what part of speech is this and that

2 min read 15-04-2025

What Part of Speech Are "This" and "That"? The Versatile Demonstrative Pronouns

This and that are among the most common words in the English language, yet their grammatical function can be surprisingly nuanced. While often categorized simply as pronouns, understanding their role requires a closer look. In short, this and that are demonstrative pronouns.

Understanding Demonstrative Pronouns

Demonstrative pronouns point to or identify specific nouns or noun phrases. They indicate proximity (near or far) in terms of space, time, or both. Think of them as verbal pointers! Key features include:

Proximity: "This" refers to something near the speaker, both physically and temporally. "That" refers to something further away, again in both space and time.
Number: Both "this" and "that" are singular. Their plural counterparts are "these" and "those," respectively.
Function: They function as both pronouns (replacing nouns) and adjectives (modifying nouns).

This and That as Pronouns

When "this" and "that" stand alone, replacing a noun or noun phrase, they function solely as pronouns.

Example (This as a pronoun): "I saw a beautiful bird. This was the highlight of my day." ("This" replaces "the beautiful bird.")
Example (That as a pronoun): "The cake looked delicious. That was quickly devoured." ("That" replaces "the cake.")

This and That as Adjectives

However, "this" and "that" also serve as adjectives, modifying nouns. In this capacity, they're still demonstrative, but their grammatical role shifts.

Example (This as an adjective): "This car is much faster than mine." ("This" modifies "car.")
Example (That as an adjective): "I prefer that color over the others." ("That" modifies "color.")

It's crucial to note the difference. When acting as an adjective, "this" or "that" is followed immediately by a noun it describes. When acting as a pronoun, it stands alone, referencing a previously mentioned noun.

Distinguishing Pronoun vs. Adjective Usage

The line between pronoun and adjective usage can sometimes be blurry. Consider these examples:

Pronoun: "I have two apples. This is the best one." (This refers back to a previously mentioned apple)
Adjective: "This apple is the best one." (This modifies the noun "apple")

The key difference is the presence or absence of a noun directly following "this" or "that". If a noun immediately follows, it's an adjective; otherwise, it's a pronoun.

This vs. That: A Deeper Dive into Nuances

Beyond proximity, subtle distinctions arise in usage:

Emphasis: "That" often carries slightly more emphasis or distance, sometimes implying disapproval or a greater sense of finality. "This" is generally more neutral.
Context: The specific context heavily influences the interpretation. "This" could refer to something immediately present, while "that" might refer to something slightly removed in time or space, even something conceptual.

For instance: "This project is due tomorrow" implies immediacy, while "That project was a disaster" suggests a past event with a negative connotation.

Conclusion

While seemingly simple, understanding the multifaceted nature of "this" and "that" enhances your grammatical precision. Remembering their dual role as demonstrative pronouns and adjectives, coupled with an awareness of the subtle contextual nuances, empowers you to use these words effectively and precisely in both spoken and written communication. Mastering this distinction elevates your writing and speech to a more sophisticated level.