This, That, These, Those — Demonstrative Pronouns
This, that, these, and those are called demonstrative pronouns. We use them to show or point to people or things.
This and these are for things close to us.
Use this for one thing close by.
Use these for more than one thing close by.
That and those are for things far from us.
Use that for one thing far away.
Use those for more than one thing far away.
Singular and Plural Forms
| Close (near) | Far (far away) |
|---|---|
| This (singular) | That (singular) |
| These (plural) | Those (plural) |
This is my car. (car is close)
That is my car. (car is far away)
These are my shoes. (shoes are close)
Those are my shoes. (shoes are far away)
I’ve never been to this part of the city. (close)
I’ve never been to that part of the city. (far)
Questions with Demonstratives
What’s this?
(asking about one close thing)
(asking about one close thing)
What’s that?
(asking about one far thing)
(asking about one far thing)
What are these?
(asking about several close things)
(asking about several close things)
What are those?
(asking about several far things)
(asking about several far things)
When Else Do We Use This, That, These, Those?
1. Talking about abstract things
We can use them with ideas or actions (not just things you can touch).
Do this exercise every day.
Did you know how to do that?
2. Showing feelings
We use this/these to show we feel close or positive about something. We use that/those to show distance or a negative feeling.
I like this new menu.
I don’t like those curtains.
3. Introducing people
We use this/these when we introduce someone. We use that/those when asking about someone.
Adam, this is my sister, Sarah.
Is that your sister?
4. On the phone
We use this when answering or asking on the phone.
Hello, is this Carrie Robinson?
Yes, this is Carrie
5. Talking about known or new things
Use that for something known to both people (instead of “the”). Use this for something new in the conversation.
You know that little cafe on Maple Street, right?
Out of nowhere, this bird flew into the room.
Time Expressions with Demonstratives
Use this/these for present or future time:
I have a meeting this evening.
Adam has a job interview this week.
People use cell phones a lot these days.
Use that/those for past time:
I saw Greg for the last time that day.
She was in Australia that week.
I remember those days when we were young.
Use that in reported speech for past time:
Anna said, “I saw him this week.”
Anna said she had seen him that week.
Common Expressions with Demonstratives
at this rate — if things continue like this
forget that! — forget it!
in this case — in this situation
that’s all — that is everything
that’s all right — it’s okay
that’s great! — very good!
that’s it — that’s the right answer or thing
that’s right — yes, correct
this way — in this direction
forget that! — forget it!
in this case — in this situation
that’s all — that is everything
that’s all right — it’s okay
that’s great! — very good!
that’s it — that’s the right answer or thing
that’s right — yes, correct
this way — in this direction
