This vs. That – Which is Correct?

Both this and that are correct American English words. Use this for a person, thing, or idea that is near, present, or newly mentioned; use that for something farther away, previously mentioned, or understood from context. Write this or that according to meaning, not spelling, in every sentence you write.

This or That — Which Is Correct?

This and that are both correct. The choice depends on distance, context, and whether you are referring to something being introduced or something already known. Both words can function as demonstrative determiners before nouns, demonstrative pronouns by themselves, and words that identify a particular person, object, statement, or idea.

Use this when the subject feels close to the speaker, is physically nearby, is happening now, or is being introduced. Use that when the subject feels more distant, happened earlier, has already been mentioned, or belongs to a separate situation.

The word write is a separate verb meaning to form words with a pen, keyboard, or other tool. Therefore, the phrase “write this or that” means to choose between the words this and that while composing a sentence.

The Best Trick to Remember the Difference

Use the distance test: this is close, and that is farther away. You can point to something near you and say, “This book.” Point to something across the room and say, “That book.” The same idea works with time and conversation: this often introduces the current point, while that often points back to an earlier point.

How to Use This

This identifies a singular noun that is close in space, time, or conversation. It can describe something physically nearby, a current event, a recently stated idea, or a point that the speaker wants to emphasize. Its tone is neutral and natural in both casual and formal writing.

As a determiner, this comes directly before a singular noun. As a pronoun, it can stand alone when the meaning is clear.

Example 1: This document contains the information you requested.

Example 2: I cannot believe this is happening today.

Example 3: This is the best solution we have considered so far.

What are the different forms of This?

This is singular. Its plural form is these, which refers to multiple people, objects, or ideas that are near or current. The word does not change for grammatical gender.

• Singular: This chair is comfortable.
• Plural: These chairs are comfortable.

Etymology of the word This

This comes from Old English þes and related Germanic forms. It has served as a demonstrative word for referring to something nearby for more than a thousand years. Its modern spelling developed through changes in English pronunciation and spelling.

How to Use That

That identifies a singular noun that is distant in space, time, or discussion. It can point to something physically far away, refer to an earlier event, or distinguish one idea from another. It is also commonly used to refer back to information that the reader or listener already understands.

In addition to functioning as a demonstrative determiner or pronoun, that can act as a conjunction or relative pronoun. In the comparison “this or that,” however, it normally serves as a demonstrative word.

Example 1: That building across the street was once a theater.

Example 2: I remember that conversation clearly.

Example 3: That is exactly what the manager explained yesterday.

What are the different forms of That?

That is singular. Its plural form is those, which refers to multiple people, objects, or ideas that are farther away, less immediate, or previously mentioned.

• Singular: That house has a red door.
• Plural: Those houses have red doors.

Etymology of the word That

That developed from the Old English demonstrative þæt. It is related to other Germanic demonstratives and has long been used to identify something separated from the speaker by physical distance, time, or attention.

Related Concepts

Understanding demonstratives, number, and conversational reference makes it easier to decide whether this or that fits a sentence.

• Demonstrative determiners: Demonstrative determiners come before nouns to identify specific people, objects, or ideas. Examples include this book, that answer, these notes, and those results.
• Demonstrative pronouns: Demonstrative pronouns stand alone rather than modifying a noun. Examples include “This is useful” and “That was unexpected.”
• Singular and plural agreement: Use this and that with singular nouns, and use these and those with plural nouns.
• Discourse reference: Writers often use this to introduce or emphasize a current idea and that to refer back to an earlier idea.

Examples from Media and Literature

Writers, journalists, and screenwriters use this and that to manage distance, emphasis, and references within a story or argument.

• News writing: A report may introduce a current development with wording such as “This decision affects thousands of residents.”
• Historical writing: A biography may refer to an earlier event by saying, “That experience shaped her later career.”
• Fiction: A character holding an object might say, “This key opens the door,” while pointing toward a distant object with “That key belongs to the caretaker.”
• Film dialogue: A speaker may use “This is our chance” to emphasize an immediate opportunity and “That was our mistake” to refer to a past event.
• Persuasive essays: An author may write, “This evidence supports the proposal,” after presenting new evidence, then write, “That claim is unsupported,” when discussing an opposing argument.

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct word to complete each sentence.

1. ___ sandwich in my hand is still warm. (this or that)
2. Do you remember ___ concert we attended last summer? (this or that)
3. ___ are the files I need to submit today. (these or those)
4. ___ mountain in the distance is covered with snow. (this or that)
5. ___ is an important point, so let us examine it carefully. (this or that)

Answer Key

1. This — The sandwich is near the speaker.
2. That — The concert occurred in the past and is being recalled.
3. These — The files are plural and immediately relevant.
4. That — The mountain is physically distant.
5. This — The sentence introduces or emphasizes the current point.

This Synonyms

That Synonyms

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Is “this or that” grammatically correct?
Yes. “This or that” is a correct phrase used to present two alternatives. It can refer to physical objects, abstract ideas, choices, or possible actions.

Question 2: Should I use “this” or “that” for something I just mentioned?
Either word may be correct depending on your intended emphasis. Use this when you want to bring an idea into focus or connect it to the current discussion. Use that when you are looking back at an idea as separate or already established.

Question 3: What is the plural of “this” and “that”?
The plural of this is these. The plural of that is those. For example, write “this idea” and “these ideas,” or “that idea” and “those ideas.”

Conclusion

This and that are both correct, but they communicate different relationships to distance, time, and context. Choose this for something near, current, or newly emphasized, and choose that for something distant, past, or already understood. Pro Tip: Precise demonstrative choices make your writing clearer and strengthen your professional reputation.