Teach Kids the Difference Between This vs That

Learning small words like this and that may seem easy to adults, but for children, they are important building blocks for English sentences. These words are known as demonstrative pronouns or demonstrative determiners because they help point to, refer to, or indicate something. Understanding this vs that helps kids speak clearly, form sentences, and describe the world around them. In this blog, we explain what this and that mean, how to use them, and practical ways to practice them in everyday life.

What Is This in English?

This is used for something near you, an object or person that is close enough to touch or see clearly.

Examples:

This is my book.
This is my toy.
This is my pencil.

Where Can You Use This?

You can use this to indicate:

Something nearby
A singular object or person
The object being talked about in the sentence

Examples of Using This:

To Refer to Someone or Something

Kate studies at this college
This pancake is delicious.

To Refer to Something Near in Time or Space

Alex joined the army in March this
I saw her in the coffeehouse this

To Show Degree or Emphasis

The car was this close to me.
How can you be this careless!

More Examples of This in Sentences:

By this time, I will reach New York tomorrow.
I will go to my Granny’s home this
I would love to watch this movie again.
His friend repaired this mobile himself.
Where shall I keep this jar?
Who is going to complete this?
I didn’t think she would be this

For a deeper understanding of English grammar basics, you can also read this helpful guide on essential English grammar rules for children.

What Is That in English?

That is used for something far away, an object or person that is not nearby.

Examples:

That is a tree.
That is a car on the road.
That is your school.

Where Can You Use That?

That can be used in several contexts:

To Indicate Someone or Something Distant in Time or Space

That issue has to be resolved first.
Who is that boy talking to Lisa?

To Refer to Something Previously Discussed

She stopped working on that project after coming back from Australia.
They always arrange a party at that restaurant.

As a Conjunction

Where are the earrings that you borrowed from me?
Claudia works for a company that deals in security alarms.

As an Adverb

The lady is too old to work that much.
The candidates are not given that much time.

Examples of That in Sentences:

That accident happened a few days ago.
That colleague has shifted to Delhi.
You should try that new restaurant on the high street.
You were late that day.
I need to go to the shop that sells party hats.
The destination is not that far.

Difference Between This and That

The easiest way to explain the difference between this and that is to focus on distance. Knowing this simple rule helps children use this and that correctly in sentences.

Word	Meaning	Example
This	Near	This is my bag
That	Far	That is your house

Use of This and That in Sentences

Using this and that sentences often appear in daily conversations. Short, simple sentences are easiest for children to remember. Parents can ask children to repeat these sentences to improve confidence.

Examples of sentences:

This is your plate.
That is the moon.
This is my chair.
That is your bus.

How to Teach This and That to Kids

Show an object close by and ask: “What is this?”
Show an object far away and ask: “What is that?”
Encourage children to respond in full sentences
Play games like pointing to objects and saying this or that

This makes learning fun, interactive, and practical.

Fun Ways to Practice

Parents and teachers can make learning this and that fun:

Play pointing games: “Is it this or that?”
Create simple this and that worksheets with objects to circle or match.
Encourage children to form this and that sentence about their surroundings.
Include comparisons in daily talk: “This ball is mine, that ball is yours.”

How EuroKids Helps Children Learn Grammar Naturally

At EuroKids, words like this and that are taught using play-based, interactive activities. Children explore, point, and speak in real-life situations, which makes learning practical, memorable, and enjoyable. Parents trust EuroKids because this approach supports holistic development, and language, thinking, and social skills grow together. With over 20+ years of experience, EuroKids makes early learning joyful and child-centric.

Conclusion

Understanding this vs that is a small but important step in early English learning. These words help children point to objects, describe surroundings, and form clear sentences. When concepts like this and that are taught in supportive learning spaces, children experience fun, interactive, and memorable learning. To explore more early learning ideas, activities, and parenting tips, visit the EuroKids Blog. Parents interested in enrolment can find full details on the preschool admission page, where learning is joyful, engaging, and child-focused.

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