that man vs this man

Both 'that man' and 'this man' are correct phrases in English, but they are used in different contexts. 'That man' is used to refer to a man who is farther away from the speaker or in a previous context, while 'this man' is used to refer to a man who is closer to the speaker or being introduced for the first time.

Last updated: April 03, 2024 • 854 views

that man

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to a man who is farther away from the speaker or in a previous context.

Use 'that man' when referring to a man who is not close to the speaker or has been mentioned before in the conversation.

Examples:

I saw that man at the store yesterday.
Do you know that man standing by the door?

Show examples from the web [+]

Sometimes I feel like that man.
Now that man has 24-hour armed police protection...
Both religions believe that man is reborn.
AMMON: I believe that man can overcome most obstacles.
Stay calm and obey that man.
I promised I would bring you that man.
Best thing that man ever did was leave.
I actually feel sorry for that man.
By the by, that man is gorgeous.
Can't stand to hear that man.
I had a lot of respect for that man.
I just heard you tell that man your name.
The evidence conclusively identifies that man as the killer.
But that man does not go back into that courtroom.
Yes. that man brought her in from Ikebukuro.
There's something strange about that man.
Seriously, that man is a nut.
I... that man is not going free.
(cooper) that man cannot go free.
He believes that man can be governed Only by force and self-interest.

Alternatives:

the man over there
the man in the distance
the man we talked about earlier
the man from the party
the man from the meeting

this man

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to a man who is closer to the speaker or being introduced for the first time.

Use 'this man' when referring to a man who is close to the speaker or is being introduced in the current context.

Examples:

This man is my new neighbor.
Can you help this man with his luggage?

Show examples from the web [+]

Gentlemen, this man needs help.
It appears this man was murdered.
No wonder this man has success.
I mean, this man is psychotic.
Killing this man is Agency priority number one.
Consider this man, the luckiest of mortals.
You sold forged documents to this man.
Except this man's no corporate whistle-blower.
Look, somebody shot this man.
You spent the evening with this man.
Mr. Rosetti wants this man gone.
The authorities believe this man has been murdered.
I think this man needs help.
Aoki Tanzaemon insists this man is trouble.
I think this man needs an oper-an-n.
Lieutenant, this man's immortal soul...
Surely this man cannot overrun a full cavalry.
After I'm done with this man...
But this man witnessed shocking pain and suffering.
General Backler... give this man your sword.

Alternatives:

the man next to me
the man here
the man I just met
the man standing in front of me
the man with the blue shirt

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