Ever get stuck choosing between two options? This or that questions make decision-making fun and simple.
People search for this keyword to find ideas for games, polls, or social media posts. Many are unsure how to use them correctly or make engaging questions.
This blog clears the confusion and shows you exactly how to create and use this or that questions. You’ll get easy examples, tips, and mistakes to avoid.
By the end, you’ll feel confident crafting questions that spark conversation and engagement. Let’s dive in and make choices exciting!
This or That Questions – Quick Answer
This or that questions are prompts where someone chooses between two options. For example:
- “Pizza or burgers?”
- “Morning or night person?”
They’re mainly used for fun, icebreakers, and social media polls. The format encourages conversation and reveals preferences without needing long answers.
The Origin of This or That Questions
The phrase this or that dates back to early English literature as a way to present choices. Using “this” and “that” emphasized contrast between two options. Over time, it became a popular format for games, quizzes, and surveys. There’s no difference in spelling—“this or that questions” is standard—but minor variations exist in casual writing or online content.
British English vs American English Spelling
While this or that questions is spelled the same in both British and American English, some related terms may differ:
| Term | British English | American English |
|---|---|---|
| Favourite vs Favorite | Favourite | Favorite |
| Organise vs Organize | Organise | Organize |
| Programme vs Program | Programme | Program |
The main takeaway: the core phrase stays consistent, but surrounding vocabulary may change depending on the audience.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
If your audience is primarily in the US, stick to American spelling in supporting text (favorite, organize, program). For UK or Commonwealth audiences, use British spelling (favourite, organise, programme).
For global audiences, American English is usually more widely recognized online.
Common Mistakes with This or That Questions
- Using “this or that question” in plural incorrectly → Correct: These are fun this or that questions.
- Confusing with “these or those” → “This” and “that” are singular; “these” and “those” are plural.
- Overcomplicating the question → Keep it simple for engagement.
This or That Questions in Everyday Examples
- Email: “Quick poll for our team: coffee or tea?”
- Social media: Instagram stories often feature this or that questions as polls.
- News: Headlines may ask “Dogs or cats? The nation decides.”
- Formal writing: Less common, but can appear in surveys or research questionnaires.
This or That Questions – Google Trends & Usage Data
This or that questions are most popular on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. Countries with high English usage like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia show the highest search volume.
Google Trends shows spikes around holidays or summer, when casual polls and games increase engagement.
Keyword Variations Comparison Table
| Variation | Usage Example | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| This or that question | “Pizza or burgers?” | Standard singular usage |
| This or that questions | “These are fun this or that questions.” | Plural usage |
| This vs That | “This vs That: Which do you prefer?” | Informal comparison style |
| Would you rather | “Would you rather travel or stay home?” | Similar format but longer |
FAQs
1. What are this or that questions?
Simple prompts asking someone to choose between two options.
2. Can this or that questions be used professionally?
Yes, in surveys, polls, or team-building exercises.
3. Are there spelling differences in UK and US English?
No, the phrase itself stays the same; surrounding vocabulary may differ.
4. Why are they popular on social media?
They encourage engagement, quick interaction, and shareable content.
5. Can you make them more than two options?
Technically yes, but it’s no longer a “this or that” question; it becomes a multiple-choice question.
6. Are they only for fun?
Mostly, but they’re also used in marketing, research, and personality assessments.
7. How do I create effective this or that questions?
Keep options simple, relatable, and contrasting for clear choices.
Conclusion
This or that questions are a simple, fun tool for conversation, social media polls, and team activities. Knowing their origin, correct usage, and minor spelling tips helps you use them confidently.
Avoid common mistakes like overcomplicating or misusing singular/plural forms. Keep your questions clear, contrasting, and relevant for your audience.
Whether you’re a content creator, teacher, or just sparking discussions, short and relatable this or that questions boost engagement and make interactions more enjoyable.
I’m Emma Collins, a grammar expert and author at Grammarnestly.com. I love helping readers master English with simple, practical grammar guides.
When I’m not writing, I enjoy reading, coffee, and exploring the beauty of language.
