That vs. There — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 5, 2024
That highlights specificity or points to a particular object or situation, while there indicates a location or existence.
Difference Between That and There
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
That is a demonstrative pronoun or adjective used to specify a particular thing or person, often mentioned previously or understood from context. It can also introduce a defining or restrictive clause, indicating which person or thing we are talking about. There is primarily an adverb of place, denoting a location. It is also used as an introductory subject in sentences to introduce the existence of something.
That can pinpoint an object or concept with precision, emphasizing its distinct identity within a conversation or narrative. Whereas there serves as a spatial or existential marker, not specifying but situating or acknowledging presence or existence in a broad sense.
That often introduces subordinate clauses, providing additional information about the subject or object in a sentence. This usage frames more complex ideas or clarifies which particular person or thing is being referred to. On the other hand, there is commonly used to start a sentence or clause, setting the scene for what follows, whether it be an action, a description, or the existence of something.
In speech, that can imply a level of emphasis or importance on the subject it is describing or introducing, especially when used with a tone of significance. There, when used to introduce something, often carries a neutral tone, unless specifically emphasized for effect, it simply notes the presence or location.
That is versatile, functioning within sentences to link thoughts and clarify relationships between them. There’s role is more about orientation or introduction, often laying the groundwork for further discussion or description rather than linking complex ideas.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Demonstrative pronoun/adjective, conjunction
Adverb, pronoun, introductory subject
Function
Specifies, distinguishes, introduces clauses
Indicates location, introduces existence
Examples in Sentences
"I prefer that book." "She said that she would come."
"She is there." "There is a problem."
Usage in Clauses
Can introduce restrictive or defining clauses
Often starts sentences or clauses to denote existence or location
Implication
Specificity, emphasis on a particular element
Existence, location, setting introduction
Compare with Definitions
That
Used to identify a specific thing or person observed or known by the speaker.
That painting is my favorite.
There
Expresses the presence of someone or something.
There were many people at the concert.
That
Introduces a clause or part of a sentence.
She believes that honesty is the best policy.
There
Indicates a place or position.
Put the book there on the table.
That
Indicates a specific item among others.
Look at that bird among the others.
There
Used to introduce a sentence or clause, indicating existence.
There is something special about this place.
That
Refers to a previously mentioned thing or person.
I saw that movie last week.
There
Implies reaching a goal or a conclusion.
There, the painting is finally complete.
That
Used to emphasize something.
That is exactly what I wanted!
There
Suggests a point in an argument or conversation.
There you go again, avoiding the question.
That
The function word that is used in the English language for several grammatical purposes.These include: as a complementizer/subordinating conjunction. ("He asked that she go.") That can be omitted when used to introduce a subordinate clause—"he told me that it is a good read" could just as easily be "he told me it is a good read".
There
At or in that place
Sit over there.
That
Being the one singled out, implied, or understood
That place.
Those mountains.
There
To, into, or toward that place
Wouldn't go there again.
That
Being the one further removed or less obvious
That route is shorter than this one.
There
At that stage, moment, or point
Stop there before you make any more mistakes.
That
To such an extent or degree
Is your problem that complicated?.
There
In that matter
I can't agree with him there.
That
To a high degree; very
Didn't take what he said that seriously.
There
In a readily accessible or discoverable state
The answer is out there. All we have to do is look for it.
That
Used to introduce a noun clause that is usually the subject or object of a verb or a predicate nominative
"That contemporary American English is exuberantly vigorous is undeniable" (William Arrowsmith).
There
Used especially for emphasis after the demonstrative pronoun that or those, or after a noun modified by the demonstrative adjective that or those
That person there ought to know the directions to town.
That
Used to introduce a subordinate clause stating a result, wish, purpose, reason, or cause
She hoped that he would arrive on time. He was saddened that she felt so little for him.
There
(Nonstandard) Used for emphasis between a demonstrative adjective meaning "that" or "those" and a noun
"You see them there handles?" (Cormac McCarthy)."I tell you ... that you buried paving-stones and earth in that there coffin" (Charles Dickens).
That
Used to introduce an anticipated subordinate clause following the expletive it occurring as subject of the verb
It is true that dental work is expensive.
There
That place or point
Stopped and went on from there.
That
Used to introduce a subordinate clause modifying an adverb or adverbial expression
Will go anywhere that they are welcome.
There
Used to express feelings such as relief, satisfaction, sympathy, or anger
There, now I can have some peace!.
That
Used to introduce a subordinate clause that is joined to an adjective or noun as a complement
Was sure that she was right.
Persists in the belief that rates will rise soon.
There
(location) In a place or location (stated, implied or otherwise indicated) at some distance from the speaker (compare here).
That
Used to introduce an elliptical exclamation of desire
Oh, that I were rich!.
There
(figuratively) In that matter, relation, etc.; at that point, stage, etc., regarded as a distinct place.
He did not stop there, but continued his speech.
They patched up their differences, but matters did not end there.
That
Introducing a clause which is the subject or object of a verb (such as one involving reported speech), or which is a complement to a previous statement.
He told me that the book is a good read.
I believe that it is true. — She is convinced that he is British.
That she will come is almost certain.
There
(location) To or into that place; thither.
That
Introducing a subordinate clause expressing a reason or cause: because, in that.
Be glad that you have enough to eat.
There
(obsolete) Where, there where, in which place.
That
(dated) Introducing a subordinate clause that expresses an aim, purpose, or goal ("final"), and usually contains the auxiliaries may, might, or should: so, so that.
There
In this world, used to say that someone or something exists; see pronoun section below.
That
Introducing — especially, but not exclusively, with an antecedent like so or such — a subordinate clause expressing a result, consequence, or effect.
The noise was so loud that she woke up.
The problem was sufficiently important that it had to be addressed.
There
Used to offer encouragement or sympathy.
There, there. Everything is going to turn out all right.
That
Introducing a premise or supposition for consideration: seeing as; inasmuch as; given that; as would appear from the fact that.
There
Used to express victory or completion.
There! That knot should hold.
That
Introducing a subordinate clause modifying an adverb.
Was John there? — Not that I saw.
How often did she visit him? — Twice that I saw.
There
That place.
That
Introducing an exclamation expressing a desire or wish.
Oh that spring would come!
There
That status; that position.
You rinse and de-string the green beans; I'll take it from there.
That
Introducing an exclamation expressing a strong emotion such as sadness or surprise.
There
Used as an expletive subject of be in its sense of “exist”, with the semantic, usually indefinite subject being postponed or (occasionally) implied.
There are two apples on the table. [=Two apples are on the table.]
There is no way to do it. [=No way to do it exists.]
Is there an answer? [=Does an answer exist?]
No, there isn't. [=No, one doesn't exist.]
That
The (thing, person, idea, etc) indicated or understood from context, especially if more remote physically, temporally or mentally than one designated as "this", or if expressing distinction.
That book is a good read. This one isn't.
That battle was in 1450.
That cat of yours is evil.
There
Used with other intransitive verbs of existence, in the same sense, or with other intransitive verbs, adding a sense of existence.
If x is a positive number, then there exists [=there is] a positive number y less than x.
There remain several problems with this approach. [=Several problems remain with this approach.]
Once upon a time, in a now-forgotten kingdom, there lived a woodsman with his wife. [=There was a woodsman, who lived with his wife.]
There arose a great wind out of the east. [=There was now a great wind, arising in the east.]
That
(demonstrative) The thing, person, idea, quality, event, action, or time indicated or understood from context, especially if more remote geographically, temporally or mentally than one designated as "this", or if expressing distinction.
That's my car over there.
He went home, and after that I never saw him again.
There
Used with other verbs, when raised.
There seems to be some difficulty with the papers. [=It seems that there is some difficulty with the papers.]
I expected there to be a simpler solution. [=I expected that there would be a simpler solution.]
There are beginning to be complications. [=It's beginning to be the case that there are complications.]
That
The known (thing); used to refer to something just said.
They're getting divorced. What do you think about that?
There
That.
Therefor, thereat, thereunder
That
(demonstrative) The aforementioned quality or proposition; used to emphatically affirm or deny a previous statement or question.
The water is so cold! — That it is.
Would you like another piece of cake? — That I would!
We think that you stole the tarts. — That I did not!
There
(colloquial) Appended to words of greeting etc.
Hi there, young fellow.
Oh, hello there, Bob, how are you doing?
That
(relative) (plural that) Which, who; representing a subject, direct object, indirect object, or object of a preposition.
The CPR course that she took really came in handy.
The house that he lived in was old and dilapidated.
There
Misspelling of their
That
(colloquial) Used in place of relative adverbs such as where or when; often omitted.
The place that [= where or to which] I went last year
The last time that [= when] I went to Europe
There
In or at that place.
The Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.
That
Clipping of that is; used to reinforce the preceding assertion or statement.
That's proper funny, that.
There
In that matter, relation, etc.; at that point, stage, etc., regarded as a distinct place; as, he did not stop there, but continued his speech.
The law that theaten'd death becomes thy friendAnd turns it to exile; there art thou happy.
That
(degree) To a given extent or degree.
"The ribbon was that thin." "I disagree, I say it was not that thin, it was thicker... or maybe thinner..."
There
To or into that place; thither.
The rarest that e'er came there.
A knight there was, and that a worthy man.
There is a path which no fowl knoweth.
Wherever there is a sense or perception, there some idea is actually produced.
There have been that have delivered themselves from their ills by their good fortune or virtue.
Spend their good there it is reasonable.
That
(degree) To a great extent or degree; very, particularly in negative constructions.
I'm just not that sick.
I did the run last year, and it wasn't that difficult.
There
A location other than here; that place;
You can take it from there
That
To such an extent; so. in positive constructions.
Ooh, I was that happy I nearly kissed her.
There
In or at that place;
They have lived there for years
It's not there
That man [who is] there
That
(philosophy) Something being indicated that is there; one of those.
There
In that matter;
I agree with you there
That
As a demonstrative pronoun (pl. Those), that usually points out, or refers to, a person or thing previously mentioned, or supposed to be understood. That, as a demonstrative, may precede the noun to which it refers; as, that which he has said is true; those in the basket are good apples.
The early fame of Gratian was equal to that of the most celebrated princes.
That be far from thee, to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked.
And when Moses heard that, he was content.
I will know your business, Harry, that I will.
Two principles in human nature reign;Self-love, to urge, and Reason, to restrain;Nor this a good, nor that a bad we call.
If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this or that.
There
To or toward that place; away from the speaker;
Go there around noon!
That
As an adjective, that has the same demonstrative force as the pronoun, but is followed by a noun.
It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city.
The woman was made whole from that hour.
Upon a day out riden knightes two . . . That one of them came home, that other not.
That
As a relative pronoun, that is equivalent to who or which, serving to point out, and make definite, a person or thing spoken of, or alluded to, before, and may be either singular or plural.
He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame.
A judgment that is equal and impartial must incline to the greater probabilities.
We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen.
That I have done it is thyself to wite [blame].
The ship that somebody was sailing in.
I saw to-day a corpse yborn to churchThat now on Monday last I saw him wirche [work].
That that dieth, let it die; and that that is to cut off, let it be cut off.
That
As a conjunction, that retains much of its force as a demonstrative pronoun.
That
To introduce a clause employed as the object of the preceding verb, or as the subject or predicate nominative of a verb.
She tells them 't is a causeless fantasy,And childish error, that they are afraid.
I have shewed before, that a mere possibility to the contrary, can by no means hinder a thing from being highly credible.
That
As adverb: To such a degree; so; as, he was that frightened he could say nothing.
With singing, laughing, ogling, and all that.
The rank is but the guinea's stamp,The man's the gowd [gold] for a'that.
That
To introduce, a reason or cause; - equivalent to for that, in that, for the reason that, because.
He does hear me;And that he does, I weep.
That
To introduce a purpose; - usually followed by may, or might, and frequently preceded by so, in order, to the end, etc.
These things I say, that ye might be saved.
To the end that he may prolong his days.
That
To introduce a consequence, result, or effect; - usually preceded by so or such, sometimes by that.
The birds their notes renew, and bleating herdsAttest their joy, that hill and valley rings.
He gazed so longThat both his eyes were dazzled.
So wept Duessa until eventide,That shining lamps in Jove's high course were lit.
Is not this the dayThat Hermia should give answer of her choice?
That
In an elliptical sentence to introduce a dependent sentence expressing a wish, or a cause of surprise, indignation, or the like.
Ha, cousin Silence, that thou hadst seen that that this knight and I have seen!
O God, that right should thus overcome might!
To try if that our own be ours or no.
When he had carried Rome and that we lookedFor no less spoil than glory.
Common Curiosities
How does "that" function in terms of emphasis?
It emphasizes a specific object or detail being discussed.
What is the main use of "that"?
To specify or introduce a particular object or concept.
Is "there" used to indicate only physical locations?
No, it can also introduce the existence of non-physical elements.
How is "there" most commonly used?
To denote a location or existence.
Does "there" have multiple grammatical roles?
Yes, it can be an adverb, pronoun, or part of an introductory subject phrase.
Is "there" always related to physical space?
No, it can also signify the presence of abstract concepts or situations.
Can "that" introduce a clause?
Yes, it often introduces defining or restrictive clauses.
Can "that" link sentences or ideas?
Yes, it can link clauses and ideas, providing clarity or additional information.
Can "that" and "there" be used interchangeably?
No, their uses are distinct, focusing on specificity versus location or existence, respectively.
Can "that" be used as an adjective?
Yes, it can describe a noun, specifying which one.
How does "there" contribute to sentence structure?
It often sets the scene or indicates the presence or existence of elements.
How does "that" aid in clarity?
By specifying or distinguishing particular subjects or objects in discourse.
What role does "there" play in sentences about existence?
It serves as an introductory subject to assert the existence of something.
What is a distinctive feature of "that"?
Its ability to precisely identify or introduce specific details.
What is the significance of "there" in existential sentences?
It highlights the existence or presence of something, often introducing it.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
