.” You use it for multiple things that are far from you.
5. Is it a grammar mistake to use “that” instead of “this”?
It is a mistake if you mean something is close but use “that.” It changes the meaning of your sentence.
6. Why does English have both “this” and “that”?
English has both to show distance. It helps the listener or reader understand exactly what you are talking about.
7. Do British and American people use “this” and “that” the same way?
Yes, they do. There is no difference between British and American English for these two words.
Conclusion
Choosing between this and that is not hard. Remember the simple rule of distance. If it is near or happening now, use this. If it is far or happened in the past, use that.
Both words are correct and necessary in English. They are used the same way in all English-speaking countries. You can now speak and write with more confidence.
The next time you ask “Should I use this or that?” you will know the perfect answer. Just think about how close or far the thing is from you.
