This, That, These, Those: A Guide to Demonstrative Determiners

Welcome, English learners! In your journey to fluency, you'll find that small words can make a big difference. Today, we're going to focus on four powerful little words that help you point things out and be specific: this, that, these, and those. These are called demonstrative determiners, and mastering them will make your English sound much more natural. Ready? Let's dive in!

What Are Demonstrative Determiners?

Before we get to the main topic, let's quickly remember what a determiner is. A determiner is a word that comes before a noun to show how the noun is being used. Words like 'a', 'the', 'my', and 'some' are determiners.

Demonstrative determiners are special because they 'demonstrate' or point to a specific noun. They answer the question, "Which one?" To use them correctly, you only need to understand two simple concepts:

• Number: Is the noun singular (one thing) or plural (more than one thing)?
• Distance: Is the noun near to the speaker or far away?

The four demonstrative determiners fit perfectly into these categories. Let's look at them one by one.

Mastering "This" and "These": Your Nearby Guides

When you're talking about things that are physically close to you, you'll use 'this' and 'these'. Think of them as the words for things within your reach.

"This": For One Thing, Right Here

We use this when we are talking about one, singular noun that is close to us. "Close" can mean you are touching it, holding it, or it's right next to you.

Look at these examples:

• "Do you like this shirt I'm wearing?"
• "This coffee tastes delicious." (while drinking it)
• "Is this seat taken?" (pointing to the seat next to you)
• "I'm going to read this book this weekend." (holding the book)

Pro Tip: 'This' can also be used for something that is close in time, like the present moment. For example: "This music is wonderful!" or "I'm very busy this week."

"These": For Multiple Things, Right Here

When you have two or more items near you, switch from 'this' to these. It's the plural partner for things that are close by.

Here’s how it works:

• "These shoes are very comfortable." (pointing to the shoes on your feet)
• "Whose keys are these on the table?"
• "I need to finish these reports before I go home." (referring to papers on your desk)
• "Could you help me carry these bags?"

Exploring "That" and "Those": Pointing at a Distance

Now, let's talk about things that are not close to us. 'That' and 'those' are used for nouns that are farther away, either in space or in time.

"That": For One Thing, Over There

We use that for a singular noun that is far from us. Imagine you are pointing to something across the room or down the street.

Check out these sentences:

• "Can you see that bird in the tree?"
• "I would like to buy that painting on the wall."
• "What is that tall building in the distance?"
• "I didn't like that movie we watched last week."

Important Note: Notice the last example. 'That' is also used to refer to something that is distant in time, especially in the past. For example: "Remember that summer we went to Spain?"

"Those": For Multiple Things, Over There

When you are talking about more than one noun that is far from you, you need to use those. It is the plural partner of 'that'.

• "Who are those people waiting outside?"
• "Those mountains look so beautiful at sunset."
• "I'm going to return those library books tomorrow." (the books are at home, you are at the library)
• "Those were the good old days!" (referring to a time in the past)

This, That, These, Those: A Quick Cheat Sheet

Feeling a little confused? Don't worry! Here is a very simple chart to help you remember when to use each word. It's all about number and distance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even advanced learners can mix these words up sometimes. Here are a few common errors to watch out for.

Mistake 1: Mismatching Number

The most common mistake is using a singular determiner with a plural noun, or vice-versa.

• Incorrect: I like this shoes.
• Correct: I like these shoes. (Shoes are plural and near)
• Incorrect: Can you hand me those book?
• Correct: Can you hand me that book? (Book is singular and far)

Mistake 2: Confusing Determiners and Pronouns

The words 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' can also be used as pronouns. What's the difference? A determiner comes before a noun, while a pronoun replaces the noun.

• As a Determiner: This car is expensive. ('This' describes 'car')
• As a Pronoun: This is expensive. ('This' replaces 'car')

The good news is that the rules of number and distance are exactly the same! Just be aware of how the word is functioning in your sentence.

Test Your Knowledge!

Let's practice! Choose the correct word (this, that, these, those) to complete each sentence. The answers are below.

1. Look at ______ beautiful painting on the wall across the room.
2. Could you please pass me ______ books right here next to me?
3. ______ is my favorite song! I love it when it plays on the radio.
4. Do you remember ______ holidays we had in Italy last year?
5. Excuse me, is ______ your wallet on the floor?

Answers: 1. that, 2. these, 3. this, 4. those, 5. this

Conclusion: Pointing with Confidence

And there you have it! The complete guide to using this, that, these, and those. By remembering the simple rules of number (singular/plural) and distance (near/far), you can use these demonstrative determiners with confidence. The best way to get comfortable with them is to practice. Try to use them in your daily life. Point to things in your room, in the street, and in your memories, and say the right word. You'll be a pro in no time!