Constantly, when we read or write, we are faced with a question: should I use this one or this one?
"This" or "This" they are demonstrative pronouns which have variable shapes according to number or gender. The definition of demonstrative pronouns describes their function very well: they are used to indicate the position of beings in time and space in relation to the people in the speech: who speaks (1st person) and to whom one speaks (2nd person) or who is spoken to (3rd person) people). In the latter case, the pronoun is that (that, that).
Let's see: 1st person: this, this, this; 2nd person: this, this, this; and 3rd person: that, that, that.
The) This one, it is and this are used for objects that are close to the speaker. In relation to time, they are used in the present.
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Examples: This earring in my ear is mine.
This month I'm going to buy a new shoe.
Is this here in my hand to eat?
B) That, That, that are used for objects that are close to the person you are talking to. In relation to time, it is used in the past or future.
Examples: When did you buy that earring that's in your ear?
This month will be very prosperous!
Is that what you got from the fridge to eat?
When in doubt about the use of “this” or “this”, remember: “this” (close to me, present) and “this” (distant from me, past and future).
By Sabrina Vilarinho
Graduated in Letters
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
VILARINHO, Sabrina. "This or This"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/gramatica/esse-ou-este.htm. Accessed on June 27, 2021.