Navigating "This", "That", "These", and "Those" in English

In English, the demonstrative pronouns "this", "that", "these", and "those" are essential for identifying and specifying things, places, and even abstract ideas. Understanding their usage and distinctions is crucial for clear and effective communication.

1. What are "This", "That", "These", and "Those"?

  • This: A singular demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific object, person, or situation that is close to the speaker.

    Example: This is my favorite book.

  • That: A singular demonstrative pronoun used to point out a specific object, person, or situation that is farther from the speaker.

    Example: That was a great movie.

  • These: A plural demonstrative pronoun referring to specific objects, people, or situations close to the speaker.

    Example: These cookies are delicious.

  • Those: A plural demonstrative pronoun for identifying specific objects, people, or situations that are at a distance from the speaker.

    Example: Those stars are bright tonight.

2. How to Use "This", "That", "These", and "Those" in Sentences:

  • This: Use when referring to a single item near you. Example: This pen writes well.

  • That: Use when pointing out a single item that is not near you. Example: That house over there looks old.

  • These: Use when referring to multiple items close to you. Example: These apples are fresh.

  • Those: Use when indicating multiple items that are not near you. Example: Those mountains in the distance are beautiful.

3. The Difference Among "This", "That", "These", and "Those":

  • This and These: Used for things that are physically close to the speaker. "This" is singular, while "these" is plural.

    • This cat (near me) is friendly.
    • These cats (near me) are friendly.
  • That and Those: Used for things that are not close to the speaker. "That" is singular, while "those" is plural.

    • That cat (far from me) is sleepy.
    • Those cats (far from me) are sleepy.

4. Cases When Not to Use "This", "That", "These", "Those":

  • When referring to abstract concepts without a physical presence:

    Incorrect: This is important to remember (referring to a concept). Correct: It is important to remember.

  • When the proximity context is not required or the object/person is unique:

    Incorrect: I love this the sun. Correct: I love the sun.

5. Practice This/That/These/Those Exercises

This exercise was designed to help you practice This/That/These/Those. The exercise contains 20 questions. Choose the best answer to complete the exercise.

 

1. In order to talk about people or things near us we use This (singular) and These (plural) as pronouns:

Examples:

This is my bag.

These are my bags.

2. In order to talk about people or things NOT near us we use That (singular) and Those (plural) as pronouns:

Examples:

That car is old.

Those houses are new.

 In conclusion, "this", "that", "these", and "those" are indispensable in English for distinguishing between things based on their distance from the speaker. Their proper use adds clarity and specificity to our descriptions and is a key aspect of effective communication in English.

Now You'll take a "This/That/These/Those" test.



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