This/that

Question

Could someone explain me the difference in using those words?

Prodigy · Accepted Answer

Hey, Voytaszek.

This and That are demonstratives, which can act as determiners (words that modify nouns; modifying a noun, acting like an adjective): Demonstrative Determiner and as a pronoun: Demonstrative Pronouns.

This and That also have plural forms, - These and Those.

As Demonstrative Pronouns:

As demonstrative pronouns, This and That will stand alone, replacing a pronoun or noun; remember: you can only use them as pronouns when the expected nouns have been previously mentioned or the listener knows what you are referring to.

They are used to point out things close or away from the speaker/listener; suppose you are looking for your toy, and you find it on the floor about 20 feet away from you (very far), so you tell your friend: That is my toy!

Why That and not This? Because "That" is used for things away from the speaker/listener.

Now suppose you are looking for your keys, and you find in your other hand, so you say: This is my key!

Why This and not That? Because "This" is used for things close to the speaker/listener.

As Determiners:

As Determiners, the demonstratives This and That will act as an adjective, describing one noun:

That/Those key(s) is(are) mine! - Used to point out a key away from the speaker.

This/These key(s) is(are) mine! - Used to point out a key close to the speaker.

REMEMBER: If the plural form is used, the subject and the verb must also agree with it:

Those key is mine!

Those keys are mine!

This/that

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