The simple rules for using 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' depend on two key concepts: distance (near or far) and number (singular or plural). Use 'this' (singular) and 'these' (plural) for things physically close to you. Use 'that' (singular) and 'those' (plural) for things farther away.
Mastering these four little words, known as demonstratives, can instantly make your English sound more natural and precise. They might seem tricky at first, but they follow a very logical pattern. Whether you’re pointing to an object, introducing a friend, or talking about time, understanding the rules for using 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' is a fundamental skill for any English learner. Let's break down the rules with clear examples to make them easy to remember.
What Are the Two Main Rules for Using 'This', 'That', 'These', and 'Those'?
To choose the correct word every time, you only need to ask yourself two questions: Is it near me or far from me? And is it one thing or more than one thing?
H3: Rule 1: Proximity (Near vs. Far)
The first rule is about the object's distance from the speaker.
- This and These are used for people or objects that are near the speaker. Think of them as things you can easily touch or that are 'here'.
- Example: "This pen in my hand is new."
- Example: "Are these keys yours?" (The keys are close by).
- That and Those are used for people or objects that are far from the speaker. Think of them as things that are 'over there'.
- Example: "That house across the street is beautiful."
- Example: "Look at those birds in the sky."
H3: Rule 2: Number (Singular vs. Plural)
The second rule is about how many items you are referring to.
- This and That are singular. They refer to only one person or object.
- Example: "This apple is for you." (One apple, near)
- Example: "I want that book on the top shelf." (One book, far)
- These and Those are plural. They refer to two or more people or objects.
- Example: "These shoes feel very comfortable." (Two shoes, near)
- Example: "Who are those people waiting outside?" (Multiple people, far)
Here’s a simple chart to help you visualize the rules:
- Near & Singular: This
- Far & Singular: That
- Near & Plural: These
- Far & Plural: Those
How Do You Apply the Rules for Using 'This', 'That', 'These', and 'Those' in Sentences?
These words can function in two different ways in a sentence: as adjectives that describe a noun or as pronouns that replace a noun. The core rules of distance and number always apply.
H3: As Demonstrative Adjectives
A demonstrative adjective comes *before* a noun to specify which one you're talking about. It 'modifies' or describes the noun.
- "Could you pass me that bowl?"
- "This exercise is difficult."
- "I've never seen these flowers before."
- "Those children are playing very quietly."
H3: As Demonstrative Pronouns
A demonstrative pronoun *replaces* a noun. It stands alone as the subject or object of the sentence because the noun is already understood from the context.
- "What is this?" (Here, 'this' replaces 'this object'.)
- "That smells delicious!"
- "I'll take these." (Instead of saying "I'll take these cookies.")
- "Those are my friends from college."
Can You Use Demonstratives for Time and Abstract Ideas?
Yes! The concept of 'near' and 'far' can also apply to time and ideas, not just physical distance.
- 'Near' in Time: 'This' and 'these' refer to the present, the future, or a time period that is currently happening.
- "I'm very busy this week."
- "Listen to this! You won't believe what happened."
- "In these modern times, everyone has a smartphone."
- 'Far' in Time: 'That' and 'those' refer to the past or a completed event.
- "I really enjoyed that concert last month."
- "Do you remember our holiday in 2010? That was a great year."
- "Those were the days!"
By following these guidelines, you can use demonstratives with confidence. Mastering the simple rules for using 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' is a significant step toward English fluency, helping you communicate with greater clarity and precision in any situation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When should I use 'this is' versus 'that is'? Use "This is..." when introducing someone in person or introducing yourself on the phone (e.g., "Hi, this is Sarah."). Use "That is..." to identify someone at a distance (e.g., "That is my boss over there.") or to ask who is on the phone (e.g., "Hello, who is that?").
Can I use 'that' to agree with someone? Absolutely. Using 'that' is a very common and natural way to react to or agree with a statement. For example, if someone says, "The movie was really exciting," you can respond, "That's true!" or "That's what I thought, too."
What's the difference between 'these' and 'them'? 'These' is a demonstrative used to point out specific items near you ("I want these shoes"). 'Them' is a personal pronoun used to replace a noun as the object of a verb or preposition, without pointing ("I like the shoes. I'm going to buy them.").
How do you use 'this' and 'that' when telling a story? In storytelling, 'this' is often used to introduce a new character or element to make the story feel more immediate and engaging ("So, this guy walks into a shop..."). 'That' is used to refer back to something or someone already mentioned ("The guy I told you about? That's the one who won.").
Is it correct to say 'this kind of' or 'these kind of'? This is a common grammar point. Because 'kind' is singular, you should use 'this' or 'that'. The correct phrases are "this kind of music" or "that kind of problem." If you make 'kind' plural ('kinds'), then you must use 'these' or 'those': "I enjoy these kinds of books."