"this is a jar" vs "that is a jar"

Question

"this is a jar" vs "that is a jar"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'This is a jar' is used when the jar is close to the speaker, while 'that is a jar' is used when the jar is farther away from the speaker. The choice between 'this' and 'that' depends on the proximity of the object being referred to.

Last Updated: March 20, 2024

Use 'this is a jar' when the jar is close to you or the speaker. 'This' indicates proximity to the speaker.

Examples:

This is a jar I bought yesterday.
This is a jar of cookies.
This is a jar of pickles on the table.

Alternatives:

Here is a jar
I have a jar here
Look at this jar
Take this jar
Do you see this jar

Use 'that is a jar' when the jar is not close to you or the speaker. 'That' indicates distance from the speaker.

Examples:

That is a jar on the top shelf.
That is a jar I saw at the store.
That is a jar you were looking for.

Alternatives:

There is a jar
I see a jar there
Look at that jar
Take that jar
Do you see that jar

Answer 1

this is a jar

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to an object that is close to the speaker.

Answer 2

that is a jar

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to an object that is farther away from the speaker.

"this is a jar" vs "that is a jar"

this is a jar

that is a jar

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