That vs. These

Attribute	That	These
Number	Singular	Plural
Distance	Farther away	Closer
Proximity	Distant	Nearby
Referent	Specific	General

Definition

That and these are both demonstrative pronouns used to indicate specific objects or people in a sentence. That is used to refer to something that is farther away in distance or time, while these is used to refer to things that are closer in distance or time.

Usage

That is typically used when referring to singular nouns or uncountable nouns, while these is used when referring to plural nouns. For example, you would say "that book" to refer to a single book on a shelf, but you would say "these books" to refer to multiple books on a table.

Distance

As mentioned earlier, that is used to refer to objects or people that are farther away, whether in physical distance or in time. For example, if you are pointing to a building across the street, you would say "that building." These, on the other hand, is used for objects or people that are closer to the speaker. For instance, if you are holding a stack of papers, you would say "these papers."

Clarity

Using that and these correctly can help to clarify the meaning of a sentence. By using that to refer to something farther away and these to refer to something closer, you can provide more context for the listener or reader. This can prevent confusion and ensure that your message is clear and easily understood.

Examples

Here are some examples to illustrate the difference between that and these:

• That car is parked in the driveway.
• These shoes are too small for me.
• That movie we watched last night was really good.
• These cookies are delicious!

Context

It's important to consider the context in which you are using that and these. Depending on the situation, one may be more appropriate than the other. For instance, if you are discussing something in the past, you would likely use that to refer to it. If you are talking about something in the present or near future, you would use these.

Consistency

Consistency in using that and these can help to maintain coherence in your writing or speech. If you start by using that to refer to something, it's best to continue using that to avoid confusion. The same goes for these. Mixing them up can lead to misunderstandings and make your communication less effective.

Conclusion

In conclusion, that and these are both important demonstrative pronouns that help to clarify the objects or people being referred to in a sentence. By understanding the differences between that and these, you can use them effectively to provide context and clarity in your communication. Remember to consider distance, usage, and context when choosing between that and these to ensure that your message is clear and easily understood.