This vs. These — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 21, 2023
"This" refers to a singular noun close in proximity or time. "These" refers to multiple nouns close in proximity or time.
Difference Between This and These
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
"This" and "These" are both demonstrative pronouns in the English language. "This" is used to point out a specific singular noun, while "These" points out specific plural nouns.
When discussing objects near the speaker, "This" might refer to a single item, like a book on a table. "These," however, would refer to several items, like multiple books on the same table.
In terms of time, "This" can also indicate a singular event or time period close to the present, such as "this morning" or "this year." "These," in a temporal context, can refer to several recent events or periods, like "these past few days."
"This" serves as a tool for emphasis, especially when introducing something. For example, "This is the most important rule." "These" does the same for multiple entities, as in "These are the main points to remember."
Both "This" and "These" can be used as adjectives as well. "This shirt is blue." indicates one specific shirt, while "These shoes are comfortable." pertains to several specific shoes.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Number
Singular
Plural
Usage
Refers to a specific singular noun or time period.
Refers to specific plural nouns or periods.
Proximity
Close in time or space.
Close in time or space.
Function
Demonstrative pronoun or adjective for singular nouns.
Demonstrative pronoun or adjective for plural nouns.
Example
"This book is great."
"These books are interesting."
Compare with Definitions
This
An adjective to describe a specific singular noun near the speaker.
I love this color.
These
A demonstrative pronoun for multiple nouns close in proximity.
These are my friends.
This
Introducing someone or something.
This is John.
These
Introducing a group or multiple entities.
These are the main topics.
This
Referring to a singular event or time period close to now.
I met him this morning.
These
An adjective to describe specific multiple nouns near the speaker.
These apples are fresh.
This
A demonstrative pronoun for a singular noun close in proximity.
This is my favorite song.
These
Referring to multiple events or time periods close to now.
I enjoyed these past few weekends.
This
Being just mentioned or present in space, time, or thought
She left early this morning.
These
Emphasizing particular points or items.
These are crucial.
This
Being nearer or more immediate
This side and that side.
These
Plural of this
This
Being about to be stated or described
Just wait till you hear this story.
These
Plural of this
This
(Informal) Used as a substitute for the indefinite article
Looking for this book of recipes.
These
The plural of this. See This.
This
To this extent; so
Never stayed out this late.
This
The (thing) here used in indicating something or someone nearby.
This classroom is where I learned to read and write.
This
The known (thing) used in indicating something or someone just mentioned.
They give the appearance of knowing what they're doing. It's this appearance that lets them get away with so much.
This
The known (thing) used in indicating something or someone about to be mentioned.
When asked what he wanted for his birthday, he gave this reply: “[…]”
This
(informal) A known (thing) used in first mentioning a person or thing that the speaker does not think is known to the audience. Compare with "a certain ...".
I met this woman the other day who's allergic to wheat. I didn't even know that was possible!
There's just this nervous mannerism that Bob has with his hands, and it drives me crazy.
This
(of a time reference) Designates the current or next instance.
It's cold this morning.
I plan to go to London this Friday.
This
To the degree or extent indicated.
I need this much water.
Do we need this many recommendations?
We've already come this far, we can't turn back now.
This
The thing, item, etc. being indicated.
This isn't the item that I ordered.
This
(philosophy) Something being indicated that is here; one of these.
This
(Internet slang) Indicates the speaker's strong approval or agreement with the previous material.
― I wish trolls could be banned from the forum immediately, without any discussion.
― This!
― This!
This
As a demonstrative pronoun, this denotes something that is present or near in place or time, or something just mentioned, or that is just about to be mentioned.
When they heard this, they were pricked in their heart.
But know this, that if the good man of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched.
This
As an adjective, this has the same demonstrative force as the pronoun, but is followed by a noun; as, this book; this way to town.
This way and that wavering sails they bend.
A body of this or that denomination is produced.
Their judgment in this we may not, and in that we need not, follow.
Consider the arguments which the author had to write this, or to design the other, before you arraign him.
Thy crimes . . . soon by this or this will end.
This twenty years have I been with thee..
I have not wept this years; but nowMy mother comes afresh into my eyes.
This
Emphasizing a particular point or item.
This is essential.
Common Curiosities
How does "This" indicate proximity?
"This" refers to something close in time or space.
Can "These" refer to a single item?
No, "These" refers to multiple items.
Can both "This" and "These" serve as adjectives?
Yes, both can be used as adjectives to describe nouns.
Is "This" singular or plural?
"This" is singular.
Can "This" introduce a person?
Yes, like in "This is my friend, Mike."
In the phrase "This time," is "This" an adjective?
Yes, in "This time," "This" functions as an adjective.
When might "These" be used for emphasis?
When stressing the importance of multiple items, e.g., "These are vital."
Are "This" and "These" only used for tangible objects?
No, they can refer to intangible concepts or ideas too.
Are "These" used for items far from the speaker?
Typically, "These" refers to items close in proximity to the speaker.
How is "These" used in a temporal sense?
"These" can refer to multiple recent time periods, like "these past few days."
In what context might "This" refer to time?
"This" can refer to a singular time period near the present, like "this week."
When describing multiple ideas, which word would be suitable?
"These" would be suitable, as in "These ideas are innovative."
Can "This" be used for abstract concepts?
Yes, as in "This is important."
How do "This" and "These" differ in function?
"This" points to a specific singular entity, while "These" points to specific plural entities.
Is it correct to say "This are my shoes"?
No, the correct phrase would be "These are my shoes."
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Complex vs. Simple
Next Comparison
Finicky vs. PernicketyAuthor Spotlight
Written 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.
