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Guest Posted 22 years ago
Grammar

This or that

Hi,

can someone tell me when to use "this" and when to use "that"? For example, when do I say "I want this book" and when "I want that book"??

thanks
M.
  

Top answer

In the two examples you give - I would use "this book" for one I had in my hand, and "that" book for one I was pointing at, further away. I think that is more or less the "rule": "this" is closer to you than "that" item... "that" is more abstract, may be not even there, just being talked about, where as "this" has to be in the space with you.

— Suzi

  • In the two examples you give - I would use "this book" for one I had in my hand, and "that" book for one I was pointing at, further away.
  • I think that is more or less the "rule": "this" is closer to you than "that" item...
  • "that" is more abstract, may be not even there, just being talked about, where as "this" has to be in the space with you.
  • maybe other people will think of more examples to help you with THIS problem.
  • That would be good!
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2 Answers
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In the two examples you give - I would use "this book" for one I had in my hand, and "that" book for one I was pointing at, further away. I think that is more or less the "rule":
"this" is closer to you than "that" item...

"that" is more abstract, may be not even there, just being talked about,
where as "this" has to be in the space with you.

maybe other people wi
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I agree that it is a matter of distance.
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