This, That, These and Those helps you communicate about pointing to and distinguishing noun referents. Start with the meaning, notice the pattern, and then use it in complete sentences.
By the end of this lesson, you can
- I can match demonstrative determiners with noun number and distance.
- Recognise and build the form: this/that + singular; these/those + plural.
- Use the pattern accurately in a meaningful sentence.
Meaning and use
Use This, That, These and Those for pointing to and distinguishing noun referents. Always read the whole situation before choosing the form: grammar expresses a meaning, not only a pattern.
This book here is mine.
Use 'This' before one nearby noun.
These shoes here are comfortable.
Use 'These' before plural nearby nouns.
Look at that bird over there.
Use 'that' before one noun farther away.
this/that + singular; these/those + pluralKeep this pattern visible while you study the examples. Then cover it and rebuild one example from memory.
Key rules to notice
These rules explain why the form is correct. Focus on the subject, auxiliary, verb form, word order and time or meaning clues.
- Use 'This' before one nearby noun.
- Use 'These' before plural nearby nouns.
- Use 'that' before one noun farther away.
- Use 'Those' before plural nouns farther away.
- Use singular 'this' for a nearby bicycle.
Common mistakes
Not:These book here is mine.
Use:This book here is mine.
Use 'This' before one nearby noun.
Not:This shoes here are comfortable.
Use:These shoes here are comfortable.
Use 'These' before plural nearby nouns.
Not:Look at this bird over there.
Use:Look at that bird over there.
Use 'that' before one noun farther away.
Check before you practise
Complete each sentence mentally, then reveal the answer.
____ buildings across the river are new.
Those
Use 'Those' before plural nouns farther away.
Who owns ____ bicycle beside me?
this
Use singular 'this' for a nearby bicycle.
Can you move ____ boxes near you?
those
From the speaker's viewpoint, plural boxes near the listener can be 'those'.