This vs. That

What’s the difference between this and that?

The simple answer is that this refers to something relatively closer to the speaker while that refers to something relatively farther from the speaker.

This
In the picture above, you can imagine the person is saying, “This note right here,” referring to the musical note on the page located close to him or herself. This can also be used to refer to something relatively closer to the speaker than the listener.

That
In this image, you can imagine the young man is saying, “That mountain over there,” referring to a mountain located far from himself. That can also be used to refer to something that is relatively farther from the speaker than the listener or something that is far from both the speaker and listener.

The definitions

Both this and that can be used as pronouns, determiners, and adverbs. That can also be used as a conjunction as well. Let us break down the formal definitions of the two words and provide some examples.

This
(pronoun) used to identify a person, object, or situation that is close to the speaker, being indicated, experienced, or recently mentioned

Example: Is this your pen?

(pronoun) used to introduce someone or something

Example: This is your pilot speaking.

(determiner) used to identify a person, object, or situation that is close to the speaker, being indicated, experienced, or recently mentioned

Example: Did you use this pen to fill out the form?

(determiner) used to refer to periods of time in the present or recent past

Example: I have a dentist appointment this week.

(adverb) to the degree or extent indicated

Example: I didn’t know the lecture would be this long.

That

(pronoun) used to identify a person, object, or situation that is further from the speaker, being indicated, or previously mentioned

Example: Is that your pen?

(pronoun) used to single out someone or something and attributes a certain feature to that person or object

Example: The bird wants to collect only that which would ornate its nest.

(pronoun) used in the stead of “which,” “who,” “whom,” or “when” to introduce a defining or restrictive clause

Example: The dog that lives in that house barks every night.

(determiner) (pronoun) used to identify a person, object, or situation that is further from the speaker, being indicated, or previously mentioned

Example: Did you use that pen to fill out the form?

(determiner) used to single out someone or something and attributes a certain feature to that person or object

Example: Have you met that type of person who can get along with anyone?

(determiner) used to refer to a person or object assumed as understood or familiar to the listener

Example: Have you talked to that son of yours?

(adverb) to such a degree or extent

Example: I didn’t know that tree would grow that big.

(conjunction) introducing a subordinate clause expressing a true or hypothetical statement

Example: I know that she is relieved.

Example sentences

That backpack you are wearing looks nice.
This is the book I was talking about.
I don’t have time this week, but next week might work.
He wished that his score would be higher this time.
This is Robert Watson, and he will be your instructor for today.
When I was little, I had a toy dog that walked and barked.
Did you try out this new coffee blend?
Jillian works at that building over there Monday through Friday.
We didn’t know we would be standing this close to the lava for this tour.
I met that type of girl who opens up about herself a bit too much on the first day.