What does this mean in English? What is the difference between this and that in English? The roles of these pronouns in a sentence

It's no secret that this/that/these/those They are very similar to each other both in appearance and in sound, many people confuse them and therefore do not like them. This article is dedicated to the “four” words, which, on the one hand, are studied at the very beginning level, and on the other hand, are the cause of many mistakes later if they are not given enough attention.

This/that/these/those refer to objects or indicate an object.

How to choose the right word? First of all we look How many objects (one/more than one) and Where are they located(close/far). Close - at arm's length, you can reach them, far - you cannot reach them with your hand.

In accordance with this, we select:

In English words this/that/these/those have a dual function. They can be demonstrative pronouns and . There are some differences in usage depending on the function.

Demonstrative pronouns(Demonstrative Pronouns) are used without a noun and are most often found at the beginning of a sentence, because it is at the beginning that we draw the listeners’ attention to some subject/subjects.

Words as determinants(Determiners) are always used with nouns, answer the question “Which / Which?” and help to determine which particular object (which objects) are meant:

This is a flower. - This is a flower.
This flower is beautiful. - This flower is beautiful.

In the first case, the word this acts as a pronoun and means “this object.” In the second sentence, the word this is a determiner, describes the word flower and indicates that the beautiful flower is “this” and not that.

More examples:

That is a dog. - That's a dog. (That object, that animal, the word that - demonstrative pronoun)

That dog is big. - That dog is big. (It is the dog that the speaker is pointing at. The word that is the determiner).

These are pencils. - These (these objects) are pencils. (These is a demonstrative pronoun)

These pencils are sharp. - These pencils are sharp. (These is a qualifier because it indicates which pencils they are)

Those are fruit trees. - Those (those trees) are fruit trees. (Those is a demonstrative pronoun. Points to objects, draws our attention to them.)

Those fruit trees are young. - Those fruit trees. (Those is a qualifier, as it makes it clear which trees are meant.)

Why do we often forget to use plural demonstrative pronouns and replace them with singular pronouns? When constructing a sentence, we are guided by internal translation from Russian into English, so we make mistakes. Demonstrative pronouns in Russian this And these have the same translation “this”, and that And those“that” is translated into Russian.

Compare:

Therefore, when constructing an English sentence, you will have to “think in English”, and if you have to point to several objects, then think about them not “this/that”, but “these objects” or “those objects”. This way you will definitely remember to use words these And those.

As qualifiers, words can refer to both people and objects:

This boy - this boy
that girl - that girl
these students - these students
those children - those children

But as demonstrative pronouns, when they are used without a noun and replace it, we use this/that/these/those only regarding objects:

Give this to me. - Give it to me.
I put these on the table. - I will put them (these objects, this) on the table.
Show that to me. - Show it to me.
I will wash those. - I'll wash them. (I'll wash it).

However, it is acceptable to use when present anyone:

This is my sister Kate. - This is my sister Kate.

Who is that? I don't know him. - Who is this? I do not know him.

It has already been mentioned that we use this/ these if the subject of discussion is close to the speaker, that/those - if it is far away. In this case, we mean not only the physical distance to the object, but also the “distance” to it in time.

This/these in the present, in the near future that are about to appear or begin:

I like this play. - I like this play.

This summer is very hot. - This summer is very hot.

This is an announcement from the authorities. - This is an announcement from the authorities.

Look at this. - Look at it.

I like this city. - I like this city.

That/that refer to objects and events in past(which have just ended or refer to the more distant past) or indicate that something is coming to completion. Please note that the translation into Russian may vary:

I liked that play. - I liked that play.

That summer is very hot. - That (last) summer was very hot.

That was an announcement from the authorities. - It was an announcement from the authorities.

I looked at that. - I looked at it.

We liked that city. - We liked this/that city.

That's all. - That's all.

That's it. Thank you for your listening. - That's all. Thank you for listening.

In a telephone conversation this used by the speaker when introducing yourself, A that- to clarify personality of the interlocutor:

Hello, this is Mary Smith. Is that Jane Thompson? - Hello, this is Mary Smith. Is this Jane Thompson?

The interesting thing is that this/that/these/those are used when talking about something, famous to all interlocutors:

And she shows that picture of her... - And then she shows this photograph of herself.

It was one of those cold and rainy evenings in London. - It was one of those cold and rainy London evenings.

Are you sick and tired of those dirty towels? -Are you sick and tired of these dirty towels?

That nagging pain will disappear if you take this pill. - This aching pain will disappear if you take this pill.

And one more fun fact about the words this/that/these/those: this And these are used in relation to what we are positive about, with approval, interest, and that/that used to show negative attitude, disapproval:

He told me about this new girlfriend of his. - He told me about his new girlfriend.

I don’t want to know about that new girlfriend of his. “I don’t want to know anything about this new friend of his.”

That's it! And finally, a few funny pictures:

Continue to improve your English with us! Subscribe to our newsletter and join us on

Greetings, everyone! Today we'll talk about the basics. We will tell you the difference between “this / that” and “these / those”, explain their meaning, give clear examples and decorate it all with a final table with the difference.

It's time to clear your doubts and learn the difference so you can be 200% confident in using some of the most common words in the English language.

This and That

The main difference is distance of the object from the speaker.

You need to use " this"[ðɪs] - this / this / this, when the object is close to the speaker (he is holding it in his hands, for example), and " that» [ðæt] - that / that / that when it is at a distance or outside the field of view of the speaker or listener.

This is my cat (pointing at a cat on my lap).
This my cat (pointing to him on her lap).

That is his dog (pointing at a dog beside some stranger on the street).
Ta his dog (pointing to the dog next to the stranger on the street).

Note that tense will also affect the use of "this" and "that" as demonstrative pronouns.

If something happened in the past, use " that" would be more appropriate. Although in Russian we still say “this”.

You can, of course, say “that”, but it will sound suspiciously strange. There is no need for clarification, which cannot be said about English.

He didn't die yet. That made me think.
He's not dead yet. This got me thinking.

On the other hand, if the event has not yet occurred, then the appropriate form would be " this».

She won't go to church tomorrow. This is quite strange.
She won't go to church tomorrow. This quite strange.

It’s surprising that Americans, when they pick up the phone, usually say: “ Who is this?", and the British - " Who is that?».

Usually we use " that", speaking about things, but not about people or animals:

Right: - Have you met Mr. Rogers? - The one with the stupid haircut or silly mustache?
Wrong: That who has stupid haircut?

These and Those

In a formal context, especially in scientific work, when talking about the similarity of something, we use " that of / those of" instead of "the one of / the ones of".

The proton has a similar mass to that of a neutron.
A proton has a similar mass to the proton of a neutron.

The emotions in the poems are those of loss and grief.
The emotions in the poems reflect loss and grief.

How to use these pronouns

• In the role defining word:

What's in this bag?
That whiskey tastes strange.
I might get myself a pair of those Nikes.

• In the role pronouns(meaning things or ideas):

Come and look at this.
That's a very bad idea.
Can I have one of these?

Uses of this and that

Emotional distance

Sometimes we use this, that, these and those to refer to things that make us happy.

For example, you can use " this/these”, referring to something we approve of or feel positive about.

I love this new woolen smartphone cover that you can get.
I like this new wool phone case, which you can get.

We use " that/those” to create distance.

What are you going to say to that friend of yours?
What are you going to say that friend of mine?

We use " those", talking about objects inside the room where we were.

I didn't like his house. It had those awful paintings.
I didn't like his house. It contained those terrible pictures.

Sharing knowledge and new information

Often this happens when we are telling a story or explaining something.

You know that waterfall in the forest nearby? Well, they're gonna privatize it.
You know That waterfall in the forest nearby? Well, they're going to privatize it.

« This" is sometimes used instead of "a/an" when we are referring to something important or recent, or when introducing someone to a new person or thing in our history.

This guy today knocked on the door and asked if I wanted to talk about God.
This the guy knocked on the door and asked if I wanted to talk about God.

Physical proximity and distance

We use " this", And " these» most often, pointing to things and people that are close to the speaker or writer, or to what is happening at the moment.

Shall I use this knife here?
I should take advantage this with a knife?
I'll post these letters on my way home.
I'll throw it in these letters to the post office on the way home.

We use " that" And " those”, pointing out things and people that are not easily identified in a situation. They are often located at a distance from the speaker, and sometimes closer to the listener.

What's in that bottle over there?
What's in it that bottle there?

Sometimes things are not visible to either the speaker or the listener.

Death Star! That's my favorite star!
The Death Star! This my favorite star!

Useful expressions and phrases

That's it- exclamation when solving a problem: “that’s all!”; in the role of agreement: “yes, right”, “exactly!”, “whoa!”, “period!; in the role of the final replica in an unambiguous plan: “that’s it!”, “that’s enough!”, “dry the oars!”; interrogative meaning in the sense of “that’s all?”, “oh well?”.

That's it! I"m not putting up with any more of her rudeness!
That's it! I won't tolerate her rudeness anymore!
That's it, it is working now.
That's all! Now it works.

That's alright(that's ok) - both expressions can be used to express forgiveness.

- Sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you.
-That's ok.
- Sorry, I didn't mean to offend you.
- Everything is fine.

That's right is one of the most popular answers in English. Says that you agree or confirm someone else's words.

Translations: exactly like that, right, exactly, absolutely, just about, like that.

- You must be one lucky son of a b*tch, right?
- You must be a lucky son of a bitch, huh?
- That's right, I am. What?
- Yes sir. What?

And others:

this one time only(this once, just for once) - only 1 time;
this one is still kicking- this one is still alive;
this one is as good as any- this one is no better than any other;
this side of the Black Stump- on “this side” (where there is water, trees, life);
this said- at the same time (despite the fact that ...), everything said means that ... ;
this and that- This and that; bench stoves;
those against?- who is against?;
those abstaining- abstained from voting;
those and those ones- both;
those are her days- on these days she receives (guests, for example).
Is this one taken?- Is it busy/free here?;
What's all this/that about?- What kind of news is this!; Here's more news!;
This is it!- Here it is!; This is what I was looking for!; This is a critical moment!; Fine!; Right!; In fact of the matter!

Conclusion

Summarize:

This/that- here & singular / there & singular.

These/those- here & plural / there & plural.

We hope you enjoyed it and discovered something new. After all, this is why we are here writing to you! Enjoy your correct English and aim for more!

Don't forget that you can sign up for a free introductory English lesson via Skype!

Big and friendly EnglishDom family

What is the difference between this and that in English?

Here you can find out what is the difference between the words this and that.

The English language has many pronouns that serve different roles. This and that are demonstrative pronouns. They indicate a certain object and its distance.

For example, the pronoun this is used with an object located nearby, and the pronoun that with an object located far away. Let's look at this with examples:

I'd like to buy this dress. - I would like to buy this dress.
Look at that scenery. It's absolutely stunning. - Look at that landscape. He's amazing.
Don't touch this big black box. - Don't touch this big black box.
Do you like that jacket? - Do you like that jacket?

As can be seen from the examples, this indicates the proximity of objects, and that indicates distance. Both pronouns have plural forms:

this - these (this - these)
that - those (that - those)

These clothes are mine. - Are these things mine?
Can you see those stars? - Do you see those stars?

The words this and that There are other functions too. This can easily replace the pronoun it:
It is a red clock. = This clock is red. - This watch is red.

That can sometimes replace the pronoun which:
I saw the camera which you bought. = I saw the camera that you bought. - I saw the camera you bought.

The pronoun that is often used in harsh statements, fixed expressions and other emotionally charged phrases. For example:

That’s none of your business! - This doesn't concern you!
That's why you chose to skip my lesson. - So that's why you chose not to come to my lesson.
Never mind. That's all right. - Don't worry. Everything is fine.
That's just what he suggested. - That's exactly what he proposed.

In the English language, there are many different constructions, words and pronouns that serve a variety of functions in sentences. Such words often raise a lot of questions not only among beginners, but also among those more advanced in learning English. In this article we will look at the difference between this and that, which are similar at first glance words.

So what is the difference between these two most common words?

If we translate both words into Russian, we can say that they are absolutely similar, because both are translated as “this”. But you cannot rely only on the translation of this and that.

The main difference between these two demonstrative pronouns is the distance of an object from the person who is talking about it. We'll figure this out now.

This in English: when to use?

Let's look at the rules for using these two especially popular pronouns.

The English pronoun this is used when we point to an object not far from us:

• this plate standing on the table nearby;
• this person is opposite us;
• this phone lying on the sofa and so on.

Let's give a couple of examples to make it clearer:

• Give me this pen. - Give me this pen.
• My sister wants to buy this shirt for her boyfriend. - My sister wants to buy this shirt for her boyfriend.
• This is my dog. It is cute, isn't it? - This is my dog. She's cute, isn't she?
• Mary won't go with us. This is pretty sad. - Mary won't go with us. It's quite sad.

In sentences, the pronoun this can often be replaced by another personal pronoun - it (it).

• This book is the most interesting. - This book is the most interesting.
• It is the most interesting book. - This is the most interesting book.

When is the pronoun that used?

But here, on the contrary, that is used when talking about an object located at a further distance from the speaker. Usually this pronoun is translated as “that”: that box, that person, that car. Here are a couple of sentences in which this pronoun is used:

• Do you see that big blue box? - Do you see that big blue box?
• John, look at that picture! It's fantastic! - John, look at that photo! It's amazing!
• That man made me crazy. - That man drove me crazy.
• That girl looks weird! - That girl looks strange!

Sometimes the pronoun is used in sentences that require a firm, rigid coloring. Usually such proposals are rude. For example:

• That's none of your business! - It doesn't concern you! / It's none of your business!

Sometimes this demonstrative pronoun can be replaced by another by analogy - which. In this case, this is translated into Russian as “which”:

• The town that we visit is so wonderful. I would like to go there again. - This town we visited is so wonderful! I would love to go there again.
• The town which we visit is so wonderful. I would like to go there again. - This town we visited is so wonderful! I would love to go there again.

Difference

As we have already found out, the demonstrative pronouns this and that are somewhat similar. But there is a very important difference between them. The pronoun this indicates objects that are nearby, not far from the speaker. But that performs a slightly different function. It is used when talking about some object located far away. This is the difference between this and that.

Plural: these and those

Another pronoun that often raises questions is the plural of the same this and that.

These is translated into Russian as “these” and is the plural of this. Everything is exactly the same here. If objects are located nearby, then we use these:

• These cats are so cute! - These cats are so cute!
• I hope these guys are nice. - I hope these guys are nice.

But those is the plural of the demonstrative pronoun that. It is translated into Russian as “these”, “those” and is used when talking about any distant objects, objects at a distance:

• Those stars are amazing. - Those stars are amazing.
• Those who interested at other books of this writer can take them at our school library. - Those who are interested in other books by this writer can borrow them from our school library.

When we talk about the similarity of something, as well as in various scientific reports, these plural demonstrative pronouns often change to that of / those of.

The roles of these pronouns in a sentence

The pronouns in this group have two different functions:

1. Definition, that is, searching for a dependent word that reveals the main thing: That house is so big! (This house is so big!) This cat is really fat! (This cat is really fat!) Thesee books are worth reading. (These books are worth reading.)
2. As an independent word - a pronoun. In this case, things or objects are meant. Just look at that! (Just look at this!) Can I take some of these? (Can I have some?)

Expressions that may be useful to you

There are many expressions in English that contain the demonstrative pronouns discussed above. Most often these are colloquial, everyday statements used in our everyday life:

• That’s it (“that’s all”; “that’s it”; “exactly”; “precisely”; “that’s enough!”). This expression can be explained in different ways. Most often it means “exactly!”, but can be translated as the end of a dialogue, a point in resolving some issue. In this case, the expression is translated: “that’s it, that’s enough.” And if the expression has a questioning intonation, the phrase can be translated as follows: “Is that all you can say?” In Russian, we often say in such cases: “Come on!”
• That's right is one of the most popular affirmative answers in the English language. It is translated as follows: “this is exactly”, “true”, “so exactly”, “absolutely true”, etc.
• That’s alright / that’s ok - used to forgive a person, to say that everything is fine. Translated as: “everything is fine”, “everything is okay”, “everything is fine”.
• This one time only - one single time, only one time.
• Is this one taken? - Is it busy here?/Is it free?
• Those against? - Are there those who are against?/Anyone against?
• This is it! - This is it!/Exactly/Absolutely/Good/Correct!

Uses of this and that

There are many different uses. These demonstrative pronouns often have different meanings and even emotional connotations. This is what we will talk about now.

We continue to study the rule of this and that.

Approval of things and objects that we love

These demonstrative pronouns are often used to point to an object that we love and approve of. In this case, use this or these. This creates a feeling of closeness to the subject, the speaker’s predisposition:

• I love this new dress I "ve bought! - I love this new dress that I bought!
• These places remind me about my childhood. - These places remind me of my childhood.

That and those to indicate distance

And the following demonstrative pronouns, on the contrary, exist in order to create some distance, distance from the object, in the literal and figurative sense. This is the difference between this and that. Take a look at the examples and you will understand everything:

• Actually, I don't really like that boyfriend of yours. - Actually, I don't really like this boyfriend of yours.
• I hate those places! - I hate these places!/those places!

That in the meaning of the and this as a/an

Very often, the demonstrative pronoun replaces the definite article in order to focus attention on the subject that is being described. Typically, this technique is used when telling various stories, transferring knowledge and life experience:

• So I saw that man and... - And I saw this man, and...
• Remember that museum where we have already been at? - Remember the museum where we were already?

But the demonstrative pronoun this replaces a/an. This usually happens when someone introduces us to something new or introduces us to a new person in our lives. I think you see a clear difference between this and that:

• This guy is really shy, but I like him. - This guy is so modest, but I like him.

Physical distance and proximity to objects

But most often with the help of these pronouns we denote physical distance. Thus, we bring to a conclusion all of the above.

The use of this and that in English is one of the easiest rules, which, however, is often mistaken. This and its plural these show proximity to an object, that this object is nearby, not far away. But that and those in the plural are used to indicate the remoteness of an object.

Demonstrative pronouns indicate a person or thing, or their characteristics. The demonstrative pronouns this and that have plural forms.

Demonstrative pronouns also include number-invariant pronouns such and same.

In addition, it can be used as a demonstrative pronoun pronounit This .

Pronouns this (these) are used when indicating objects (persons) located close speaker, and pronouns that (those) used to indicate objects (persons) more distant From him. In the Russian language there is no strict rule on this matter and the Russian pronoun this (this, these) can also refer to more distant objects or points in time.

In a sentence they can be:

1 Protrude as an adjective , being a determiner of the noun, which excludes the use of the article, and if the noun has other definitions, pronouns are placed in front of them:

In Russian the word " That" is less common, so the pronoun that can be translated as That, And How this:

IN time expressions this (these) is used to indicate current time period (present, recent past) or future, A that (those) refers to past:

Pronoun this with the word countrya country used in relation to the country in which the speaker is located at the time of speech. In other cases it is used that country, which can be translated into Russian as that country or this country.

2 Replace nouns , performing the functions of subject or object in a sentence.

What's this ? - This is my pencil.What This? - This my pencil.

Who is this ? - This is Mary. Andthis is John. Who This? - This- Mary, huh? This- John.

Use this (these) is associated with an indication of a person, object, event, action, close by place or time, and that (those) decree on a face, object, etc., remote in place and time, or related to the result of an action.

IN subject roles:

Combinations this is And that's can translate into Russian and in words Here :

Pronoun choice: this, that or it often depends only on the will of the author of the statement, and they should be translated into Russian in accordance with the meaning:

IN complement roles:

If we are talking about abstract concepts, then the pronoun is used more often that, For example:

in emotionally charged statements:

in harsh and decisive statements:

in stable phrases:

This (these) And that (those) are used in comparison and choice sentences. To avoid repetition of a previously mentioned noun, they sometimes use one, sometimes it is omitted:

In plural person, after these And those pronoun ones usually not used:

Note: But if the demonstrative pronoun is followed by an adjective, then use after it one or ones Necessarily:

Pronoun it has already been discussed in the section “Personal Pronouns”. It can perform indicative role in a sentence (instead of pronouns this And that), corresponding to the Russian pronoun This . Usually, in cases where we are talking about real physical bodies and concrete concepts, only this/that.

What is this (or that)? WhatThis ?

It 's ( or It is) a dictionary. = This is a dictionary. This dictionary.

Used predominantly in a sentence in the definition function (as a pronoun-adjective) with the meaning: such, such, similar. Before countable noun the only one numbers are used with the indefinite article a(an), which is put after the pronoun:

Countable nouns in plural number of uses after the pronoun such without article. Uncountable creatures often without an article.

Pronoun same always used with the definite article the.

A) Can be used as pronoun-adjective with singular and plural nouns:

b) Or how pronoun-noun with meaning: same thing, same thing.

Used in set expressions; when responding to congratulations and wishes, etc.