This, that, these, and those are essential for pointing to specific people or things without repeating the same noun. In this lesson, you will learn how to use these demonstrative pronouns to make your references clear and precise.
Examples
Example 1
Incorrect This are my keys.
Better These are my keys.
'These' is used for plural nouns, while 'this' is for singular nouns.
Example 2
Incorrect That books are on the table.
Better Those books are on the table.
'Those' is used for plural nouns, while 'that' is for singular nouns.
How It Works
Meaning
This, that, these, and those are demonstrative pronouns used to point to specific people, objects, or ideas. They help clarify which noun you are referring to in a sentence. 'This' and 'these' refer to things that are near in time or space, while 'that' and 'those' refer to things that are farther away.
Use it when
- Referring to something close to you ('this' for singular, 'these' for plural).
- Referring to something farther away ('that' for singular, 'those' for plural).
- Distinguishing between two different sets of items or ideas.
- Emphasizing a particular item or idea in a sentence.
See it
Quick rules
- Use 'this' and 'these' for items close to you in space or time.
- Use 'that' and 'those' for items farther away in space or time.
- Ensure the pronoun clearly points to the intended noun.
- Use 'these' and 'those' for plural nouns; 'this' and 'that' for singular nouns.
- Clarify your reference if the context is ambiguous.
Common Mistakes
Common problem 1
Using singular pronouns for plural nouns
Weak This are my shoes.
Strong These are my shoes.
Fix: Use 'these' for plural nouns.
Common problem 2
Using plural pronouns for singular nouns
Weak Those is my pen.
Strong That is my pen.
Fix: Use 'that' for singular nouns.
Practice Lab
Practice
Identify the correct demonstrative pronoun and apply it in sentences.
Score: 0/3
Focus on whether the noun is singular or plural and its proximity to you.
1. Quick pick
Choose the correct pronoun: Those shoes are old.
2. Build it
Put this sentence in the correct order.
Tap a chunk to move it down. Tap it again to send it back.
3. Final sort
Mark each sentence as correct or needing a fix.
This is my car.
This are my keys.
These are my keys.
Those is my pen.
Why It Matters
🎯 Why it matters: Mastering 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' allows you to communicate clearly and effectively, ensuring that your listener or reader understands exactly what you are referring to, which is crucial in both spoken and written English.
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