this is a pencil vs that is a pencil

The phrases are both accurate, but they would be used in separate contexts. 'This is a pencil' is used when the pencil is close to the speaker, while 'That is a pencil' is used when the pencil is farther away from the speaker. The choice between 'this' and 'that' depends on the proximity of the object being referred to.

Explained by Gregg
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: March 06, 2025 • 5791 views

this is a pencil

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. It is used when the object being referred to is close to the speaker.

Use 'this is a pencil' when you are referring to an object that is close to you. It indicates proximity to the speaker.

Examples:

This is a pencil I use for drawing.
This is a pencil that I found on my desk.

Show examples from the web [+]

Oct 4, 2014 ... This is a pencil/pen/lamp etc. EFLC Pitesti. SubscribeSubscribedUnsubscribe 124124. Loading... Loading... Working... Add to ...
This is a pencil. You cannot translate sentences because you did not add any language in your profile. Add a language. cmn. 這是一支鉛筆。这是一支铅笔。
He will pick up an object, a pencil for example, and while passing it to the person at his right, he will say "This is a pencil" The person will answer, "A What?
This is a pencil. Э́то но́жницы. = These are scissors. Note: The video on this page is provided by YouTube and is available subject to the YouTube Terms of ...

Alternatives:

Here is a pencil
I have a pencil here
Take a look at this pencil
Look at this pencil
Check out this pencil

that is a pencil

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. It is used when the object being referred to is farther away from the speaker.

Use 'that is a pencil' when you are referring to an object that is not close to you. It indicates distance from the speaker.

Examples:

That is a pencil on the table over there.
That is a pencil I saw in the store.

Show examples from the web [+]

... is slow or offline, then ignore the [S] and [T] buttons for a while. [S] · [T] I need a pencil. (Joseph); [S] · [T] My pencil is red. (CK); [S] · [T] That is a pencil. (CK)
[M] [T] That is a pencil. [M] [T] Whose pencil is this? [M] [T] Could I borrow a pencil ? [M] [T] Could I use your pencil? [M] [T] You dropped your pencil. [M] [T] Would ...
Sep 1, 2009 ... M: That is a pencil. J: This is a pen. T: That is a pen. J: This is a book. T: That is a book. B: This is a bag. T: That is a bag. J: This is a chair.
That is a blackboard. This is a pig. That is a lion. This is a horse. That is a monkey . This is a lion. That is a mouse. That is a pencil. That is a desk. That is a rubber.

Alternatives:

There is a pencil
I have a pencil there
Take a look at that pencil
Look at that pencil
Check out that pencil

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