LifeNavigator

THAT / THOSE for Emotional Distance or Disapproval

When we say “that + noun” or “those + plural noun” with a particular tone, we often show that we do not approve of, dislike, or want to distance ourselves from the person or thing.

Compare:

• That decision → neutral, depending on context.
• That ridiculous decision → clearly shows disapproval.
• Those excuses → can suggest the speaker doesn't believe or respect the excuses.

5 Examples

1. I can’t believe he still supports that ridiculous policy.
2. → “That” creates emotional distance and “ridiculous” clearly shows disapproval.
3. She always makes those unnecessary complaints.
4. → “Those” suggests the speaker is annoyed by the complaints and considers them unnecessary.
5. I refused to accept that tone of yours.
6. → “That tone of yours” creates distance and expresses strong disapproval of the person's way of speaking.
7. He walked into the meeting with that smug smile.
8. → “That smug smile” shows that the speaker dislikes or disapproves of the person's expression.
9. Nobody wanted to revisit that terrible chapter of our history.
10. → “That” creates emotional distance from an unpleasant past event, while “terrible” expresses a negative judgment.

⭐ Easy Rule to Remember

THAT / THOSE + negative or judgmental noun/adjective = emotional distance or disapproval

that ridiculous idea 😒

that arrogant attitude 😠

those silly excuses 🙄

those unnecessary complaints 😑

that terrible experience 😔

So, “that/those” are not always just pointing words. In the right context and tone, they can communicate the speaker's attitude toward the thing being mentioned.