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USF Posted 14 years ago
Grammar
it that this those these
Hi,
I was a little unsure about using of each of them, especial "it" and "that". When we are speaking of something then in the very next section we are referring to that matter. And this! I doubt that if I could use "this" for referring.
I would appreciate if you could explain the rule of using these ( or those? pronouns)
e.g.
{some expression}. That/This/These/Those (I don't think I could use "it" in here) is/are what...
If you heat a bowl of water its temperature doesn't exceed 100 C in 1 atm. That is why use pressure cooker.
I was a little unsure about using of each of them, especial "it" and "that". When we are speaking of something then in the very next section we are referring to that matter. And this! I doubt that if I could use "this" for referring.
I would appreciate if you could explain the rule of using these ( or those? pronouns)
e.g.
{some expression}. That/This/These/Those (I don't think I could use "it" in here) is/are what...
If you heat a bowl of water its temperature doesn't exceed 100 C in 1 atm. That is why use pressure cooker.
Top answer
youzou I would appreciate if you could explain the rule The correct use of the demonstratives ( this, that, these, those ) and the inanimate pronoun ( it ) depends more on imitating what speakers and writers normally do with these words than on specific rules. It would take at least a chapter of a book just to skim the surface of all these usages, so it would be better if you limited your question to a few specific instances that are troubling you. It's hard to know exactly what you are looking for, but you might start with this.
- youzou I would appreciate if you could explain the rule The correct use of the demonstratives ( this, that, these, those ) and the inanimate pronoun ( it ) depends more on imitating what speakers and writers normally do with these words than on specific rules.
- It would take at least a chapter of a book just to skim the surface of all these usages, so it would be better if you limited your question to a few specific instances that are troubling you.
- It's hard to know exactly what you are looking for, but you might start with this.
- CJ
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21 Answers
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youzouI would appreciate if you could explain the ruleThe correct use of the demonstratives (this, that, these, those) and the inanimate pronoun (it) depends more on imitating what speakers and writers normally do with these words than on specific rules.
It would take at least a chapter of a book just to skim the surface of all these us
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Thank you for your reply. So there is no simple logical rule? Such that if the expression is continuing on the same thing use "this" and if you are making a contrast use "that".
Where have you find this (this or that ?
Where have you find this (this or that ?
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youzouIf you heat a bowl of water its temperature doesn't exceed 100 C in 1 atm. That is why use pressure cooker.Correct. When referring to stated facts,
This >
< That
In other words, if you are going to say it next, refer to it as "This"; if you already said, refer to it as "That".
Even so, people do occasionally use "Th
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youzouno simple logical rule?Nothing that is strict enough to call a rule. No.
youzouWhere have youThe normal adverb of degree there is 'that'. It's not a demonstrative. 'this' is not wrong, but unusual.findfound this (this or that ? ) much patience?
youzouYou are an excellent role m
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CalifJimThis >< ThatI haven't understand this signs. "This" bigger than, or more proper, what? Same as "That".
(I am an engineer, and I know math, but I haven't understand this or that
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CalifJimyouzouWhere have you find found this (this or that ? ) much patience?
The normal adverb of degree there is 'that'. It's not a demonstrative. 'this' is not wrong, but unusual.I understand your explanation, but I think it is not logical (I know it could have no rule, but I think there is always a reason)..
You are talking abo
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youzouI explained them in different words later in the post.I haven't understand this signs.I didn't understand these signs.
"This" points to what comes next. (This > X = "This" points to X. X comes later.)
"That" points to what came earlier (X < That = "That" points to X. X comes earlier.)
youzou" refer
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Thanks.
Now, I see what are you talking about. You know, I meant "this" and "that" for what have already come before. I was confused that if there were (am I using "were" correctly? I am expressing unreal "if" - but not for question) any situation that we would use "this" or "it" when we are referring to the very past things ( events or sayings or explanations or ...). That is why I was saying
Now, I see what are you talking about. You know, I meant "this" and "that" for what have already come before. I was confused that if there were (am I using "were" correctly? I am expressing unreal "if" - but not for question) any situation that we would use "this" or "it" when we are referring to the very past things ( events or sayings or explanations or ...). That is why I was saying
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youzouit is not logicalNo, it's not logical if you're are thinking of the demonstrative usage of 'that'.
It's a completely different use of 'that'. It's an adverb of degree similar in meaning to 'so', but less formal. It has nothing to do with 'near' and 'far'.
I didn't know he had [so / that] much money.
I didn't know he was
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Sort of, but not exactly! What I meant was the example of boiling water. I was thinking about "This" at the beginning of sentence which refers to something in the very previous expression. I think I got my answer that we cannot use "this" like that. Right?
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