Choose a demonstrative to identify a singular or plural thing.
The idea
Use this for one thing near you and these for several things near you. Use that for one thing farther away and those for several: this book, those chairs. They can stand before nouns or replace them. Distance is often useful, though context can also influence the choice.
Examples
- This book is mine.
- That house is very old.
- These apples are fresh.
- Those chairs are near the door.
- Is this your coat?
- Are those your keys?
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Watch out
Do not pair a plural noun with this: say these apples, not this apples. The location contrast is a useful guide, not an absolute rule for every context.
Try it yourself
One book here: ___ book is mine. (This / These)
Show answer or example answer
This
This refers to one thing near the speaker.
Several apples here: ___ apples are fresh. (These / This)
Show answer or example answer
These
These refers to several things near the speaker.
Several chairs over there: ___ chairs are near the door. (Those / That)
Show answer or example answer
Those
Those refers to several things farther away.
Practice round
Answer questions and rebuild English sentences to practise. Your score is shown.
One book here: ___ book is mine. (This / These)
Several apples here: ___ apples are fresh. (These / This)
Several chairs over there: ___ chairs are near the door. (Those / That)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Point to two nearby objects and two farther away. Write one phrase for each using the appropriate singular or plural form.