A1 · Lesson 13 · 20 min
This, that, these and those
In this lesson
- I can choose this, that, these or those for things near and far.
- I can use demonstratives with singular and plural nouns.
Grammar in context
Mina is in a café with her cousin. She points to one cake on her table and says, “This cake looks good.” Then she looks at two bicycles outside the window and says, “Those bicycles are new.”
Which word does Mina use for one nearby thing, and which word does she use for two things far away?
Near: this and these
Use this for one thing near you: this book. Use these for two or more things near you: these books. You can leave out the name of the thing when it is clear: This is mine.
- This cup is hot.
- These keys are on my desk.
Far: that and those
Use that for one thing far from you: that house. Use those for two or more things far from you: those houses. Something can be far away across a room or on the other side of a street.
- That bus is late.
- Those houses are near the park.
Questions and short answers
Use is with this and that. Use are with these and those. Put is or are first in a question: Is that your bag? Are these your shoes? In short answers, use it for one thing and they for two or more.
- Is this your phone? Yes, it is.
- Are those your shoes? No, they aren't.
Singular and plural choices
First count the things: one or more than one? Then look at where they are: near or far? Choose this or that for one thing. Choose these or those for more than one thing.
- This sandwich is for Omar.
- Those bags belong to the visitors.
Common mistakes
Compare the incorrect and corrected forms.
Avoid
These book is interesting.
Use
This book is interesting.
Book is singular, so use this for one nearby book.
Avoid
That apples are expensive.
Use
Those apples are expensive.
Apples is plural, so use those for things that are far away.
Put it into practice
Try the exercises, write your own examples and check your understanding.