Cool MateThat vs This
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| That | This | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | used to refer to a specific thing or person | Used to refer to something nearby or just mentioned. |
| CEFR level | A1 | A1 |
| Part of speech | determiner | |
| Usage notes | Used to refer to something already mentioned or known. In spoken English, it's often used informally. Be careful not to use it in overly formal writing where specificity is needed. | Used in both spoken and written English. When referring to something far away, use 'that' instead of 'this'. |
Frequently asked questions: That vs This
What's the difference between "That" and "This"?
"That" means: used to refer to a specific thing or person "This" means: Used to refer to something nearby or just mentioned.
When should I use "That" and "This"?
They can all be used in everyday English.
Are "That" and "This" the same CEFR level?
"That" is at A1, "This" is at A1 on the CEFR scale.