That vs. That Over There

Attribute	That	That Over There
Distance	Close to the speaker	Further away from the speaker
Proximity	Near	Distant
Specificity	Refers to something close by	Refers to something further away
Visibility	Visible to the speaker	Not visible to the speaker

Definition and Usage

Both "that" and "that over there" are demonstrative pronouns used to point out specific things or people. However, they are used in slightly different contexts. "That" is used to refer to something that is close to the speaker or the listener, while "that over there" is used to refer to something that is farther away from both the speaker and the listener.

Distance

One of the key differences between "that" and "that over there" is the distance they indicate. When someone says "that," they are typically referring to something within arm's reach or close proximity. On the other hand, when someone says "that over there," they are pointing to something that is further away, perhaps across the room or down the street.

Clarity

While both "that" and "that over there" are used to point out specific objects, "that over there" provides more clarity in terms of the location of the object being referred to. By adding "over there" to "that," the speaker is able to give a clearer indication of where the object is located in relation to the speaker and the listener. This can be especially helpful in situations where there are multiple objects in close proximity.

Informality

Another difference between "that" and "that over there" is the level of formality in their usage. "That" is often used in casual conversations or everyday language, while "that over there" may sound more formal or polite. The choice between the two phrases can depend on the context of the conversation and the relationship between the speaker and the listener.

Emphasis

When someone uses "that over there" instead of just "that," it can add emphasis to the object being referred to. By including "over there," the speaker is drawing attention to the specific location of the object and highlighting its significance in the conversation. This can be a useful tool for emphasizing a particular point or directing someone's attention to a specific object.

Examples

Here are some examples to illustrate the difference between "that" and "that over there":

• "Can you pass me that book?" (referring to a book on the table)
• "Can you pass me that book over there?" (referring to a book on the shelf across the room)
• "I like that car." (referring to a car in the parking lot)
• "I like that car over there." (referring to a car parked at a distance)

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both "that" and "that over there" serve the purpose of pointing out specific objects, they differ in terms of distance, clarity, formality, emphasis, and usage. Understanding the nuances of these two phrases can help improve communication and ensure that the intended object is correctly identified. Whether you choose to use "that" or "that over there" depends on the context of the conversation and the level of detail needed to convey your message effectively.