This
* Nearness: "This" indicates something that is close to the speaker or the listener.
* "This book is my favorite." (The speaker is holding the book or it's very near them.)
* "Can you see this bird?" (The bird is close enough for both the speaker and listener to see.)
* Present Time: "This" can also refer to the present time.
* "This is the best day of my life." (The day is happening now.)
* "I like this moment." (The moment is happening right now.)
That
* Distance: "That" indicates something that is further away from the speaker or the listener.
* "That car is very expensive." (The car is further away from the speaker.)
* "Can you pass me that plate?" (The plate is further away from the speaker.)
* Past Time: "That" can also refer to the past.
* "That was a great party." (The party has already happened.)
* "I remember that time." (The time is in the past.)
Here are some examples in different contexts:
* Conversation: "I like this shirt. It's very stylish." (The speaker is likely holding the shirt)
* Writing: "That was the most difficult test I've ever taken." (The test is over.)
* Pointing: "Look at that beautiful sunset!" (The sunset is in the distance.)
Singular and Plural:
* Both "this" and "that" can be singular or plural:
* This is my dog. (Singular)
* These are my dogs. (Plural)
* That is a nice car. (Singular)
* Those are nice cars. (Plural)
Remember, "this" and "that" are used to point to specific things, and the choice depends on how far away they are from the speaker and listener.