Using this, that, these, and those
We can use this, that, these, and those as demonstrative pronouns or determiners.
As demonstrative pronouns
- This: Used for singular nouns that are near in distance or time.
Example: This book is interesting.
- That: Used for singular nouns that are farther away in distance or time.
Example: That car over there is mine.
- These: Used for plural nouns that are near in distance or time.
Example: These cookies are delicious.
- Those: Used for plural nouns that are farther away in distance or time.
Example: Those mountains look beautiful from here.
These words are known as demonstratives, helping to specify which item or items are being referred to in terms of their proximity to the speaker or the context of time.
As determiners
Determiners are words that introduce or precede nouns, providing more information about the identity, quantity, or definiteness of the noun they modify. They help specify which object or objects are being referred to and can include articles, demonstratives, possessives, quantifiers, numerals, and others.
- This and that are used with singular and uncountable nouns.
Examples: Give this drink to Josh. / This music has a good beat. / I want that book. / That deer is looking sickly.
- These and those are used with plural nouns.
Examples: These cups need to be washed. / These plants don’t look too well. / Those plants don’t look too well. / We need to give those clothes to charity.
