That vs. That vs. This vs. That

Attribute	That vs. That	This vs. That
Distance	Farther	Closer
Proximity	Distant	Nearby
Time	Past	Present
Subject	Third person	First person

Introduction

When it comes to using the words "that" and "this" in English, it's important to understand the subtle differences between them. Both words are commonly used to refer to something specific, but they are used in different contexts. In this article, we will explore the attributes of "that" vs. "that" and "this" vs. "that" to help you use them correctly in your writing and speech.

Usage of That vs. That

The word "that" can be used as a pronoun, determiner, adverb, or conjunction. As a pronoun, "that" is used to point to something specific that is further away in distance or time. For example, "That is the book I was looking for." As a determiner, "that" is used before a noun to indicate a specific person or thing. For example, "I want that book." As an adverb, "that" is used to emphasize a particular quality or action. For example, "He is that good." As a conjunction, "that" is used to introduce a clause that provides more information about a previous statement. For example, "I know that you are busy."

Usage of This vs. That

The word "this" is also used as a pronoun, determiner, adverb, or conjunction. However, "this" is used to refer to something specific that is closer in distance or time. For example, "This is the book I was looking for." As a determiner, "this" is used before a noun to indicate a specific person or thing that is nearby. For example, "I want this book." As an adverb, "this" is used to emphasize a particular quality or action that is happening now. For example, "He is this good." As a conjunction, "this" is used to introduce a clause that provides more immediate information. For example, "I know this is important."

Distinguishing Between That vs. That

One key difference between "that" and "that" is the distance or time they refer to. "That" refers to something further away or in the past, while "that" refers to something closer or more recent. For example, if you are talking about a book on a shelf across the room, you would use "that book." But if you are holding a book in your hand, you would use "this book." This distinction helps to clarify the specific object or idea being referenced in a sentence.

Comparing This vs. That

When comparing "this" and "that," it's important to consider the context in which they are used. "This" is often used to introduce a new idea or topic, while "that" is used to refer back to something previously mentioned. For example, if you are discussing a current project, you might say "This is our main focus right now." But if you are referring to a past event, you might say "That was a challenging time for us." By understanding the context in which these words are used, you can effectively communicate your thoughts and ideas.

Examples of That vs. That and This vs. That

Here are some examples to illustrate the differences between "that" vs. "that" and "this" vs. "that":

• "I want that book." (referring to a book on a shelf)
• "I want this book." (referring to a book in your hand)
• "That was a great movie." (referring to a movie you watched last week)
• "This is a great movie." (referring to a movie you are currently watching)
• "I know that you are busy." (referring to someone's busy schedule)
• "I know this is important." (referring to the importance of a current situation)

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the differences between "that" vs. "that" and "this" vs. "that" can help you communicate more effectively in English. By paying attention to the distance or time frame being referenced, as well as the context in which these words are used, you can ensure that your writing and speech are clear and precise. Practice using these words in various sentences to become more comfortable with their usage, and remember to always consider the specific object or idea you are referring to when choosing between "that" and "that" or "this" and "that."