Grammar Lesson: This, That, These, Those
Introduction
Demonstrative pronouns are words that point to specific things. In English, we use this, that, these, and those to indicate which person or thing we’re referring to.
| Pronoun | Distance | Number | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| This | Near | Singular | This book is interesting. |
| That | Far | Singular | That car is expensive. |
| These | Near | Plural | These apples are fresh. |
| Those | Far | Plural | Those mountains are tall. |
Rules and Usage
1. Distance
Use this and these for things that are close to the speaker.
This is my laptop. (The laptop is near me)
These are my keys. (The keys are in my hand)
Use that and those for things that are farther away from the speaker.
That is your coat. (The coat is across the room)
Those are beautiful flowers. (The flowers are in the garden)
2. Number
Use this and that with singular nouns.
This pen is blue.
That house is old.
Use these and those with plural nouns.
These pens are blue.
Those houses are old.
Practice Exercises
Complete the following exercises by selecting the correct demonstrative pronoun.
1. Look at ______ birds in the sky! (far, plural)
2. Can you pass me ______ book? (near, singular)
3. I love ______ shoes you’re wearing. (far, plural)
4. ______ cookies are delicious! (near, plural)
5. ______ is my favorite movie. (near, singular)
Summary
Remember these key points:
- This and these refer to things that are close to the speaker
- That and those refer to things that are farther away
- This and that are used with singular nouns
- These and those are used with plural nouns
With practice, using these demonstrative pronouns will become natural!
