What Part of Speech Is "This" and "That"
Understanding the parts of speech is fundamental to mastering any language, and few words cause as much curiosity as "this" and "that.On the flip side, the answer is that "this" and "that" can function as multiple parts of speech depending on how they are used in a sentence — primarily as demonstrative pronouns and demonstrative adjectives (also known as demonstrative determiners). " These two common words appear in nearly every sentence we speak and write, yet many learners struggle to identify exactly what grammatical role they play. By the end of this article, you will have a clear and thorough understanding of how "this" and "that" work within English grammar That's the part that actually makes a difference..
Understanding Demonstrative Words
Before diving into the specific parts of speech, it helps to understand what "demonstrative" means in grammar. Consider this: a demonstrative is a word that points to or identifies a particular noun, idea, or object. English has four primary demonstrative words: this, that, these, and those. The words "this" and "that" are singular demonstratives, while "these" and "those" serve as their plural counterparts Not complicated — just consistent. Turns out it matters..
What makes "this" and "that" particularly interesting is that they do not belong to just one category of speech. Their grammatical function shifts based on their position and role within a sentence. This flexibility is what makes them both powerful and, at times, confusing for English learners.
"This" and "That" as Demonstrative Pronouns
The most widely recognized part of speech for "this" and "that" is demonstrative pronoun. A demonstrative pronoun takes the place of a noun and refers to a specific person, thing, idea, or situation. When "this" or "that" stands alone in a sentence — without being followed by a noun — it is functioning as a pronoun.
Here are some clear examples:
- This is my favorite book.
- That was the best decision I ever made.
- This feels like home.
- That scared me half to death.
In each of these sentences, "this" and "that" replace a noun entirely. They do not modify or describe anything that follows them. Instead, they are the subject or object of the sentence. Notice how "this" tends to refer to something nearby — either physically or in terms of emotional closeness — while "that" typically refers to something farther away, whether in distance or in time.
Singular vs. Plural Pronoun Usage
Good to know here that as demonstrative pronouns, "this" and "that" are always singular. If you want to refer to multiple items, you would switch to "these" and "those":
- These are the documents you requested.
- Those were the days we will never forget.
Using "this" or "that" with a plural verb is grammatically incorrect in standard English. Take this case: saying "This are my keys" is wrong; the correct form would be "These are my keys."
"This" and "That" as Demonstrative Adjectives (Determiners)
The second major part of speech for "this" and "that" is demonstrative adjective, sometimes referred to as a demonstrative determiner. When "this" or "that" appears directly before a noun and modifies it, it is acting as an adjective. Its job in this context is to specify which noun you are referring to and to indicate proximity or distance.
Consider these examples:
- I love this song.
- That car is incredibly fast.
- Can you pass me this cup?
- She bought that dress last weekend.
In every case above, "this" or "that" is directly attached to a noun, providing additional information about which specific item is being discussed. Unlike the pronoun usage, the adjective form cannot stand alone — it always needs a noun to follow it Still holds up..
Key Differences Between Pronoun and Adjective Usage
The simplest way to distinguish between the two functions is to check whether a noun immediately follows the word:
- If a noun follows → demonstrative adjective (this book, that idea)
- If no noun follows → demonstrative pronoun (this is amazing, that was unexpected)
This distinction is crucial because misidentifying the part of speech can lead to confusion in sentence analysis and construction But it adds up..
The Role of Context in Determining Part of Speech
One of the most important lessons about "this" and "that" is that context determines their part of speech. The same word can serve as a pronoun in one sentence and an adjective in the next. Look at these two sentences:
- This is incredible. (pronoun — no noun follows)
- This painting is incredible. (adjective — modifies "painting")
Both sentences use "this," yet each plays a completely different grammatical role. Recognizing this shift is a sign of advanced grammatical awareness and will significantly improve your ability to analyze and construct complex sentences.
Additional Uses and Informal Functions
Beyond their primary roles as pronouns and adjectives, "this" and "that" also appear in several informal or idiomatic contexts worth noting:
- As intensifiers: In casual speech, people often use "this" and "that" as filler words or intensifiers. Take this: "He was this tall" or "It was that good." In these cases, they function more like adverbs, modifying adjectives or adverbs rather than nouns.
- In reported speech: "This" and "that" frequently appear when relaying conversations, such as "She said this and then he said that." Here, they can act as pronouns referring to statements or ideas.
- In demonstrative constructions: Phrases like "this is to inform you" or "that being said" use "this" and "that" in unique grammatical positions that may overlap with conjunctive or introductory functions.
Common Mistakes When Using "This" and "That"
Even native speakers occasionally misuse "this" and "that." Here are some frequent errors to watch out for:
- Using "this" or "that" without clear reference. Vague usage like "This is wrong" without specifying what "this" refers to can confuse readers and listeners.
- Mixing singular and plural forms. Remember that "this" and "that" are singular, while "these" and "those" are plural. Matching the wrong form with a plural noun is a common grammatical error.
- Confusing proximity. "This" should refer to things that are close — in time, space, or emotional relevance — while "that" should indicate distance. Using them incorrectly can send the wrong message.
- Using them as adjectives without a noun. If you write "This book is great," "this" is an adjective. But if you write "This is great," "this" is a pronoun. Understanding which is which helps maintain grammatical precision.
FAQ About "This" and "That" as Parts of Speech
**Can "this" and "that" be both a pronoun and
