Fixed Expressions — That's Right, Like This, That's It
Master common fixed phrases with this and that: that's right, that's why, that's it, like this, like that, don't be like that. Fill-blank and match-pairs exercises.
Fixed Expressions with This and That
English contains a productive class of fixed idiomatic expressions built around demonstratives. Unlike the core near/far system, these expressions are formulaic — their demonstrative cannot be substituted without changing meaning or producing an unnatural sentence. The most frequent are: that's right (agreement), that's it (finished), that's why (reason), like this (demonstrating the correct way), like that (referring to someone's behaviour or a different way), and don't be like that (disapproval of attitude). Learner errors in this area typically involve substituting 'this' for 'that' in back-reference expressions ('This's right' for 'That's right') or confusing 'like this' and 'like that' when demonstrating a technique.
Expressions with 'That'
I'm going to sleep. That's it for today. (finished)
That's why I don't trust him. (reason based on prior context)
Don't be like that. It's rude. (disapproval of attitude)
Expressions with 'This'
Hold the racket like this. No, not like that! (this = correct way; that = what you were doing)
Quick Reference
That's it → Finished / Nothing more
That's why → The reason is...
Like this → In this way (demonstrating)
Like that → In that way (referring to behaviour or a different method)
Common Mistakes
✗ Do it like that. (while demonstrating) → ✓ Do it like this. ('like this' = showing the correct method)