✅ That flower
Correct. Matches a singular noun.
✅ Those flowers
Correct. Matches a plural noun.
Quick Answer: The difference is purely about numbers. Use that when you are pointing to one single thing (singular). Use those when you are pointing to multiple things (plural). Both words describe objects that are far away from you.
English demonstrators—words that “demonstrate” or point to something—can be surprisingly tricky. You likely use them correctly in speech without thinking, but when writing, the choice between that and those often causes hesitation. Are you referring to a specific group as a single unit or as individuals? Getting this right is key to clear communication and maintaining professional flow in your writing.
The Core Rule: Singular vs. Plural
To master this topic, you only need to ask yourself one question: “How many items am I talking about?” These two words act as pointers. They direct the listener’s or reader’s attention to something at a distance (not holding it in your hand), but the grammatical agreement is non-negotiable.
THAT (Singular)
Use that when indicating a single person, place, idea, or object.
- 👉 That car is fast.
- 👉 That idea is brilliant.
- 👉 I want that one.
THOSE (Plural)
Use those when indicating more than one person, place, idea, or object.
- 👉 Those cars are fast.
- 👉 Those ideas are brilliant.
- 👉 I want those two.
Visualizing the Difference
Sometimes, seeing the data side-by-side makes the grammar rules stick instantly. Here is how they stack up against each other.
| Word | Quantity | Distance | Verb Agreement |
|---|---|---|---|
| That | One (Singular) | Far / Not touching | Is / Was / Has |
| Those | Two+ (Plural) | Far / Not touching | Are / Were / Have |
Deep Dive: Using “That” Correctly
When you use that, you are singling out a specific item. It acts like a laser pointer. It is strictly for singular nouns. A common mistake occurs when a sentence gets long, and the writer forgets whether the subject was singular or plural.
Always pair that with singular verbs:
✅ Correct: That house looks empty.
❌ Incorrect: That houses look empty.
You also use that to refer back to a specific clause or idea mentioned earlier. For example: “He lied to me. That was unexpected.” Here, “that” refers to the entire act of lying.
Deep Dive: Using “Those” Correctly
Those is simply the plural form of that. If you can count the items and there is more than one, you must switch to those. This requires plural verbs to match.
✅ Correct: Those cookies smell delicious.
❌ Incorrect: That cookies smell delicious.
Pro Tip: If you are pointing at objects currently in your hand, do not use those. Use these. “Those” implies the objects are over there, away from you.
The Tricky Part: “Kind” and “Type”
This is where even native speakers stumble frequently. When using words like kind, type, sort, or style, you must maintain agreement between the demonstrative and the noun.
If the category word is singular, use that. If the category word is plural, use those.
Singular Agreement
I like that kind of movie.
(One kind, so use “that”)
Plural Agreement
I like those kinds of movies.
(Multiple kinds, so use “those”)
Avoid saying “Those kind of things.” While you might hear it in casual conversation, it is grammatically incorrect because those (plural) clashes with kind (singular). The polished version is “Those kinds of things” or “That kind of thing.”
A Quick Review
To ensure your writing is always sharp, do a quick “number check” when editing. Look at the noun immediately following the demonstrative.
The Distance Test
Imagine you are holding an apple.
🍎
In your hand?
This
🍎 ➡ 🌲
Over by the tree?
That
🍎🍎 ➡ 🌲
Multiple by the tree?
Those
Remembering the distinction between singular nouns and plural nouns will solve 99% of your “That vs. Those” dilemmas. It keeps your writing professional, precise, and easy for your audience to read.
