GV

Demonstratives: this/that/these/those

Pointing to things near and far: this book, that car, these shoes, those people

beginner

When to Use Demonstratives: this/that/these/those

  • •This (singular, near): This book is interesting. (holding it)
  • •That (singular, far): That car is expensive. (pointing at it)
  • •These (plural, near): These shoes are comfortable. (wearing them)
  • •Those (plural, far): Those people are waiting. (across the room)
  • •Also for time: this week (current), that day (past reference).

How to Form Demonstratives: this/that/these/those

Affirmative (+)

Demonstrative + noun; or Demonstrative as pronoun

Negative (-)

This/That/These/Those + be + not + adjective

Question (?)

Is this...? Are those...? What's that?

💡 Can be determiners (this book) or pronouns (this is nice).

Examples of Demonstratives: this/that/these/those

✓This is my friend.

✗This is my friends.

This is singular; use 'these' for plural.

✓Those flowers are beautiful.

✗That flowers are beautiful.

Plural noun needs 'those'.

✓I'll see you this Friday.

✗I'll see you that Friday.

This for upcoming/current time.

Common Mistakes with Demonstratives: this/that/these/those

💡 Practice Tips for Demonstratives: this/that/these/those

  • • Near: this (singular), these (plural).
  • • Far: that (singular), those (plural).
  • • Time: this week/month (current); that day (past).
  • • Can be determiner or pronoun.
Quick Quiz
  1. 1.  books are mine — the ones I'm holding.
  2. 2.  flowers over there are beautiful.
  3. 3.Which sentence is correct? 
  4. 4.I'll see you   Friday. (the upcoming one)
  5. Question 5: Fill in: blank ___ my keys! (pointing at them across the room)
    5.Fill in: ___ my keys! (pointing at them across the room)
  6. Question 6: Choose 'this' or 'that': I remember blank day when we first met. (referring to a past day)
    6.Choose 'this' or 'that': I remember day when we first met. (referring to a past day)
  7. Question 7: Replace 'this' with the correct plural form: This shoes are comfortable. → blank shoes are comfortable.
    7.Replace 'this' with the correct plural form: This shoes are comfortable. → shoes are comfortable.
Grammar sorted. Now grow your vocabulary.

Save the words you meet, review on a smart schedule. Free to start.

Practice this with a real tutor

Just finished Demonstratives: this/that/these/those? Don't let it stay theoretical — book a lesson on Tuton.