That vs. That vs. This

Attribute	That vs. That	This
Distance	Farther away	Closer
Time	Past or future	Present
Specificity	Referring to specific things	Referring to something nearby
Emphasis	Emphasizing a choice between two options	Emphasizing something close or immediate

Introduction

When it comes to the English language, the words "that" and "this" are commonly used to refer to objects, people, or ideas. While they may seem similar at first glance, there are distinct differences between the two that can affect how they are used in sentences. In this article, we will explore the attributes of "that" vs. "that" and "this" to help you understand when to use each one correctly.

Definition and Usage of "That"

The word "that" is a demonstrative pronoun that is used to indicate something specific or previously mentioned. It can also be used as a determiner to introduce a clause or phrase. For example, in the sentence "I like that book," "that" is used to refer to a specific book. "That" can also be used as a conjunction to introduce a subordinate clause, as in "She said that she would be late."

One key attribute of "that" is that it is often used to refer to something that is farther away in space or time. For example, if you are pointing to a book across the room, you might say "that book" to refer to it. Additionally, "that" is often used in formal writing or speech to add clarity and precision to a sentence.

Definition and Usage of "This"

Like "that," the word "this" is also a demonstrative pronoun that is used to indicate something specific or previously mentioned. However, "this" is typically used to refer to something that is closer in space or time. For example, in the sentence "I like this book," "this" is used to refer to a book that is nearby.

In addition to being used as a pronoun, "this" can also be used as a determiner to introduce a clause or phrase. For example, in the sentence "This is the book that I was talking about," "this" is used to introduce the book that is being discussed. "This" can also be used as a pronoun to refer to an idea or concept that has just been mentioned, as in "This is a great opportunity."

Comparison of Attributes

When comparing the attributes of "that" vs. "that" and "this," one of the key differences is their proximity in space or time. "That" is typically used to refer to something that is farther away, while "this" is used to refer to something that is closer. This distinction can help add clarity to a sentence and make it easier for the reader or listener to understand what is being referred to.

Another difference between "that" and "this" is their formality. "That" is often used in formal writing or speech to add precision and clarity, while "this" is more commonly used in informal contexts. For example, you might say "I like this movie" when talking to a friend, but you might say "I like that film" in a more formal setting.

Examples of Usage

To further illustrate the differences between "that" and "this," let's look at some examples of how each word is used in sentences:

• "I prefer that restaurant over this one." (referring to a restaurant farther away)
• "This is the book that I was looking for." (referring to a book nearby)
• "That is a great idea." (referring to an idea mentioned earlier)
• "I can't believe this happened." (referring to something that just occurred)

Conclusion

In conclusion, while "that" and "this" may seem similar, they have distinct attributes that affect how they are used in sentences. "That" is typically used to refer to something farther away in space or time and is often used in formal contexts, while "this" is used to refer to something closer and is more commonly used in informal settings. By understanding the differences between "that" vs. "that" and "this," you can improve your writing and communication skills and ensure that your meaning is clear to your audience.