near or nearby

[Soleil]

Hello! Which sentence sounds more natural?
- We use these words for things that are not so near.
- We use these words for things that are not so nearby.

 

[emsr2d2]

"Near" is the appropriate word. However, the word "so" is not right. If you're comparing those "things" to other things that are nearer, use "as near".

 

[Soleil]

"Near" is the appropriate word. However, the word "so" is not right. If you're comparing those "things" to other things that are nearer, use "as near".

If I’m not comparing things but I’d like to highlight that those words (that/those, over there) are used when we are speaking about things that are not near me (I can see them but I cannot touch them). I don’t want to use the word “far away”.

Knowing this context, do you still find this sentence incorrect? If “yes”, could you please give your variant?

 

[emsr2d2]

In that case, just use "near".

 

[Barque]

If I’m not comparing things but I’d like to highlight that those words (that/those, over there) are used when we are speaking about things that are not near me (I can see them but I cannot touch them). I don’t want to use the word “far away”.

Your basic premise is wrong. Those words CAN be used for things that are near you.

Being able to see something without being able to touch it DOESN'T mean it's not near you. "Near" is very subjective and depends on context.

 

[Soleil]

Your basic premise is wrong. Those words CAN be used for things that are near you.

Being able to see something without being able to touch it DOESN'T mean it's not near you. "Near" is very subjective and depends on context.

I'm comparing the words "this/these and here" with the words "that/those and there".

 

[Barque]

I'm saying you can't differentiate those words on the basis of whether they're in touching distance or not.

It depends on the situation and the context.

I can point at Mt. Everest from 5 kilometres away and say "That's Mt.Everest".

I could also point at it from a spacecraft, zooming in at it in close-up through my high-tec camera lens, and say to my colleague, "Look, this is Mt. Everest'.

 

[5jj]

I can point at Mt. Everest from 5 kilometres away and say "That's Mt.Everest".

I could also point at it from a spacecraft, zooming in at it in close-up through my high-tec camera lens, and say to my colleague, "Look, this is Mt. Everest'.

That is true.

However, as a general guide for learners, I think it's true to say that we usually associate this/these/here with proximiy (in space or time) and that/those/there with non-proximity.

 

[Barque]

Agreed. My posts were in answer to post #3 specifically.

 

[Soleil]

I'm saying you can't differentiate those words on the basis of whether they're in touching distance or not.

It depends on the situation and the context.

I can point at Mt. Everest from 5 kilometres away and say "That's Mt.Everest".

I could also point at it from a spacecraft, zooming in at it in close-up through my high-tec camera lens, and say to my colleague, "Look, this is Mt. Everest'.

Thank you for your explanation. I understand what you mean. From my point of view, we are speaking about the same. In your example you use “this” when you have zoomed your high-tec camera lens and you can see the mountain close to you and you even can touch it on the screen.

 

[Barque]

Yes. You've got it. That's why I said context plays a part.