These and this when to write. Demonstrative pronouns in English (this, that, these, those)
It will be useful for a beginner English speaker to understand the frequently used demonstrative pronouns that and this in English. If you understand their use at the very beginning, this will help you avoid frequent misconceptions and mistakes in the future. So what are their differences and similarities?
That or this? Where and how?
In English, everything is different from our native language. There, pronouns that indicate this and that can answer the questions "who?" So what?". And they serve as an addition and definition in a sentence. And they can even become, if necessary, an independent part of speech.
Despite the fact that they play the same general role, there is still a noticeable difference between that and this.
This - this, this, this.
That - that, that, that.
Translated into Russian, both pronouns define one object (or one person).
The significant difference between this and that is only the distance at which this object or person is from the speaker. To be more precise, this is what is nearby or close to the speaker, and that is what is far away from us.
This bird is mine. - This bird is mine.
That bird is yours. - That bird is yours.
Which word to choose - this or that? It all depends on where exactly this bird is located. The one sitting on my shoulder will be this bird. The one that is far from me, on a tree branch - that bird.
There will also be a difference between this and that when we talk about the remoteness of an object. But we are no longer talking about space, as in the previous example, but about time.
For example: That was funny! I had a wonderful time! - It was wonderful! I had a wonderful time!
If the narrator, remembering summer, talks about the past tense, then he pronounces that.
These and those. Difference and use of plural pronouns
Just as there is a difference between this and that, there are also differences in the plural pronouns these and those.
You need to remember when pronouns change their form:
If there are many objects, we change the form: this to these, and that to those.
These - these; Those - those.
These apples are mine. These apples are mine.
Those apples are yours. Those apples are yours.
Both pronouns indicate that there is more than one apple. The difference between these and those in the plural, as well as in the singular, is obvious. But that's not all. Distance also plays an important role.
These - these objects are close.
Those - those objects are far away.
Therefore, when choosing a pronoun, pay attention to the following:
1. How many (one or many).
2. Distance (here or there).
But this is not the only difference between this and that. In colloquial speech, it would be impolite to refer to someone using the pronoun this without the purpose of introducing them to someone.
For example: This is our gardener. - This is our gardener (there is a disrespectful attitude towards the gardener here)
Mom, this is Jon, my friend. Mom, dad, this is John, my friend.
In the first case, it is considered impolite to address the gardener, and in the second, John’s acquaintance with his mother. In this way, the difference between that and this will be obvious to an Englishman.
use this, that, these, those in a sentence
As mentioned above, singular and plural pronouns can be combined with words that answer the questions “who?” So what?".
Also, if this or that comes at the beginning of a sentence and is followed by a noun that modifies, then they must be followed by the verb to be. If the number is singular, then is, if it is plural, then are.
This is. This is a cat. - This is a cat.
These are. These are dogs. - These are dogs.
That is. That is a car. - That's a car.
Those are. Those are tomatoes. - Those are tomatoes.
Both this and that in these sentences play the role of the subject and are translated as “this”.
That and this without nouns can be seen in different forms offers:
Which dresses would you give, these or those? -Which dress should I give you: this or that?
Who is that? - Who is it there?
If the demonstrative pronoun is preceded by a word that answers the questions “who?” and “what?”, then it specifies an object or person:
This cat has drunk our milk. - This cat drank our milk.
In this example, the pronoun this specifies that it was this cat, and not some other, that drank all our milk.
The above examples clearly show the difference between that and this.
For Russian speakers, the translation “this” will be more familiar and pleasant. After all, as a rule, we don’t say “that”.
And although for us the difference between this and that does not play a special role, it will be fundamental for a native English speaker. Therefore, to avoid errors, it is better to use this.
How to pronounce these or this correctly
In spoken English it is difficult to hear the difference between these and this; they seem almost the same to us by ear. Therefore, it is important to immediately figure out how to speak clearly for residents of the UK and USA.
This is spoken with lightning speed, while the s at the end sounds like the Russian “s” - dull. But these are better pronounced with a long, drawn-out “and” sound. And at the end it is important to hear the “z” hard, not the “s”.
But how can you tell the difference? The answer is simple: if you learn to pronounce these pronouns accurately from the very beginning, then in a conversation with your interlocutor you will also clearly hear what the difference is between that and this.
Anyone who strives to improve the English language can first begin to do this by understanding where and how to correctly use such simple words as this and that. After all, you can’t do without them. Very often, almost everywhere, they are found in English expressions. And, of course, it is best to do this with real native English speakers.
Greetings, everyone! Today we'll talk about the basics. We will tell you the difference between “this / that” and “these / those”, explain their meaning, give clear examples and decorate it all with a final table with the difference.
It's time to dispel doubts and find out the difference in order to be 200% confident in using one of the most common words in English.
This and That
The main difference is distance of the object from the speaker.
You need to use " this"[ðɪs] - this / this / this, when the object is close to the speaker (he is holding it in his hands, for example), and " that» [ðæt] - that / that / that when it is at a distance or outside the field of view of the speaker or listener.
This is my cat (pointing at a cat on my lap).
This my cat (pointing to him on her lap).
That is his dog (pointing at a dog beside some stranger on the street).
Ta his dog (pointing to the dog next to the stranger on the street).
Note that tense will also affect the use of "this" and "that" as demonstrative pronouns.
If something happened in the past, use " that" would be more appropriate. Although in Russian we still say “this”.
You can, of course, say “that”, but it will sound suspiciously strange. There is no need for clarification, which cannot be said about English.
He didn't die yet. That made me think.
He's not dead yet. This got me thinking.
On the other hand, if the event has not yet occurred, then the appropriate form would be " this».
She won't go to church tomorrow. This is quite strange.
She won't go to church tomorrow. This quite strange.
It’s surprising that Americans, when they pick up the phone, usually say: “ Who is this?", and the British - " Who is that?».
Usually we use " that", speaking about things, but not about people or animals:
Right: - Have you met Mr. Rogers? - The one with the stupid haircut or silly mustache?
Wrong: That who has stupid haircut?
These and Those
In a formal context, especially in scientific activity When talking about the similarity of something, we use " that of / those of" instead of "the one of / the ones of".
The proton has a similar mass to that of a neutron.
A proton has a similar mass to a neutron proton.
The emotions in the poems are those of loss and grief.
The emotions in the poems reflect loss and grief.
How to use these pronouns
- In the role defining word:
What's in this bag?
That whiskey tastes strange.
I might get myself a pair of those Nikes.
- In the role pronouns(meaning things or ideas):
Come and look at this.
That's a very bad idea.
Can I have one of these?
Uses of this and that
Emotional distance
Sometimes we use this, that, these and those to refer to things that make us happy.
For example, you can use " this/these”, referring to something we approve of or feel positive about.
I love this new woolen smartphone cover that you can get.
I like this new wool phone case, which you can get.
We use " that/those” to create distance.
What are you going to say to that friend of yours?
What are you going to say that friend of mine?
We use " those", talking about objects inside the room where we were.
I didn't like his house. It had those awful paintings.
I didn't like his house. It contained those terrible pictures.
Sharing knowledge and new information
Often this happens when we are telling a story or explaining something.
You know that waterfall in the forest nearby? Well, they're gonna privatize it.
You know That waterfall in the forest nearby? Well, they're going to privatize it.
« This" is sometimes used instead of "a/an" when we are referring to something important or recent, or when introducing someone to a new person or thing in our history.
This guy today knocked on the door and asked if I wanted to talk about God.
This the guy knocked on the door and asked if I wanted to talk about God.
Physical proximity and distance
We use " this", And " these» most often, pointing to things and people that are close to the speaker or writer, or to what is happening at the moment.
Shall I use this knife here?
I should take advantage this with a knife?
I'll post these letters on my way home.
I'll throw it in these letters to the post office on the way home.
We use " that" And " those”, pointing out things and people that are not easily identified in a situation. They are often located at a distance from the speaker, and sometimes closer to the listener.
What's in that bottle over there?
What's in it that bottle there?
Sometimes things are not visible to either the speaker or the listener.
Death Star! That's my favorite star!
Death Star! This my favorite star!
Useful expressions and phrases
That's it- exclamation when solving a problem: “that’s all!”; in the role of agreement: “yes, right”, “exactly!”, “whoa!”, “period!; in the role of the final replica in an unambiguous plan: “that’s it!”, “that’s enough!”, “dry the oars!”; interrogative meaning in the sense of “that’s all?”, “oh well?”.
That's it! I"m not putting up with any more of her rudeness!
That's it! I won't tolerate her rudeness anymore!
That's it, it is working now.
That's all! Now it works.
That's alright(that's ok) - both expressions can be used to express forgiveness.
- Sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you.
-That's ok.
- Sorry, I didn't mean to offend you.
- Everything is fine.
That's right is one of the most popular answers in English. Says that you agree or confirm someone else's words.
Translations: exactly like that, right, exactly, absolutely, just about, like that.
- You must be one lucky son of a b*tch, right?
- You must be a lucky son of a bitch, huh?
- That's right, I am. What?
- That's right. What?
And others:
this one time only(this once, just for once) - only 1 time;
this one is still kicking- this one is still alive;
this one is as good as any- this one is no better than any other;
this side of the Black Stump- on “this side” (where there is water, trees, life);
this said- at the same time (despite the fact that ...), everything said means that ... ;
this and that- this and that; bench stoves;
those against?- who is against?;
those abstaining- abstained from voting;
those and those ones- both;
those are her days- on these days she receives (guests, for example).
Is this one taken?- Is it busy/free here?;
What's all this/that about?- What kind of news is this!; Here's more news!;
This is it!- Here it is!; This is what I was looking for!; This is a critical moment!; Fine!; Right!; That's the point!
| This/These | That/That | |
| Meaning | Pronouns and modifier. | |
| Use | 1) With people and objects near the speaker or listener in singular/plural. 2) To introduce someone. 3) Speaking about close time periods. 4) Referring to what will happen in the future, to what has not yet happened, or to what we are going to say or do. 5) Referring to something important or recently happened, or when introducing someone new person or thing in our 6) Speaking about things close in time or location to the speaker or happening at the moment. 7) Referring to something we approve of or feel positive about. |
1) With people and objects away from the speaker or listener in singular/plural. Do you want to sit down on that bench over there? 2) Talking about events in the past. 3) Talking about what just happened. 5) In a formal context, especially in scientific activities, talking about the similarity of something. 6) Talking about objects inside the room where we were. 7) To create a sense of distance. |
Conclusion
Let's summarize:
This/that- here & singular / there & singular.
These/those- here & plural / there & plural.
We hope you enjoyed it and discovered something new. After all, this is why we are here writing to you! Enjoy your correct English and aim for more!
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Big and friendly EnglishDom family
How demonstrative pronouns are used in spoken English.
Demonstrative pronouns:
this, this, this these - this
that, that, then - that
those - those
this is it
such, such - such
the same (s), the same (same) - the same
That/that. This/these.
1. This (these)index fingers pronouns used:
to indicate an object located close to the speaker.
This old woman is Mr. White's secretary.
This elderly woman is Mr. White's secretary.
to describe situations relating to the future or present time.
We are sorry but Dr. White is out at this moment.
We're sorry, but Dr. White is not available at the moment.
I'm seeing Tom this Sunday.
I'm meeting Tom this Sunday.
in a situation where you introduce people to each other or introduce yourself over the phone.
Kate, this is Liz and these are my friends Bob and Ted.
Katya, this is Lisa, and these are my friends Bob and Ted.
2. Those/that are used:
To indicate an object or person located at a certain distance from the speaker.
Look at those new beautiful buses over there! they are his!
Look at those beautiful new buses over there! They are his!
to describe situations related to the past.
That month spent at the seaside was the best in my life!
That month spent on the sea coast was the best of my life.
when talking on the phone, to clarify who you are talking to.
"Hello! This is Lilia Smith. Who is that, please?”
"Hello. My name is Lilia Smith. Who, tell me, am I talking to?
3. these/ this, those/that are used as pronouns and independently without a noun behind it.
Let's have a talk over this. Let's discuss this.
These peaches are riper than those in the basket.
These peaches are riper than the ones in the basket.
4. If in interrogative sentence If the pronouns these /those are used, then in the answers they are replaced by they.
Are these papers yours? Are these your papers?
Yes, they are. Yes.
It
It is also used as a demonstrative pronoun.
It is a candle. This is a candle.
5. When answering special and general questions containing this or that, the pronoun it is used
Is that a butterfly over there? Is that a butterfly over there?
Yes, it is. Yes.
What is this? What is this?
It is a beetle. It's a beetle.
It or There?
How to use It correctly:
1) in sentences with It +be + adjective + to infinitive, highlighting the adjective, or it + be + adjective (+ that)
It is useless to know how it works without manual.
It's useless to know how it works without instructions.
It was coincident (that) Zinaida met her future husband in Paris.
What a coincidence that Zinaida met her future husband in Paris.
2) When we talk about the weather It has been foggy today.
Today it was foggy.
It has been snowing here since 2 o’clock.
It has been snowing since 2 o'clock.
3) When we ask for the exact time -What is the time?
What time is it?
-It is 23.30 sharp.
Exactly twenty three thirty.
4) When we describe places (terrains)
It is always calm and beautiful here at the lake.
Here by the lake it is always quiet and beautiful.
5) When we use phrases like it is becoming/ it is going to...
It is going to be boring at Rubik’s party.
Rubek's party promises to be boring.
It is becoming less and less interesting film to watch on TV. There are less and less interesting movies to watch on TV.
There
Used when there is a combination: there + be (is, are, will be, have/has/had been, was, were):
1) When we say that something exists somewhere (is, exists, is located)
There is wooden old church in my village.
In my village there is an old wooden church.
2) When we indicate the presence of something, someone
I’m sure there was some people at the restaurant.
I'm sure there were several people outside the restaurant.
3) When we indicate that something is happening or will happen in the future
There was a wedding here 3 hours ago.
There was a wedding here 3 hours ago.
If there is an enumeration in the sentence, then in the phrases there is / are be consistent in number with the first noun.
There was his aunt, two cousins and Granny at my last birthday party. My birthday party last year was attended by his uncle, two cousins and grandmother.
- What is the difference between pronouns this and it in English.
- Features of use this and it in an English sentence.
- Difference this and it with examples of use.
Anyone learning English using an audio course VoxBook, which is based on fiction without simplifying the text, I should be interested in in what case they are used this and it, and how they differ in sentences similar to the following:
This is a pen.
It is a pen.
This is a demonstrative pronoun and is translated: this, this, this.
It is a personal pronoun and is translated: he, she, it, his, her, him, her.
In some cases the pronoun it is indicative in nature, and is translated in the same way as this in a word: This.
Let's look at the difference between it and this in English:
| IT | THIS |
|---|---|
|
It- used to return to things or situations that were just written or spoken about, i.e. to known things or situations. Replaces a noun denoting an inanimate object or animal (when its gender is unknown). It- does not place any emphasis on a thing or situation without indicating the position of the subject. |
This or that- used to define something with special emphasis. Also drives a new one not previously known fact in conversation or writing. This- puts the main emphasis on the word “this”, one might say points with a finger at a specific object located nearby. That - “that” indicates a specific object that is far away. This pencil is mine. This is my pencil. That pencil is yours. That pencil is yours. This is my pencil and that is yours. This is my pencil, and this one is yours. |
| Indicates a Noun: | |
| It will merge the laptop OS with the iPad and iPhone OS. Apple is about to release a new operating system. It will combine the laptop OS with the iPad and iPhone OS. |
Apple is going to release a new operating system. This will be a huge step in merging the laptop OS with the iPad and iPhone OS. Apple is about to release a new operating system. This will be a huge step in combining laptop OS with iPad and iPhone OS. |
(It- refers to the preceding noun: operating system, replacing it.) | (This- refers to the preceding noun: operating system, underlining it.) |
|
He looked round, and, see! the book was unfastened
[he looked around and saw! (that) the book was unlocked]
; ...The boy rushed to it
[the boy hurried towards her]
and unclosed volume
[and opened the volume] . It was written with red and black ink
[it was written "with" in red and black ink]
, and much of it he could not understand
[and much of it he could not understand];
(English Fairy Tales - "The Master And His Pupil") |
So they went along, and they went along, and they went along,
[they “walked alongside/forward” and...]
till they came to a narrow and dark hole
[until they came to a narrow and dark hole]
. Now this was the door of Foxy-woxy"s cave
[so this was the door of Foxy-voxie's closet/cave]
. But Foxy-woxy said to Henny-penny, Cocky-locky, Ducky-daddles, Goosey-poosey, and Turkey-lurkey:
[but Foxy-woxy said "to" Henny-penny, Cocky-locky, Ducky-doodles, Goosey-pusey]
"This is the short way to the king's palace
[this "is" a shortcut to the royal palace]
...
(English Fairy Tales - "Henny-Penny") |
(It- replaces a noun book And volume.) | (This- emphasizes the preceding noun hole And cave; this particular hole.) |
Indicates the situation: | Indicates the situation: |
| It Another employee lost a prototype of the future iPhone. This became the basis for an official search for the missing phone. |
Another employee has lost an iPhone prototype. This set off an official search for the missing phone. Another employee lost a prototype of the future iPhone. This was the basis for the official search for the missing phone. |
(It- refers to the situation from the previous sentence.) | (This- emphasizes the situation of the previous sentence.) |
|
...but what it struck eight o"clock
[but as “it” struck eight o’clock: to strike - to strike;]
, when Bang, bang [when Boom, boom] went one of the largest man-of-war vessels
[one of the big warships came]
; and it made Jack jump out of bed
[and this made/caused Jack to jump out of bed: jump out - jump out]
to look through the window [to look "through" = out the window];
(English Fairy Tales - " Jack and his Golden Snuff-box") |
and Jack, when she was not standing by
[and Jack when she wasn't standing nearby], cut off Lucifer's head [cuts off Lucifer's head]
and brought it under his invisible coat to his master
[and brought her under his invisibility jacket to his master]
, who the next morning pulled it out by the horns before the lady
[who the next morning pulled her out by the horns in front of the lady]
. This broke the enchantment
[this broke the spell] and the evil spirit left her [And evil spirit left her]
, and she appeared in all her beauty
[and she appeared in all her beauty].
(English Fairy Tales - "Jack the Giant Killer") |
(It- refers to the situation in the sentence.) | (This- emphasizes the situation.) |
In the VoxBook audio course, sentences with the words this and it are often found. The article examines only some of these examples. After studying the audio course, you will be able to translate, correctly pronounce and use this and it, as well as other phrases in any text or conversation.
Interlinear translation of the audio course will greatly speed up the memorization of new words. Competent and correct speech The native speakers who have narrated the VoxBook audio course guarantee that you will receive perfect pronunciation.
| |
Thanks to the VoxBook audio course, you will achieve wonderful, outstanding results in learning English, even those that seem impossible to you. All this is due to the fact that you were simply curious, installing the VoxBook audio course on your computer, and having installed the audio course, you were smart enough to understand what it promises you in the future.
Difference between this and it - examples of use.
- This introduces the concept into conversation It continues the conversation about the previously introduced concept. It replaces the introduced concept and is used to avoid repeating the word.
This is a road. This is the road. (Introduces the concept into the conversation)
It is a good road. This is a good road. (continues)
....
Look at this tree. Look at this tree. (Introduces the concept into the conversation)
It is full of fruit. It is full of fruits. (continues)
....
This is a nice house. This nice house. (Introduces the concept into the conversation)
It is neat add clean. He is neat and clean. (continues)"I will lay down some money for him, from my own purse [I'll shell out some money for him, from my own wallet]"; but her father told her [but her father told her] : "This will not do, for it must be something of his own [this “will not do” = will not do, for it must be something of his own] ."
(English Fairy Tales - "Whittington And His Cat")
(First time this, next time it.)
- Unlike the word it, this can be used as a definition and can appear immediately before a noun.
For example:is good. This book is good.
But..., that is, it cannot be placed immediately before book. While this is possible, compare:Is a good thing. This book is good.
is a good. This is a good book. - Pronoun it can be used in intensifying sentences as a formal subject, as an intensifying and is usually translated by the words exactly, this, just.
Answer to the question Who's there? when knocking on the door: It's me, Jon! Me. / It's me, John.
Answer during roll call: It "s me (I) I am. / Here. / Present.Home came the giant [a giant came home] , and a great big tree in his hand [and a great big tree in his hand], and he took down the sack [and he “took down” = lowered the bag], and began to batter it [and started hitting him]. His wife cried [the wife screamed], " It's me, man[it's me, husband] "; but the dog barked [but the dog barked] and the cat mewed [and the cat meowed] , and he did not know his wife's voice [and he didn't recognize his wife's voice] .
(English Fairy Tales - "Molly Whuppie")
- Another significant difference is that the pronoun it used in impersonal sentences as a formal subject that is not translated. For example:
It's five past twelve. The time is five minutes past twelve.
It is two o'clock. Two hours.
It's rains. It's raining.
It is cold. Cold.
It is warm. Warm.
It's hot. Hot.
It's winter. Winter.
It is spring. Spring.
It is getting dark. It's getting dark.
It was interesting to read this article. It was interesting to read this article.
Take a look at an example of an impersonal sentence from the VoxBook audio course and its translation. The audio course uses word-by-word translation, so the word It is translated, but placed in quotation marks, which means “translation of the word as it is.” Such a translation must either be omitted, as in the example below, or replaced with a translation after the equal sign, as in the examples above.
One day the rose-tree flowered [one day “rose-tree”= the rose bloomed: one day - once; once upon a time;] . It was spring ["it" was spring] and there among the flowers was a white bird [and there among the flowers was white bird] ; and it sang, and sang [and she sang and sang], and sang like an angel out of heaven [and sang like an angel from heaven]. Away it flew [she flew away]...(English Fairy Tales - "The Rose Tree")
Conclusions:
1. This- introduces a new one, and it- a well-known fact in discussion. 2. This- used if you need to point to a specific object in the field of view or highlight this object against the background of other objects 3. Pronouns this- indicating a person, object, event or action close in place or close in time. 4. This- used as a definition and stands before a noun. 5. Pronoun it- usually refers to an inanimate thing, or is used in relation to a person, thing, idea, taken in the abstract. 6. It- can be a substitute word for a previously mentioned noun and act as a subject or object. 7. It- used in impersonal sentences as a formal subject, not translated into Russian. 8. It- used in intensifying sentences as a subject.
