Her vs. That

Attribute	Her	That
Gender	Feminine	Neutral
Proximity	Close	Distant
Referent	Specific	General
Subject	Third person singular	Third person singular

Introduction

When it comes to comparing the attributes of "her" and "that," it's important to consider the various qualities and characteristics that each possess. While both words are commonly used in everyday language, they can have different connotations and implications depending on the context in which they are used. In this article, we will explore the similarities and differences between "her" and "that" to gain a better understanding of how they are used and what they represent.

Definition and Usage

First and foremost, it's important to establish the definitions of "her" and "that" in order to understand their attributes. "Her" is a pronoun used to refer to a female person or animal that has already been mentioned or is known from the context. It is typically used to indicate possession or as the object of a verb or preposition. On the other hand, "that" is a determiner used to indicate a specific person, thing, idea, or situation that has already been mentioned or is known from the context. It can also be used as a pronoun to introduce a clause or to refer to something that is further away in distance or time.

Similarities

Despite their differences in usage, "her" and "that" do share some similarities in terms of their attributes. Both words are used to refer to something specific or known from the context, whether it be a person, thing, idea, or situation. They are also both commonly used in everyday language to provide clarity and specificity in communication. Additionally, both words can be used to indicate possession or as the object of a verb or preposition, depending on the context in which they are used.

Differences

While "her" and "that" have some similarities, they also have distinct differences in their attributes. One key difference is that "her" is specifically used to refer to a female person or animal, whereas "that" can refer to any person, thing, idea, or situation regardless of gender. Additionally, "her" is typically used to indicate possession or as the object of a verb or preposition, while "that" is used to introduce a specific person, thing, idea, or situation or to refer to something further away in distance or time.

Examples

To better illustrate the attributes of "her" and "that," let's consider some examples of how each word is used in context. For example, in the sentence "I saw her at the store," the word "her" is used to refer to a specific female person who was seen at the store. In contrast, in the sentence "I like that book," the word "that" is used to refer to a specific book that is liked by the speaker. These examples demonstrate how "her" and "that" are used to provide specificity and clarity in communication.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while "her" and "that" may seem like simple words, they each have unique attributes that distinguish them from one another. "Her" is specifically used to refer to a female person or animal and is often used to indicate possession or as the object of a verb or preposition. On the other hand, "that" is a determiner used to indicate a specific person, thing, idea, or situation that has already been mentioned or is known from the context. By understanding the differences and similarities between "her" and "that," we can better appreciate the nuances of language and how words are used to convey meaning in communication.