When these are written and when those are written. Using this, that, these and those: rules and examples. When is the pronoun that used?

This, that, these, those are demonstrative or demonstrative pronouns in English language. As a rule, this, that, these and those are used to indicate a specific object, creature or phenomenon. When should you use these pronouns? What is their difference? Read more in the article.

Basic Rules

So, the rule about this, that, these and those indicates: in English speech these words can serve not only as pronouns, but also as determiners. Consider the following table.

It's also worth noting that these is a form of this in plural, and those - the plural form of that.

Thus, this and that should be used with singular nouns, and these and those should be used with plural nouns.

Using the pronouns this, that, these and those: rule

The first thing to remember is that we use this and that with uncountable nouns as well as singular nouns.

Try to repeat this exercise every morning and evening.

What does this music make you think.

I’ve never been to that part of France.

Can I have some of that juice, please?

• Try to repeat this exercise every morning and evening.
• What does this music make you think about?
• I've never been to this part of France.
• Can I have some of this juice please?

The English rule about this, that, these and those indicates that these and those should be used exclusively with plural nouns:

You can use any one of these computers.

I need to paint those windows.

• You can use any of these computers.
• I need to paint those windows.

Interestingly, according to the rules of the English language, this, that, these and those are used in the context of time.

Demonstrative pronouns and tenses

For example, we often use this with words that describe time and date (morning, afternoon, evening, week, month, year).

In this case, it is important to refer to the time in which the speaker directly speaks, or the time that is coming. For example:

I'll be with you some time this evening.

Johan seemed very happy this afternoon.

Ian is in Germany all this week.

• I'll be with you tonight.
• Johan seemed very happy this afternoon.
• Jan is in Germany this week.

This, that, these, those are the rules for using as pronouns further.

This, that, these, those - pronouns

We use the above words as pronouns when referring to things or phenomena:

Put the butter, chocolate and sugar in a saucepan. Heat this over a low flame until it melts.

Add the butter, chocolate and sugar to the pan. Heat it (this/container with the mixture) over low heat until the ingredients melt.

What color are those? Black or dark blue. I can't see.

What color are they? Black or blue. I can `t get it.

It is acceptable to use this and that if you want to refer to a person:

Linda, this is my mother, Anne.

Is that your brother over there?

• Linda, this is my mother, Ann.
• Is that your brother there?

Demonstrative pronouns are often used in telephone conversations.

Hello, is that Ken Orm? This is Jane Bromham here.

Hello, is this Ken Orme? This is Jane Bromham calling.

Use cases of this and these, that and those

In many ways, the selection of the correct pronoun is determined by the physical proximity of the object/person/phenomenon to the speaker. Those and these, this, that and the writing rules are presented in the following examples:

Translation: Should I use this knife?

I'll post these letters on my way home.

Translation: I will send these letters on the way home.

We use that and those to refer to things and people that are not easily identified in a particular situation.

They are often further away from the speaker, and sometimes closer to the listener:

What's in that bottle over there?

Could you blow out those candles near you?

• What's in that bottle over there?
• Can you blow out those candles next to you?

Sometimes they are not in the field of view of either the listener or the speaker:

Budapest! That's my favorite place!

Translation: Budapest! My favorite place!

Emotional meaning

Oddly enough, in the rule about this, that, those and these and the use of these pronouns, the speaker’s attitude towards them plays an important role. So, we use this and these when thinking about positive things that we like to think about.

I love these new blue walls.

We use that and those to point out things that don't make us feel good.

(talking about the restaurant) I didn’t like the decoration. It had those awful paintings.

I didn't like the decor. There (in the restaurant) these terrible pictures hung.

Generally known information

We sometimes use that instead of the to direct the listener to commonly known information. For example, when telling a story or explaining something, we might say:

Do you know that old shop on the corner? Well, they’re going to turn it into a restaurant.

You know that old corner store? Basically, they're going to turn it into a restaurant.

It is also acceptable to use this instead of the indefinite article a/an if the speaker is referring to something important or relevant, or is going to introduce a new person or mention something new.

This guy knocked on the door and asked if I wanted new windows.

Then suddenly she pulled out this big pile of papers from her briefcase and threw them on the table.

• This guy knocked on the door and asked if I wanted new windows.
• Suddenly she pulled out such a large pile of papers from her pocket and threw it on the table.

What other uses of this, that, those, these are there?

Replacement

In the context of formal speech, it is acceptable to use the demonstrative pronouns that and those as substitutes in the meaning of the one(s), in order to avoid lexical repetitions.

The most important information is that given at the beginning of the manual.

The most important information is that given at the beginning of the manual.

In this case, that replaces the word information.

The methods employed are those familiar to researchers. (sounds more formal than The methods employed are the ones familiar to researchers.)

The methods used are those(methods) that are familiar to the researchers.

In the context of formal writing and speech, especially in academic style, we use that of/those of instead of the one of/the ones of. The use of demonstrative pronouns in this case is preferable.

The proton has a similar mass to that of a neutron

A proton has a mass similar to the mass of a neutron. In this case we can see that the word mass has been replaced by the construction that of.

The emotions in the poems are those of loss and grief.

Translation: The emotions in the poems are those of loss and grief.

It should be noted that in English the demonstrative pronoun that can only be used as a substitute for a thing or object. This pronoun is not used in relation to animals, people and other living beings. Consider the following dialogue.

B: The one who works at the town hall, or his brother?

You can't say: That who works at the town hall.

A: Have you met Mr. Kelly?

Q: The one who works at the town hall, or his brother?

A: The one who works at the town hall.

However, the use of this plural demonstrative pronoun as a substitute for people and animals is permitted. For example:

There are sports facilities for guests.Those interested in golf can enjoy our course.

For guests there is athletic facilities. Those who are interested in golf can enjoy our course.

When we need to point out a person or thing, we very often use the words: that, that, this, these, those, etc. For example, abroad we use them all the time:

"What is the price this magnet? I want to book these dishes. show me those souvenirs. I want to that excursion."

As you can see, in such sentences we refer to specific objects. In English, we use demonstrative pronouns for this: this, these, that, those.

In this article I will explain in detail how and when to use each of these words.

From the article you will learn:

Let's first remember what a pronoun is.

Pronoun- a word that indicates objects (I, you, he, she, this, that) and signs (mine, yours, hers) without naming them. That is, this a word that we use to replace words in a sentence to avoid repetition.

For example:

My sister is very smart. She (=my sister) loves to read.

As you can see, to avoid repetition, we replaced “my sister” with “she.”

What are demonstrative pronouns?

We use demonstrative pronouns to point to an object/person or objects/people. Hence the name - index.

Let's see how demonstrative pronouns make our lives easier.

For example, you are holding a book in your hands and say to your friend: “I read a lot interesting book».

Your friend does not say: “Give me an interesting book that you have read and are holding in your hands.”
He simplifies it to: "Give me this book."

Thus, we replace the whole description (the interesting book that you have read and are holding in your hands) with a demonstrative pronoun (this book).

Today we will look at the most commonly used demonstrative pronouns in English:

• this - this
• these - these
• that
• those - those

Let's take a closer look at the use of each of them.

Using the demonstrative pronouns this and these in English

Demonstrative pronoun - This

Translation: this, this, this.

Pronunciation: [ðɪs]/[zis] listen to pronunciation

Usage: We use this when we speak about one thing an object or person who:

• are close to us;
• we hold in our hands;
• have just been mentioned.

We can also talk about the place we are in or an event that just happened.

This dictionary is mine.
This dictionary is mine.

This car is good.
This car is good.

Is this seat open?
This place is free?

I like this town.
I like this city.

When we talk about several things or people, this changes to these.

Demonstrative pronoun - These

Translation: these

Pronunciation:[ðiːz] / [ziis] listen to pronunciation

Usage: We use these when we speak about several objects or people who are close to us. That is, we use it in exactly the same cases as this, only there are several objects.

For example:

Remember these rules.
Remember these rules.

These books are new.
These books are new.

These apples taste.
These apples are delicious.

I like these chairs
I love these chairs.

So, this and these about something/someone close to us, just mentioned. The only difference between them is that:

• this is used with one object/person (this man, this book)
• these is used with several objects/people (these men, these books)

Using the demonstrative pronouns that and those in English

Demonstrative pronoun - That

Translation: that, that, that

Pronunciation:[ðæt]/[zet]listen to pronunciation

Usage: We use that when we talk about one subject or people who are not next to us, but at a distance.

For example, you say: “I liked that restaurant” (you yourself are at home, not in a restaurant).

Close that door.
Close that door.

I want that dress.
I want that dress.

I liked that movie.
I liked that movie.

She bought that bag.
She bought that bag.

If we are talking about several things/subjects, then we replace that with those.

Demonstrative pronoun - Those

Translation: those

Pronunciation:[ðəʊz]/[zous] listen to pronunciation

Usage: We use those when we talk about several objects/people that are at a distance.

Those houses are big.
Those houses are big.

Look at those clouds.
Look at those clouds.

I know those girls.
I know those girls.

Give me those gloves.
Give me those gloves.

So, that and those are used when we speak about something/someone not near us. The only difference between them is that:

• that is used with one object/person (that man, that book)
• those are used with several objects/people (those men, those books)

General table of demonstrative pronouns

Let's take another visual look at the difference between these demonstrative pronouns.

And now for a general table of the use of these pronouns.

Pronoun	Quantity people/things	Usage	Examples
this	one	something located Next to us	This dress is expensive. This dress is expensive. I work with this girl. I'm working with this girl.
these	some		These dresses are expensive. These dresses are expensive. I work with these girls. I work with these girls.
that	one	something located far from us	That dress is expensive. That dress is expensive. I work with that girl. I work with that girl.
those	some		Those dresses are expensive. Those dresses are expensive. I work with those girls. I work with those girls.

So we've looked at the uses and differences between demonstrative pronouns: this, these, that, those. Now let's consolidate their use in practice.

Reinforcement task

Translate the following sentences into English. Leave your answers in the comments.

1. This building is tall.
2. These girls are beautiful.
3. Show me that car.
4. This cake is delicious.
5. Those boxes are heavy.
6. Buy me that shirt.

Demonstrative pronouns in English ( demonstrative pronouns / demonstratives) indicate a person, object, or their signs. There are several demonstrative pronouns in English.

Singular	Plural
this– this, this, this	these- these
that- that, that, that	those– those
such- such, similar	such- such, similar
the same- the same	the same- same
it- This	it- This

Now you know what demonstrative pronouns are in English. Next we will look at cases where each of them is used.

Demonstrative pronouns this and these

This these– with plural nouns. These pronouns should be used in the following cases:

1. When we talk about people or things that are close to us. Sometimes in sentences with this And these adverb is used here(here), which also shows the proximity of the object to us.

This table is wooden. – This table wood. (the table is nearby and we point to it)

These books belong to me. – These books belong to me. (several books are near me)

This girl is here and she is waiting for you. – This girl Here, and she is waiting for you.

2. When a situation occurs in the present or future tense, we describe this situation using this/these.

We are going to meet this week. - We are going to meet at this week.

This month you are making a great progress. - IN this month you are making great progress.

3. When we talk about the same thing several times and want to avoid repetition.

I don't want to discuss this but I have to. - I don't want This discuss, but I have to. (implies that this event has already been called before, thus avoiding repetition)

Look at this! He seems to be looking for his money. - Look at This! Looks like he's looking for his money. (the pronoun indicates the situation described in the second sentence)

This is the main goal in my life. – This the main objective in my life.

4. When we introduce people or introduce ourselves in a telephone conversation.

Jim, these are my brothers, Tom and Carl. – Jim This my brothers, Tom and Carl.

Hello! This is Kate speaking! Can I speak to Mary? - Hello. This Kate. Can I talk to Mary?

Demonstrative pronouns that and those

Demonstrative pronoun that used with singular nouns, pronoun those– with plural nouns. Let's see when we can use demonstrative pronouns that And those:

1. When we talk about people or things located far away from us. Sometimes in sentences with demonstrative pronouns that And those adverb used there(there).

I don't like this piece of cake. Give me that one, please. – I don’t like this piece of cake. Give me That, Please. (the piece of cake that the speaker liked is located further from him)

Those ships are too far. I can't see their names. – Those ships too far. I don't see their names. (the indicated ships are at a distance from the speaker)

Look at that! There's a camel. - Look there! Vaughn there camel.

That's my future husband. – That- My future husband.

2. When we talk about a situation that took place in the past.

In those days people didn't have cars. - IN those times people didn't have cars.

We made only four kilometers that day. - IN that day we only walked four kilometers.

3. When we refer to some information that has been mentioned before and want to avoid repetition. We usually talk about a past action.
   

   She got married a month ago. That was wonderful! – She got married a month ago. It was Wonderful!

4. When we start a conversation on the phone and ask the other person to introduce himself. The person on the other end of the line is far from us, so we need to use a demonstrative pronoun that.
   

   Good morning! This is Brenda White. Who's that speaking? – Good morning! This is Brenda White! Who am I talking to?

The picture clearly shows how demonstrative pronouns work this/that And these/those when indicating the proximity or distance of an object.

We also suggest you watch a video from the teacher Alex. It's interesting how a native speaker explains this topic.

Demonstrative pronouns such, the same, it

Other demonstrative pronouns in English include such(such, similar) the same(same one) and it(This). Let's look at how they should be used in speech:

1. When the noun is singular, then together with the demonstrative pronoun such(such, similar) the indefinite article is used.
   

   It's such an important decision - This such important decision.

   If the noun is plural, use the article after the pronoun such(such, similar) no.

   Don't do such things! - Don't do it such of things!

2. Demonstrative pronoun the same(the same / the same) is always used with definite article. Nouns after the same can be in either singular or plural form.

Underline the word with the same meaning, please. – Please underline the word with same meaning.

He chose the same movies as I did. - He chose the same films, and me too.

3. Demonstrative pronoun it corresponds to the Russian pronoun “this”.

– What is it? - What This?
- It's my ring. - This is my ring.

Is it your passport? – This your passport?

Don't miss it! - Do not miss This!

Difference between this and it

Many linguists say that there is little difference between it And this No. You will be understood in any case if you say This is a cat or It is a cat. But there is a difference, albeit a small one.

This is a cat. - It's a cat. (we focus on the word “this”, that is, exactly this, and not that cat)

It is a cat. - It's a cat. (we focus on the word “cat”, that is, not a dog or a guinea pig)

And one last little detail. To avoid repeating the same noun twice, the word is sometimes used instead one. And before that one You must also use a demonstrative pronoun. If the demonstrative pronoun in English is not followed by an adjective, then one (ones) can be omitted.

Would you like to buy this hat or that (one)? – Would you like to buy this hat or that?

And if there is an adjective, then you must save it one or ones in a sentence.

I don't want to buy this hat, I will take that blue one. – I don’t want to buy this hat, I'll take it out that blue Test

Demonstrative pronouns in English

​

Demonstrative pronouns indicate a person or thing, or their characteristics. The demonstrative pronouns this and that have plural forms.

Singular	Plural
this [ DIs] this that [ Dxt] That	these [ DJz] these those [ Douz] those

Demonstrative pronouns also include number-invariant pronouns such and same.

such [ sAC] such, such, similar (the ) same [ seIm] the same, the same

In addition, it can be used as a demonstrative pronoun pronounit This .

Pronouns this (these) are used when indicating objects (persons) located close speaker, and pronouns that (those) used to indicate objects (persons) more distant From him. In the Russian language there is no strict rule on this matter and the Russian pronoun this (this, these) can also refer to more distant objects or points in time.

In a sentence they can be:

1 Protrude as an adjective , being a determiner of the noun, which excludes the use of the article, and if the noun has other definitions, pronouns are placed in front of them:

this big black box	this big black box
Do you like these pictures?	Do you like these paintings?
This pencil is mine. These pencils are mine, too.	This pencil my. These pencils mine too.

In Russian the word " That" is less common, so the pronoun that can be translated as That, And How this:

Look at that picture.	look at that picture.
Do you see that house over the river?	You see That house over the river?
Who are those people?	Who those People?

IN time expressions this (these) is used to indicate current time period (present, recent past) or future, A that (those) refers to past:

They came this morning(evening, afternoon).	They came Today in the morning(in the evening, during the day).
We will go there this weekend(year).	We'll go there in these weekend(this year).
He told me he had spoken with him that evening.	He told me that he spoke to him in That evening.

Pronoun this with the word countrya country used in relation to the country in which the speaker is located at the time of speech. In other cases it is used that country, which can be translated into Russian as that country or this country.

2 Replace nouns , performing the functions of subject or object in a sentence.

What's this ? - This is my pencil.What This? - This my pencil.

Who is this ? - This is Mary. Andthis is John. Who This? - This- Mary, huh? This- John.

Use this (these) is associated with an indication of a person, object, event, action, close by place or time, and that (those) decree on a face, object, etc., remote in place and time, or related to the result of an action.

IN subject roles:

This is a pen, and that is a pencil.	This pen, andThat - pencil.
Is this what are you looking for?	This what are you looking for?
Are these your books?	This your books?
Do you see that red roof over there? That 's my house.	You see that red roof over there? This my house.

Combinations this is And that's can translate into Russian and in words Here :

This is where we live.	Here where we live.
That 's what I think.	Here what I think.

Pronoun choice: this, that or it often depends only on the will of the author of the statement, and they should be translated into Russian in accordance with the meaning:

IN complement roles:

If you need a dictionary, take this .	If you need a dictionary, take it this .
Why are you doing this ?	Why are you This are you doing?
Do you remember that (much less often this )?	Do you remember This?
He told me about that .	He told me about this.

If we are talking about abstract concepts, then the pronoun is used more often that, For example:

in emotionally charged statements:

That ’ s just what I wanted to say.	This exactly what I wanted to say.
Here, this is for you! - Oh, that 's nice!	Here you go, this is for you! - Oh, how lovely!
That was wonderful!	This it was great!
Oh! That was a sad mistake.	Oh! This there was an unfortunate mistake.

in harsh and decisive statements:

That’ s not an answer!	This not the answer!
That 's too bad!	It's a pity! ( This very bad!)
That 's stupid.	This stupid.
Don't do that !	Do not do it) this !
What does that mean?	What This Means?

in stable phrases:

That 's right.	This is right.
That 's all right. Don't worry.	(it) It's all right. Do not worry.
that 's why	that's why; That's why
and all that	etc

This (these) And that (those) are used in comparison and choice sentences. To avoid repetition of a previously mentioned noun, they sometimes use one

This , sometimes it is omitted: bookthat is much more interesting than	(one). This book much more interesting than .
that this I don't like tie that; give me.	one this I don't like tie That.
, let me this Take bag that .	and I'll takeTake it this bag and I'll take it .

that these In plural person, after those And pronoun ones

usually not used: Note: To avoid repetition of a previously mentioned noun, they sometimes use or pronoun But if the demonstrative pronoun is followed by an adjective, then use after it

Necessarily: it Pronoun has already been discussed in the section “Personal Pronouns”. It can perform indicative role this In plural person, after that in a sentence (instead of pronouns This ), corresponding to the Russian pronoun . Usually in cases where we are talking about real physical bodies.

and concrete concepts, with abstract concepts only this (this/that that)? What isThis ?

or What this/that or It This's ( This is) a dictionary. =

or (this is a dictionary.	This dictionary.
) is my book. it my book.	Leave This to me.
Provide it .	to me. this.

such [ sAC] - such, such, similar

Don't forget about Don't forget about (Used predominantly in a sentence in the definition function such, such, similar as a pronoun-adjective ) with the meaning:. Before countable noun the only one numbers are used with the indefinite article a(an):

, which is put such an after the pronoun , sometimes it is omitted:.	It is interesting This This.
like this interesting He is.	such a bore He.
such interesting nerd It was.	pleasant interesting party It was.

nice party Countable nouns in such plural number of uses after the pronoun without article.

Uncountable such creatures often without an article. They aren't	fools ,as they seem. They are not such
fools such as they seem.!	Don't use ,as they seem. words!
Don't use such words Don't ask me.	difficult ,as they seem. questions Don't ask me.
that such difficult questions.	terrible weather I do not like such.

(terrible [ weather" seIm] the ) same

Necessarily: same Dq the same); the same; same.

always used with the definite article Can be used as pronoun-adjective with singular and plural nouns:

Read the same phrase once more.	Read the same one phrase again.
At school we studied in the same class.	At school we studied in the same thing class.
You'll get more for the same money.	You'll get more for The same money.

b) Or how pronoun-noun with meaning: same thing, same thing.

The same happened to me.	The same happened to me.
Try to do the same !	try to do the same!
It's not quite the same .	It's not really the same.

Used in set expressions; when responding to congratulations and wishes, etc.

Difference in the meaning of pronouns it, this And that- one of the most frequently asked questions that they ask me. The funny thing is that we started learning the language with them a long time ago (or maybe some recently), but every time we need to use them in speech, we hesitate. And since they are needed often, a lot of questions accumulate over time.

I will give just a few of them.

How would it be correct to say:

or ?

“I will think about this” or “I will think about that” or “I will think about it”?

“This is far away” or “It's far away”?

“It’s too late” or “This is too late”?

“It's my friend John” or “This is my friend John”?

In only one of the questions given, all options are correct. In the rest - only one. Surprised? Look for the correct answers and explanations below.

So what's the difficulty? The fact is that these pronouns perform different functions in sentences. Sometimes it functions as a personal pronoun, sometimes as a demonstrative, and sometimes even as an intensifier.

So, our task is:

1. Identify and remember unique values each of the pronouns
2. Deal with similar meanings our pronouns.

In general, the material is understood at an average level - A2 , but I also talk about a couple of stylistic nuances that will be useful even to Advanced English experts. At the end, we will summarize everything into one visual diagram, which you can download in pdf format, and we will also complete a short text as a self-test. So, let's begin?

1. Basic value

it– identifies, assigns to a class (identification),

this– presents, introduces, opens the context (introduction),

that– also presents and represents, but a little distanced (distancing).

2. Unique meanings of the pronoun ‘it’:

• ‘It’, firstly, is a personal pronoun - a word that REPLACES some NOUN to designate a previously mentioned inanimate object. It is used for more natural speech (so as not to repeat the same noun all the time).

Compare:

I bought a new book yesterday. The book was very expensive.

Of course, it would be more natural to say in colloquial speech:

I bought a book yesterday.It was very expensive.

Here it is - our noun of an inanimate object -book, which in the next sentence was replaced by the pronounit .

Returning to our test: we had a sentence with this meaning.

“I saw a new film yesterday. It was good" or “I saw a new film yesterday. That/This was good” . In the sentence It was good, ‘it’ refers to the previously mentioned film – “It was good.”

Please note that if you are making a plural reference, you use the pronounthey, even for inanimate objects.

Example:

I bought 3 pairs of jeans yesterday. They were very cheap. – I bought three pairs of jeans yesterday. They (the jeans) were cheap.

An English sentence does not exist without a subject, so in impersonal constructions (for descriptions or characteristics) we use an “empty subject” (which “covers a hole in the wallpaper”).

Cold - It is cold.

It’s strange to hear that.

It is late. - It's already late.

IN given valueit used when we talk about:

1. Weather or temperature - It is so hot today. It is 20 degrees Celsius. It is getting warmer.
2. Temporary designation or date – It is Monday. It is the 4th of July. It is 5.30. It is 5 o'clock.
3. Distance – It is not very far away. Is it far from here?
4. Emotions or opinions. – It is easy to do. It is sad you can’t stay longer. It is important to call her today.

Again in our initial test, “This is far away” or “It's far away” – in this example we are talking about distance;

And in this: “It’s too late” or “This is too late”– we are talking about a temporary designation.

Now let's take a look

3. Unique meanings of the pronouns ‘this’ and ‘that’:

These are very similar pronouns, belonging to the same class: indicators. They help us focus our attention on some object that we want to discuss. They are adjacent because they differ only in the pointing distance.

Difference between this And that has physical and emotional meaning.

In the physical aspect:

This indicates an object that we can reach or one that is closer to us

And correspondingly,

That denotes an object that is distant or more distant than others.

For example:

Let's seethis house first(the one closest to us).

I'd prefer to start withthat ; give me(the one farthest away, not the closest one)

A similar principle will be observed when using this And that for the emotional coloring of your statement.

This often shows the interest of the interlocutor, his positive attitude towards the topic or object

While

That will indicate disapproval, an attempt to distance ourselves from the object we are talking about.

Compare:

Ok, tell me aboutthis boyfriend of yours(‘I treat him normally, I have no prejudice’)

OK, tell me aboutthat boyfriend of yours(‘I don’t approve of him, I don’t like him’)

Pay attention to the forms of these pronouns. We often confuse that/those/these/that, including their pronunciation. Make sure you remember all the forms correctly:

4. Unique meaning of 'that'

Thatalso has its own unique meaning when it is not used as a demonstrative pronoun, but as an intensifier for adjectives. In this meaning it is a synonym for the wordvery, but is used primarily in negatives and questions. These are very colloquial expressions; in formal writing it is better to use quite for emphasis.

He is not that good at English. – His English is not that good. (informal, colloquial)

Are you that tired?-Are you that tired? (informal, colloquial)

He is quite tired– He is quite tired (more formal style)

5.’It’/’this’/’that’, used in the same meaning

And now, the hardest part. Difference between similar valuesit And this/that. A reference to a previously mentioned situation or context. Not to the OBJECT - there we used it (remember the example withbook?), namely the full context of the previously spoken sentence or sentences. This is not a difference in fundamental meanings, but only a small stylistic nuance, so you can, in fact, use any of the pronouns - the fundamental meaning of your message is not will collapse , even if the interlocutor perceives it a little differently from what you wanted to say.

For example:

I have just bought a car.It is new and expensive. (ithere stands for objectcar);

I had a holiday on Bali last year. It/This/That was amazing. (it/this/thatmakes a reference to the entire previous sentence - not to any specific word, but to the complete idea of ​​your visit to Bali). It is in this context that one could useit, And this, And that, but with slight shades of meaning. With which ones?

It	This	That
Neutral emotional coloring	Positive emotional coloring	Slightly distant, “cold” emotion
Thanks for coming.It was a good idea.(I'm neutral)	Thanks for coming.This was a good idea!(I'm sincerely glad)	Thanks for coming.That was a good idea.(I'm not particularly enthusiastic about the situation)
Context without continuation, topic will not be discussed further	Unfolding a new context, beginning a new story
I got fired. I don't want to talk about it .	I got fired. Andthis/that was a terrible mistake! I came to work today…

Returning to our initial questions:

“I will think about this” or “I will think about that” or “I will think about it” ? In this context, all three options will be possible. With a small nuance. In a sentenceI will think about it‘it’ denotes something that we previously discussed - some thought, idea or proposal that we have already mentioned before.I will think about thiswill show the speaker's enthusiasm for the entire situation or idea that has been expressed.I will think about thatIt will sound a little distant, as if the speaker is not really eager or does not approve of the idea and the whole situation.

I repeat that these are nuances, that is, the difference in meaning is not critical. You can use all three pronouns with this meaning, especially with non-native speakers. However, if you know and know how to use it, especially emphasizing your point through intonation, it will give you a reputation as an expert in the English language.

6. Special cases of using it/this/that in set expressions

There are also several stable constructions that include our pronouns. Not all of them are accurately translated into Russian - you just need to remember them. All of them are very often used in colloquial speech.

• That's it. / This is it.- End! – when we announce the end of something.
• Thisin stories and narratives. We often introduce new characters into our story. This is not a reference to a specific person, just a way to draw attention to the character who has just appeared.

There isthis guy living in Amsterdam. And one day...

One day I sawthis woman in the restaurant window and…

• Thiswhen introducing a person, when we introduce people to each other.

-Sarah,this is John from my office.

-Nice to meet you, John.

• I can't help it.– I can’t help but do something, I can’t cope with myself

Example in dialogue:

-Stop looking at this woman. It is not polite!

-I can't help it . She is so beautiful!

• ‘To make it + somewhere’– get somewhere, get to a place, appear somewhere (for example, at a meeting or lesson)

I am afraid I can’t makeit to the meeting today.- Sorry, I don’t (can’t be) at the meeting today.

Will you makeit to our party tomorrow?– Will you be at our party tomorrow?

He never madeit to the class yesterday.– He never came to class yesterday.

• ‘To find + it + adj’- expressing an opinion about something. The approximate equivalent of our “I find it so and so.”

I findit hard to concentrate in the morning. – It’s hard for me (more like: I think it’s hard for me) to concentrate in the morning.

I findit wonderful to live in a big city. – I think that living in a big city is wonderful.

I findit hard to believe.– It’s hard for me to believe this.

Thus, we have sorted out all the meanings of pronounsit/this/that, including the unique meanings of each of them, their common meaning and its semantic nuances, and also remembered several stable colloquial constructions that include these pronouns.

All in one visual scheme here:

To make sure we understand everything correctly, let's take another look at the questions that plagued us at the very beginning:

1. “I saw a new film yesterday. It was good" or “I saw a new film yesterday. That/This was good”?
2. “I will think about this” or “I will think about that” or “I will think about it” ?
3. “This is far away” or “It's far away” ?
4. “It’s too late” or “This is too late”?
5. “It's my friend John” or “This is my friend John” ?

As I hope you have already guessed (and managed even without me), the correct options are highlighted in bold.

The most productive way to remember all these little things (oh, how sometimes annoying is the abundance of little things that seem impossible to remember) is to try to compose your own examples and try to use them in speech as often as possible.