Mastering Pronouns: Learn the Difference Between This and That! 📘

Beginner Level | December 13, 2025

혼자서 기사를 소리 내어 읽거나 튜터를 따라 각 단락을 반복해서 읽으세요. 레벨...

English pronouns can seem simple at first, but many learners still feel unsure about when to use this and when to use that. The good news? Once you understand the basic idea behind these two words, they become much easier to use in real conversations.

Today, we’ll look at practical examples to help you begin mastering pronouns this vs that with confidence. to help you feel confident using this and that in everyday situations.

Why Mastering Pronouns This vs That Matters

Small words like this and that might look unimportant, but native speakers use them constantly. When you learn how to use them correctly, your English becomes clearer and more natural. These pronouns help you talk about things close to you, far from you, and things you are thinking about.

This: Close or Current

We use this for something that is close to us or something that is happening right now. Imagine holding a cup in your hand—you would say, “This cup is warm.” If you are talking about a topic at the moment, you might also say, “This idea is interesting.”

That: Far or Not Current

We use that for something that is far away or something that is not part of the current moment. If a phone is across the room, you can say, “That phone is mine.” You can also use that when talking about a past idea, such as, “That meeting yesterday was helpful.”

Use These Words to Stay Clear in Conversation

When you choose the right pronoun, your message becomes easier to understand, and it becomes a key step in mastering pronouns this vs that. Native speakers often make decisions quickly—close, far, now, or earlier. With practice, you will start making these choices naturally too.

Simple Practice Tip

Try this quick exercise: Look around the room. Point to something near you and say, “This is my ___.” Then point to something farther away and say, “That is my ___.” Speaking aloud helps you build confidence and memory.

Vocabulary List

Pronoun (noun) — A word that replaces a noun.
- Example: “This” is a pronoun.
Current (adjective) — Happening now.
- Example: We talked about the current project.
Distance (noun) — How far something is.
- Example: There is a short distance between the desks.
Natural (adjective) — Easy and normal.
- Example: With practice, English will feel natural.
Topic (noun) — The subject of a conversation.
- Example: Today’s topic is pronouns.
Situation (noun) — A set of conditions or events.
- Example: In this situation, use “that.”
Point (verb) — To show something using your finger.
- Example: Point to the book on the table.
Practice (verb) — To do something again and again to improve.
- Example: Practice speaking every day.
Understand (verb) — To know the meaning of something.
- Example: I understand the difference now.
Choice (noun) — A decision or selection.
- Example: Using the right pronoun is an important choice.

5 Questions About the Article

When do we use this?
When do we use that?
Why are these pronouns important?
What is one example of using this?
What practice exercise does the article suggest?

5 Open-Ended Discussion Questions

What objects around you can you describe using this and that?
Why do you think these small words cause confusion for learners?
How do you feel when you use the wrong pronoun in English?
What strategies help you remember new vocabulary?
How can you practice pronouns in your daily routine?

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