Quick Ans: This or that is an English expression used to choose between two people, things, ideas, or options. “This” usually points to something closer or more immediate, while “that” points to something farther away or less immediate. The phrase is common in questions, conversations, games, and social media.
What does this or that mean? You may see this phrase in quizzes, casual conversations, and posts that ask people to choose between two options.
For example, someone might ask, “Coffee or tea?” as a simple choice. They could also say, “This or that: coffee or tea?” The speaker wants you to choose one option.
The words “this” and “that” are demonstrative words. They help us identify particular people or things. “This” often refers to something nearby, while “that” often refers to something farther away. However, context can change how we use them.
The expression can also describe a choice between two alternatives. For instance, “Would you choose this or that?” asks someone to select one of two options.
Although the phrase sounds simple, understanding its grammar and context can help you use it more naturally. It is especially useful when talking about choices and preferences.
Quick Answer and Key Takeaway
| Expression | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| This | Refers to something near or current | I like this book. |
| That | Refers to something farther away or less immediate | I like that book. |
| This or that | A choice between two options | Which do you prefer, this or that? |
The basic rule is simple: use “this” and “that” to identify things, while “this or that” commonly presents a choice.
Definition and Explanation
This
“This” is a demonstrative determiner or pronoun. It usually refers to one person or thing that is close to the speaker, either physically or in the current situation.
Example: This shirt is comfortable.
It can also refer to an idea or situation that has just been mentioned.
Example: This is a useful suggestion.
That
“That” is also a demonstrative determiner or pronoun. It often refers to something farther away physically or something less immediate.
Example: That building is very old.
It can also refer to an idea already discussed.
Example: That sounds interesting.
This or That
“This or that” is commonly used when asking someone to choose between two alternatives.
Example: Would you choose this or that?
The phrase also appears as a title for games and social media questions.
| Term | Part of Speech | Common Function | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| This | Pronoun or determiner | Identifies something near or current | This looks good. |
| That | Pronoun or determiner | Identifies something farther or less immediate | That looks good. |
| This or that | Choice expression | Presents two alternatives | This or that? |
In short, “this” and “that” identify things. Together, “this or that” often creates a simple choice.
Is This a Grammar, Usage, or Vocabulary Issue?
“This or that” is mainly a grammar and usage topic. The individual words are demonstratives, while the full expression often functions as a choice question.
In casual English, people may simply say, “This or that?” while pointing to two objects. The full sentence could be, “Which one do you want, this or that?”
In formal writing, you should usually provide enough context for the reader to understand what “this” and “that” refer to.
Real World Usage Examples
Workplace Example
“Which design should we use, this or that?”
The speaker is asking a colleague to choose between two designs.
Recap: “This or that” can make workplace choices quick and clear.
Academic Example
“Students were asked to choose between this method and that method.”
Here, the words distinguish between two methods under discussion.
Recap: Academic writing usually provides clear nouns after “this” and “that.”
Everyday Example
“Do you want this cake or that one?”
The speaker is choosing between two cakes.
Recap: Everyday English often uses “this or that” for simple choices.
Regional or Global Usage Differences
“This or that” has essentially the same meaning in American, British, Canadian, Australian, and other major varieties of English.
The phrase is widely understood and does not have a major regional spelling difference.
However, social media has made “this or that” especially popular as a quiz or game format. Users may be asked to choose between two foods, outfits, destinations, songs, or activities.
When NOT to Use It
Do not use “this or that” when you have more than two choices and need to identify all of them.
Avoid using “this” or “that” without enough context in formal writing.
Avoid using “this” repeatedly when specific nouns would make your meaning clearer.
When discussing an abstract idea, explain what “this” or “that” refers to if the meaning could be unclear.
Common Mistakes and Corrections
| Correct Sentence | Incorrect Sentence | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Do you want this or that? | Do you want these or that? | “This” and “that” refer to singular nouns. |
| I prefer this one. | I prefer this. one | “This one” is written as two words. |
| Which do you prefer, this or that? | Which you prefer, this or that? | A direct question needs the correct question structure. |
| I don’t like that idea. | I don’t like this idea over there. | “That” naturally indicates something more distant. |
Decision Rule: Use “this” for something near or immediate and “that” for something farther or less immediate. Use “this or that” when asking someone to choose between two options.
Exercises With Answers
Choose the best answer.
- _____ book in my hand is new.
- Can you see _____ building across the street?
- Which shirt do you want, _____ or that one?
- _____ is a great idea.
- Would you choose this or _____?
Answer Key
- This
- that
- this
- This
- that
Related Concepts and Comparisons
Readers may also search for this vs that, these vs those, either or, neither nor, demonstrative pronouns, demonstrative adjectives, this one or that one, and choice questions in English.
FAQs
What does this or that mean?
“This or that” usually asks someone to choose between two options. For example, “Would you choose this or that?” asks which option the person prefers.
Is this or that grammatically correct?
Yes. “This or that” is grammatically correct when the context clearly identifies the two choices. It commonly appears in both questions and casual conversations.
Can this or that be used in formal writing?
Yes, but formal writing should make the references clear. Instead of relying on vague words, writers should identify the specific options when necessary.
What is the difference between this or that and either or?
Both expressions can present two choices. However, “either or” usually connects alternatives within a complete sentence, while “this or that” often points directly to two specific options.
Can I say this or that in a question?
Yes. “This or that?” is a natural informal question when the choices are already obvious from the context.
Conclusion
“This or that” is a simple and useful English expression for presenting two choices. The phrase appears frequently in conversations, questions, quizzes, games, and social media.
Remember that “this” generally refers to something close or immediate, while “that” usually refers to something farther away or less immediate. These meanings can apply to physical objects as well as ideas and situations.
For example, “Do you want this or that?” asks someone to choose between two options. In more formal writing, you should make the options clear so readers know exactly what “this” and “that” mean.
The phrase works naturally in both American and British English, and its meaning stays consistent across major English varieties.
Practical tip: whenever you use “this” or “that,” ask yourself, “What exactly am I pointing to?” If your reader or listener can answer that question easily, your sentence is probably clear.