This vs. That

What’s the difference between this and that?

簡単に説明すると、thisは話す人物から相対的に近い距離の対象を、thatは相対的にもっと遠くにある対象を示します。

上のイメージで、ピアノの先生が「This note right here」と言ったと想定してみましょう。これは、話し手の先生から比較的近い距離のものを指すか、もしくは聞き手より話しての先生に相対的に近い距離のものを指す場合が考えられます。

このイメージから男の子は、「That mountain over there」と言いました。彼は自分の位置から遠く離れた山を指しています。Thatは、話し手から相対的に遠く離れたもの、もしくは話し手と聞き手の両方から遠く離れたものを示す用途で使われます。

thisとthatは、代名詞、限定詞、副詞として使用することができます。また、Thatは接続詞としても使用できます。以下は、2つの単語の色んな定義について確認できる例文です。

(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?

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?

Example: I have a dentist appointment this week.

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

(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?

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.

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.