This, that, these, and those

In English, the words “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those” serve as powerful tools to point out specific items or ideas, functioning as both demonstrative pronouns and determiners. These terms help speakers clarify what they’re referring to based on proximity—whether in space or time—making conversations and descriptions more precise. This guide explores how these demonstratives work in both roles, offering clear examples to illustrate their use and enhance understanding of their application in everyday language.

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.

In summary

This article explains the use of “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those” as demonstrative pronouns and determiners in English. As pronouns, “this” refers to a singular noun close in distance or time (e.g., “This book is interesting”), while “that” indicates something farther away (e.g., “That car is mine”). “These” applies to plural nouns nearby (e.g., “These cookies are delicious”), and “those” to plural nouns at a distance (e.g., “Those mountains look beautiful”). As determiners, they precede nouns to specify identity: “this” and “that” pair with singular or uncountable nouns (e.g., “This music has a good beat,” “That deer is sickly”), while “these” and “those” modify plural nouns (e.g., “These cups need washing,” “Those clothes go to charity”). These demonstratives enhance clarity by signaling proximity and number, bridging the speaker’s intent with the listener’s understanding.