This, that, these, those: Demonstratives

This grammar works based on two simple questions. First, how many things are there? Second, how far away are they? It is a simple grid system. If the object is in your hand, it is near. If the object is across the room, it is far. If you have one object, it is singular. If you have two or more, it is plural. You just match the distance to the number. It is like a grammar traffic light. Green means near and singular. Yellow means far and singular. Red means plural and near. Blue means plural and far. Okay, maybe not exactly like a traffic light. But it is just as organized! You never have to guess. The distance is usually physical. Sometimes, the distance is about time. This morning is happening now. That morning was in the past. It is a very flexible system. You will feel like a pro soon.

1. 1Identify the number of items you are pointing at.
2. 2Determine the distance of the items from you.
3. 3For one item near you, use the word this.
4. 4For one item far from you, use the word that.
5. 5For many items near you, use the word these.
6. 6For many items far from you, use the word those.
7. 7Place the word before the noun or use it alone.

Use these words when you are ordering food. You can point at a menu. Say, "I want this sandwich, please." It makes the waiter's job much easier. Use them when you are asking for directions. Point at a building far away. Ask, "Is that the train station?" It helps the other person see what you see. Use them in a job interview. You might show your portfolio. You can say, "These are my best projects." It shows pride in your work. Use them when introducing people. You can say, "This is my manager, Sarah." It is polite and clear. Use them when talking about time. If you like your current job, say, "I love this job." If you hated a movie yesterday, say, "That movie was terrible." It helps people understand your timeline. Even native speakers use these constantly. You will hear them in every conversation. They are the salt and pepper of English. They add flavor and clarity to everything.

Do not use these words if you already used the. You cannot say "this the book." That sounds very strange to English ears. Pick one or the other. Do not use this for things far away. If you point at the moon and say this, people will be confused. Unless you are an astronaut holding a moon rock! Do not use these for a single item. If you have one pen, do not say these. It makes you sound like you are seeing double. Avoid using them too much in one sentence. "This is this and that is that" is a bit much. Keep it simple for your listener. Do not use that for someone standing right next to you. It can feel a bit rude or cold. Use this for introductions instead. It feels much warmer and friendlier.

Many people mix up this and these. Remember that this is short and singular. These is longer and plural. Think of the extra letters as extra items! Another mistake is using that for things in your hand. If you can touch it, use this. Some people forget to change the verb. This and that use is. These and those use are. Do not say "these is my keys." Your teacher might have a small heart attack. Say "these are my keys." It sounds much more professional. Yes, even native speakers mess this up when they are tired. But you are a world-class learner! You can get it right every time. Just take a breath and count your items. One or many? Near or far? You've got this!

Compare these to the words it and they. It is for a thing you already mentioned. This is for a thing you are pointing to now. If I say "I like it," you might not know what "it" is. If I say "I like this," and point to a cake, you know exactly. Compare them to here and there. Here is a place near you. This is an object near you. You can say, "This book is here." It is a perfect match! Compare them to the. The is for any specific thing. This is for a specific thing right in front of you. This is much stronger than the. It is like the with a laser pointer attached. Use this when you want to be extra clear. Use the for general specific things.