Have you ever been in a group chat or party and someone says, “Let’s play this or that!”?
It sounds simple — but what does “this or that questions” really mean? And how are they different from other types of questions?
Many adults use this or that questions to spark fun conversations, break the ice, or learn about someone’s preferences. But sometimes people get confused about what counts as a “this or that question,” how to make them sound natural, and when to use them.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What “this or that questions” mean
- How to use them correctly
- Examples of great “this or that” questions for adults
- Grammar tips and common mistakes to avoid
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to make and use this or that questions easily — at work, parties, or online!
💡 What Does “This or That Questions” Mean?
Let’s break it down simply.
🧩 “This” and “That” – What They Mean
Both “this” and “that” are demonstrative pronouns.
They point to things — but at different distances.
| Word | Meaning | Example | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| This | Refers to something close to you | “I like this coffee.” | When the object or idea is near you |
| That | Refers to something farther away | “I like that movie.” | When the object or idea is farther or less immediate |
So when we say “this or that,” we’re choosing between two options — one near, one far (or just two different choices).
🎯 What Are “This or That Questions”?
“These” are choice-based questions that make you pick between two things.
They start with “Would you rather…”, “Do you prefer…”, or simply list two options with or in between.
Examples:
- Coffee or Tea?
- Beach vacation or Mountain trip?
- Netflix or YouTube?
- Cats or Dogs?
- Morning person or Night owl?
These questions are fun, quick, and reveal preferences — perfect for conversations between adults.
⚖️ The Key Difference Between “This” and “That” in Questions
Let’s compare them side by side to understand their roles.
| Feature | This | That |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Refers to something close or current | Refers to something farther or not present |
| Example in a sentence | “Do you like this song?” | “Do you like that song?” |
| Situation | Used when the object or idea is right here | Used when the object is away or mentioned earlier |
| Tip to Remember | Think of “this” = near | Think of “that” = far |
Quick Tip:
👉 Use “this” for things you’re holding, seeing, or doing right now.
👉 Use “that” for things farther away or already talked about.
🚫 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even adults mix these up! Here are a few examples:
| ❌ Wrong | ✅ Correct | 💬 Why |
|---|---|---|
| “Do you like that coffee I made?” | “Do you like this coffee I made?” | You’re holding or drinking it now — use this. |
| “Can you pass me this book on the shelf?” | “Can you pass me that book on the shelf?” | The book is away from you — use that. |
| “This or this?” | “This or that?” | You’re comparing two choices, so you need that for the second one. |
Memory Trick:
📏 Think of this as something within arm’s reach.
Think of that as something across the room.
🗣️ When to Use “This” in Questions
Use “this” when talking about something:
- You can touch, hold, or see right now
- You’re introducing something new
- You want to draw attention to what’s nearby
Examples:
- Do you like this dress I’m wearing?
- Should we watch this movie tonight?
- How does this song make you feel?
- Want to try this recipe?
- Is this a good time to talk?
Real-life tip:
When you show something on your phone or in your hand — always use this.
🌍 When to Use “That” in Questions
Use “that” when:
- The thing is farther away (in time, space, or context)
- You’re referring to something already mentioned
- You’re recalling something from memory
Examples:
- Did you like that vacation we took last year?
- Is that what you meant earlier?
- How was that restaurant you visited?
- Would you pick that option again?
- Can you believe that story?
Memory Hack:
Picture pointing with your finger — if you’d point at it, use that!
🔄 Quick Recap: “This” vs “That”
✅ This = something close, current, or right here
✅ That = something farther, past, or mentioned before
✅ This or That Questions = fun, choice-based questions where you pick between two options
Example:
- “This or that — coffee or tea?”
- “This or that — city life or country life?”
Simple, right?
🎯 Advanced Tips for Adults
- In formal writing, this often refers to your current topic (“This shows that…”), while that refers to something previously discussed (“That means…”).
- In texting or chatting, “this or that” games are popular to learn someone’s likes or dislikes.
- Origin-wise, both words come from Old English and were used to point or identify things — “this” meaning near, “that” meaning away.
🧩 Mini Quiz: Test Your Understanding
Fill in the blanks with this or that:
- Do you like ___ song playing right now?
- Can you hand me ___ pen over there?
- ___ or ___ — pizza or pasta?
- Remember ___ time we went to the beach?
- I can’t believe ___ movie was so good!
- What do you think about ___ idea?
- Let’s try ___ or ___ — red dress or blue one?
(Answers: 1. this, 2. that, 3. this or that, 4. that, 5. that, 6. this, 7. this or that)
❓ FAQs About “This or That Questions for Adults”
1. What are “this or that questions”?
They are short, fun questions that ask people to choose between two things (e.g., coffee or tea).
2. Why are “this or that questions” popular among adults?
Because they’re easy, funny, and great for starting conversations or icebreakers at parties, meetings, or dates.
3. Is there a grammar rule for using “this” and “that”?
Yes! Use this for something near or current, and that for something farther or previously mentioned.
4. Can I say “these or those questions”?
Yes, if you’re talking about plural items. But “this or that questions” refers to the question type, so it stays singular.
5. What are some good “this or that” questions for adults?
Try: “Work from home or office?”, “Money or happiness?”, “Movies or books?”, “Summer or winter?”, or “Night in or night out?”
🏁 Conclusion
Now you know the real difference between this and that, and how “this or that questions” work for adults.
They’re not just fun — they also teach you how to make better choices and understand English grammar in action.
Next time someone asks you a “this or that” question, smile — you know exactly what it means and how to use it correctly!
Keep practicing every day. Small steps make a big difference in learning English the easy way.
Marianne Solace is a lifestyle and personal-growth writer for WordContrast.com. Her work blends inspiration with practicality, offering thoughtful insights on wellness, creativity, and mindful living. When she’s not writing, Marianne enjoys journaling with a cup of coffee, exploring art museums, and helping others find balance through the written word.
