Grammar: Pick the correct word for the sentence (*Explain too*)

Question

Help pick the correct word for a sentence (so that it makes sense)

*Explain too*

The teachers needed (this, that) type of stencil.

(That/this) sunset was the most prettiest one I had ever photographed.

(That/this) Extra 300S is one of those highly maneuverable airplanes.

(This/that) type of airplane was the first to be used in World War I.

(That/this) kind of buffalo is especially rare.

I have to take (these/those) oars back to the boathouse.

Answer 1

Carmilla, I’m not surprised you’re confused. This assignment you have is NOT a helpful one—I wouldn’t give it to my students. For each of the sentences, “this” or “that” can be used correctly. Neither word would make the sentence incorrect on its own. It depends entirely on CONTEXT, and as Glae said, proximity.

I have to take these oars back to the boathouse — is correct.

But in context:

“I have to take those oars back to the boathouse,” Mia sighed, pointing at the pile in the corner.

OR

Mia clutched a pair of blue painted oars to her chest. “I have to take these oars back to the boathouse. Want to come along?”

Both usages are correct—but it’s really the context that matters.

Learning the “past/present” rule is a nice idea, but it’s not going to get you very far. Don’t be afraid to ask your teacher to work more on this/that in class.

One more issue I’d bring to your teacher’s attention. The sunset sentence is problematic; “most prettiest” is ungrammatical. It should read

This/That sunset was the prettiest (one) I had ever photographed. [you don’t absolutely need the word “one”]

Answer 2

Hello Carmilla,

Allow me to give you a general rule about how and when to use "this" versus "that" when writing sentences.

When a sentence is written in the present tense, verbs like "is" and "are" are used. That is when you will use "this" because "this" refers to a person, thing, or event that is taking place at the present time.

When a sentence is written in the past tense, verbs like "was" and "were" are used. That is when you will use "that" because "that" refers to a person, thing, or event that took place before as opposed to right now.

Taking the above information into account, see which sentences of yours are written in the present tense and write "This" at the beginning of each. Then see which sentences of yours were written in the past tense and write "That" at the beginning of each.

I hope this helps to clarify the directions for your English assignment! Good luck on fulfilling it!

Answer 3

Similar to Jane P, I would say this is a poor assignment. There is an element of tense when referring to this/that however, esp in speech, there is also a visual component dictating proximity (physical or geographical).

Examples showing proximity:

In #1, The teachers needed (this, that) type of stencil.

You could argue [this] is correct if you were holding the stencil and showing it.

In #2 you could say [this] sunset if you were pointing to the picture. NOTE: This sentence also contains what seems to be a double superlative (most prettiest?) “...the prettiest” suffices.

Overall, it’s a poor exercise, and I would bring these/those issues to the teacher’s attention.