This, That, These, Those

Introduction

In English, this, that, these, and those are called demonstrative pronouns or determiners. They help us point to things based on distance (physical or psychological) and number (singular or plural).

Basic Rules

• This – singular, near the speaker
• That – singular, farther from the speaker
• These – plural, near the speaker
• Those – plural, farther from the speaker

Examples

• This book is interesting. (I’m holding it.)
• That car is fast. (It’s across the street.)
• These cookies are delicious. (They’re right here on the table.)
• Those mountains are beautiful. (They’re far away.)

Tip for Learners

Think of “this/these” as “close” and “that/those” as “far.” Also, remember that “this/that” go with singular nouns, while “these/those” go with plural nouns.