This, That, These, Those

This, That, These, Those - Exercises

This exercise focuses on demonstrative pronouns

What Are This, That, These, and Those?

These words are called demonstrative pronouns when they replace nouns and demonstrative adjectives when they describe nouns. They help us talk about something specific in our surroundings.

1. This

• Singular, Near

• Used to refer to one thing or person that is close to the speaker.
  Example: "This is my book." (The book is close to the speaker.)

2. That

• Singular, Far

• Used to refer to one thing or person that is far from the speaker.
  Example: "That is my friend over there." (The friend is far from the speaker.)

3. These

• Plural, Near

• Used to refer to more than one thing or person that is close to the speaker.
  Example: "These are my shoes." (The shoes are close to the speaker.)

4. Those

• Plural, Far

• Used to refer to more than one thing or person that is far from the speaker.
  Example: "Those are my friends across the street." (The friends are far from the speaker.)

Rules for Using This, That, These, and Those

1. Check the Number: Use this and that for singular nouns (one item). Use these and those for plural nouns (more than one item).

2. Check the Distance: Use this and these for things close to you. Use that and those for things that are far from you.

Examples in Everyday Conversations

• At the store: "How much is this shirt?" (pointing to a shirt close by) vs. "How much is that shirt over there?" (pointing to a shirt farther away)

• Introducing people: "This is my friend, Sarah." (Sarah is standing near you) vs. "That is my friend, Tom, in the red shirt." (Tom is farther away)

Common Mistakes

1. Mixing Up Singular and Plural

It’s common to say "this are" or "those is," but these are incorrect.

2. Confusing This with That

If the object is close, use this. If it’s far, use that.

Incorrect: "That pen in my hand is blue."
Correct: "This pen in my hand is blue."

Quick Tips to Remember

• If you can touch it or it’s very close, use this or these.

• If you have to point or it’s far, use that or those.

• Use this and that for one item; use these and those for more than one.

It may also be useful to learn At, In, On – Prepositions of Time and Prepositions of Place to be able to describe locations and time of events.

FAQ

Can I use this and that for people?

Yes! For example, "This is my brother," if he’s next to you, and "That is my teacher over there," if your teacher is farther away.

What’s the difference between this and these?

This is singular (one), while these is plural (more than one).

Can I use those for something close?

No, use those only for things far away and plural. Use these for close and plural.

Is there a shortcut to remembering this and that?

Think "near-me" for this and these, and "not-near-me" for that and those.

Do we use this and that for time?

Yes! For example, "This week" (current week, near in time) vs. "That year" (a past or future year, far in time).