This vs. That: What's the Difference?

Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Published on November 19, 2023

"This" refers to something near in place/time; "That" indicates more distance.

Key Differences

"This" is a demonstrative pronoun and adjective used to signify a person, thing, or idea that is near or present, physically or temporally, in relation to the speaker. Conversely, "That" is also a demonstrative pronoun and adjective, but it signifies something that is farther away in distance or time from the speaker's point of reference.

In a sentence, "This" often points to someone or something close to the speaker, either in terms of actual physical proximity or in a figurative sense, such as in the context of a discussion. "That," however, tends to refer to an object or subject that is removed, either because it's physically distant, in the past, or previously mentioned in conversation.

"This" is frequently used to introduce people or things in speech and writing, indicating a sense of immediacy or present moment relevance. "That" is often employed to refer back to someone or something already known to the listener or reader, or to indicate a preference or contrast.

"This" can also imply a sense of emotional closeness or personal involvement with the subject, suggesting a degree of empathy or emotional stake. "That," by being more distant, might imply less emotional involvement or a sense of objectivity or neutrality.

Both "This" and "That" are fundamental in English for clarifying, specifying, contrasting, and comparing. "This" aligns with subjects closer to the speaker’s perception, while "That" aligns with more distant ones.

Comparison Chart

Proximity

Close in distance/time

Further in distance/time

Emotional Distance

Implies more emotional closeness or immediacy

Implies less emotional closeness, more neutrality

Usage in Speech

Introduces current discussion points

Refers back to previous points or contrasts

Contextual Link

Stronger link with the present context

Weaker link, suggesting past or other context

Physical Presence

Often indicates something physically near

Indicates something not currently near

This and That Definitions

This

Introduces a person or thing about to be mentioned.

This is John, my brother.

That

Refers to the person or thing farther away.

That is her car over there.

This

Refers to the person or thing nearest.

This is my house.

That

Used in statements expressing an opinion or assertion.

That is simply unacceptable.

This

Used to identify a specific person or thing close at hand.

Do you like this color?

That

Being the one singled out, implied, or understood

That place.

Those mountains.

This

Indicates the present time or situation.

This is a great moment.

That

Being the one further removed or less obvious

That route is shorter than this one.

This

Used in statements expressing an opinion or assertion.

This is the best cake I’ve ever had.

That

To such an extent or degree

Is your problem that complicated?.

This

Being just mentioned or present in space, time, or thought

She left early this morning.

That

To a high degree; very

Didn't take what he said that seriously.

This

Being nearer or more immediate

This side and that side.

That

Used to introduce a noun clause that is usually the subject or object of a verb or a predicate nominative

"That contemporary American English is exuberantly vigorous is undeniable" (William Arrowsmith).

This

Being about to be stated or described

Just wait till you hear this story.

That

Used to introduce a subordinate clause stating a result, wish, purpose, reason, or cause

She hoped that he would arrive on time. He was saddened that she felt so little for him.

This

(Informal) Used as a substitute for the indefinite article

Looking for this book of recipes.

That

Used to introduce an anticipated subordinate clause following the expletive it occurring as subject of the verb

It is true that dental work is expensive.

This

To this extent; so

Never stayed out this late.

That

Used to introduce a subordinate clause modifying an adverb or adverbial expression

Will go anywhere that they are welcome.

This

The (thing) here used in indicating something or someone nearby.

This classroom is where I learned to read and write.

That

Used to introduce a subordinate clause that is joined to an adjective or noun as a complement

Was sure that she was right.

Persists in the belief that rates will rise soon.

This

The known (thing) used in indicating something or someone just mentioned.

They give the appearance of knowing what they're doing. It's this appearance that lets them get away with so much.

That

Used to introduce an elliptical exclamation of desire

Oh, that I were rich!.

This

The known (thing) used in indicating something or someone about to be mentioned.

When asked what he wanted for his birthday, he gave this reply: “[…]”

That

Introducing a clause which is the subject or object of a verb (such as one involving reported speech), or which is a complement to a previous statement.

He told me that the book is a good read.

I believe that it is true. — She is convinced that he is British.

That she will come is almost certain.

This

(informal) A known (thing) used in first mentioning a person or thing that the speaker does not think is known to the audience. Compare with "a certain ...".

I met this woman the other day who's allergic to wheat. I didn't even know that was possible!

There's just this nervous mannerism that Bob has with his hands, and it drives me crazy.

That

Introducing a subordinate clause expressing a reason or cause: because, in that.

Be glad that you have enough to eat.

This

(of a time reference) Designates the current or next instance.

It's cold this morning.

I plan to go to London this Friday.

That

(dated) Introducing a subordinate clause that expresses an aim, purpose, or goal ("final"), and usually contains the auxiliaries may, might, or should: so, so that.

This

To the degree or extent indicated.

I need this much water.

Do we need this many recommendations?

We've already come this far, we can't turn back now.

That

Introducing — especially, but not exclusively, with an antecedent like so or such — a subordinate clause expressing a result, consequence, or effect.

The noise was so loud that she woke up.

The problem was sufficiently important that it had to be addressed.

This

The thing, item, etc. being indicated.

This isn't the item that I ordered.

That

Introducing a premise or supposition for consideration: seeing as; inasmuch as; given that; as would appear from the fact that.

This

(philosophy) Something being indicated that is here; one of these.

That

Introducing a subordinate clause modifying an adverb.

Was John there? — Not that I saw.

How often did she visit him? — Twice that I saw.

This

(Internet slang) Indicates the speaker's strong approval or agreement with the previous material.

― I wish trolls could be banned from the forum immediately, without any discussion.
― This!

That

Introducing an exclamation expressing a desire or wish.

Oh that spring would come!

This

As a demonstrative pronoun, this denotes something that is present or near in place or time, or something just mentioned, or that is just about to be mentioned.

When they heard this, they were pricked in their heart.

But know this, that if the good man of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched.

That

Introducing an exclamation expressing a strong emotion such as sadness or surprise.

This

As an adjective, this has the same demonstrative force as the pronoun, but is followed by a noun; as, this book; this way to town.

This way and that wavering sails they bend.

A body of this or that denomination is produced.

Their judgment in this we may not, and in that we need not, follow.

Consider the arguments which the author had to write this, or to design the other, before you arraign him.

Thy crimes . . . soon by this or this will end.

This twenty years have I been with thee..

I have not wept this years; but nowMy mother comes afresh into my eyes.

That

The (thing, person, idea, etc) indicated or understood from context, especially if more remote physically, temporally or mentally than one designated as "this", or if expressing distinction.

That book is a good read. This one isn't.

That battle was in 1450.

That cat of yours is evil.

That

(demonstrative) The thing, person, idea, quality, event, action, or time indicated or understood from context, especially if more remote geographically, temporally or mentally than one designated as "this", or if expressing distinction.

That's my car over there.

He went home, and after that I never saw him again.

That

The known (thing); used to refer to something just said.

They're getting divorced. What do you think about that?

That

(demonstrative) The aforementioned quality or proposition; used to emphatically affirm or deny a previous statement or question.

The water is so cold! — That it is.

Would you like another piece of cake? — That I would!

We think that you stole the tarts. — That I did not!

That

(relative) (plural that) Which, who; representing a subject, direct object, indirect object, or object of a preposition.

The CPR course that she took really came in handy.

The house that he lived in was old and dilapidated.

That

(colloquial) Used in place of relative adverbs such as where or when; often omitted.

The place that [= where or to which] I went last year

The last time that [= when] I went to Europe

That

Clipping of that is; used to reinforce the preceding assertion or statement.

That's proper funny, that.

That

(degree) To a given extent or degree.

"The ribbon was that thin." "I disagree, I say it was not that thin, it was thicker... or maybe thinner..."

That

(degree) To a great extent or degree; very, particularly in negative constructions.

I'm just not that sick.

I did the run last year, and it wasn't that difficult.

That

To such an extent; so. in positive constructions.

Ooh, I was that happy I nearly kissed her.

That

(philosophy) Something being indicated that is there; one of those.

That

As a demonstrative pronoun (pl. Those), that usually points out, or refers to, a person or thing previously mentioned, or supposed to be understood. That, as a demonstrative, may precede the noun to which it refers; as, that which he has said is true; those in the basket are good apples.

The early fame of Gratian was equal to that of the most celebrated princes.

That be far from thee, to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked.

And when Moses heard that, he was content.

I will know your business, Harry, that I will.

Two principles in human nature reign;Self-love, to urge, and Reason, to restrain;Nor this a good, nor that a bad we call.

If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this or that.

That

As an adjective, that has the same demonstrative force as the pronoun, but is followed by a noun.

It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city.

The woman was made whole from that hour.

Upon a day out riden knightes two . . . That one of them came home, that other not.

That

As a relative pronoun, that is equivalent to who or which, serving to point out, and make definite, a person or thing spoken of, or alluded to, before, and may be either singular or plural.

He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame.

A judgment that is equal and impartial must incline to the greater probabilities.

We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen.

That I have done it is thyself to wite [blame].

The ship that somebody was sailing in.

I saw to-day a corpse yborn to churchThat now on Monday last I saw him wirche [work].

That that dieth, let it die; and that that is to cut off, let it be cut off.

That

As a conjunction, that retains much of its force as a demonstrative pronoun.

That

To introduce a clause employed as the object of the preceding verb, or as the subject or predicate nominative of a verb.

She tells them 't is a causeless fantasy,And childish error, that they are afraid.

I have shewed before, that a mere possibility to the contrary, can by no means hinder a thing from being highly credible.

That

As adverb: To such a degree; so; as, he was that frightened he could say nothing.

With singing, laughing, ogling, and all that.

The rank is but the guinea's stamp,The man's the gowd [gold] for a'that.

That

To introduce, a reason or cause; - equivalent to for that, in that, for the reason that, because.

He does hear me;And that he does, I weep.

That

To introduce a purpose; - usually followed by may, or might, and frequently preceded by so, in order, to the end, etc.

These things I say, that ye might be saved.

To the end that he may prolong his days.

That

To introduce a consequence, result, or effect; - usually preceded by so or such, sometimes by that.

The birds their notes renew, and bleating herdsAttest their joy, that hill and valley rings.

He gazed so longThat both his eyes were dazzled.

So wept Duessa until eventide,That shining lamps in Jove's high course were lit.

Is not this the dayThat Hermia should give answer of her choice?

That

In an elliptical sentence to introduce a dependent sentence expressing a wish, or a cause of surprise, indignation, or the like.

Ha, cousin Silence, that thou hadst seen that that this knight and I have seen!

O God, that right should thus overcome might!

To try if that our own be ours or no.

When he had carried Rome and that we lookedFor no less spoil than glory.

That

Used to introduce a clause reporting something.

He said that he was tired.

That

Used to refer back to something previously mentioned.

I prefer this to that.

That

Indicates something known to the listener.

That day was unforgettable.

FAQs

Does "That" imply emotional distance?

Often, it suggests less immediacy or empathy.

Can "This" refer to abstract concepts?

Yes, if they're current or under discussion.

Can "This" introduce a narrative?

Absolutely, it often starts stories or explanations.

Can "That" start a dependent clause?

Yes, it often introduces reported speech.

Does "This" require a listener's prior knowledge?

No, it can introduce new information.

Is "This" singular or plural?

It can be both, depending on the noun it refers to.

Can "That" be an adverb?

Rarely, but it can emphasize ("that" good).

Does "That" always follow a noun?

No, it can stand alone or introduce a clause.

Is "That" used for things physically far?

Yes, or separated contextually/in time.

Does "This" indicate closeness in relationships?

It can, by implying familiarity or immediacy.

Can "This" indicate emotional importance?

Yes, it can emphasize personal significance.

Is "That" formal or informal?

It's neutral, appropriate in any register.

Is "That" used in comparisons?

Frequently, especially contrasting with "this."

Can "This" refer to the current time?

Yes, like "this moment" or "this year."

Does "This" need visual presence?

Not always, but it often indicates something present.

Can "That" be plural?

Yes, "those" is the plural form.

Can "That" refer to the past?

Often, it's used for past events or situations.

Can "That" replace a subject or object?

Yes, it can stand for a person or thing mentioned before.

Is "This" used in questions?

Often, especially when indicating nearby options.

Can "This" be a demonstrative adjective?

Yes, like in "this book."

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About Author

Written by

Janet White

Janet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.

Edited by

Harlon Moss

Harlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.