TextRanch

The best way to perfect your writing.

Discover why 1,062,726 users count on TextRanch to get their English corrected!

1. Input your text below.
2. Get it corrected in a few minutes by our editors.
3. Improve your English!

One of our experts will correct your English.

Our experts

WHAT IS THAT vs WHAT IS THIS

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'What is that' is used when referring to something that is farther away from the speaker, while 'What is this' is used when referring to something that is closer to the speaker.

Last updated: March 06, 2024 • 1091 views

WHAT IS THAT

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to something that is farther away from the speaker.

This phrase is used to inquire about the identity or nature of something that is not close to the speaker.

Examples:

  • What is that noise outside?
  • What is that building over there?
  • What is that smell coming from the kitchen?

Alternatives:

  • What is that thing?
  • What is that object?
  • What is that person?

WHAT IS THIS

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to something that is closer to the speaker.

This phrase is used to inquire about the identity or nature of something that is near the speaker.

Examples:

  • What is this book about?
  • What is this strange device?
  • What is this delicious smell?
  • WHAT IS THIS AWARD, MR. MONROE?
  • What is this place? It's an orphanage.
  • AND WHAT IS THIS DEAL WITH KITTY?
  • TAGGART, WHAT IS THIS STUFF?
  • What is this? 20 thousand pesetas from my mom in case of loss or emergency.
  • Syphilis Rapid Test Device What is this product?
  • What is this music Farnsworth keeps sending me?
  • What is this, another game?
  • What is this, dueling keyboards?
  • Exactly what is this predictability that you find so...
  • It seems now I understand what is this magic crow.
  • What is this, upside-down world?
  • What is this... overwhelming feeling?
  • What is this mysterious "Court".
  • Sildanafil and Vardenafil tablet What is this medicine?
  • What is this - reverse Halloween?
  • What is this - socialist Canada?
  • What is this, Shawshank Elementary?
  • What is this?' rushed towards that roar, surrounded by innumerable asuras.
  • What is this an illustration of? One might think.

Alternatives:

  • What is this thing?
  • What is this object?
  • What is this person?

Related Comparisons

What Our Customers Are Saying

Our customers love us! We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283,125 votes.
Also check out our 2,100+ reviews on TrustPilot (4.9TextRanch on TrustPilot).

Why choose TextRanch?

Lowest prices
Up to 50% lower than other online editing sites.

Fastest Times
Our team of editors is working for you 24/7.

Qualified Editors
Native English experts for UK or US English.

Top Customer Service
We are here to help. Satisfaction guaranteed!