This, That, These, Those: Demonstratives in English

This, that, these, and those are demonstratives used to point to people, things, places, or ideas. The form we choose depends on whether we mean one or more than one, and whether something is near or further away. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to use each demonstrative correctly with clear examples.

What Are Demonstratives?

Demonstratives are words we use to point to or identify people and things. We choose this, that, these, or those depending on whether we are talking about one or more than one, and whether they are near or far from us.

This and That

We use this and that for one person or thing. Use this for something near you and that for something farther away. They can also refer to times or situations that feel near or more distant.

Examples:

• This chair next to me is free.
• Is that your car across the street?
• I’ve been very busy this week.
• Do you remember that day we went to London?

These and Those

We use these and those for more than one person or thing. Use these for people or things near you and those for people or things farther away.

Examples:

• These shoes are really comfortable.
• Are these your keys on the table?
• Who are those people over there?
• I like those houses on the other side of the road.

Demonstratives as Pronouns

This, that, these, and those can be used without a noun. When they stand alone and refer to a person or thing, they are called demonstrative pronouns.

Examples:

• This is my favourite photo.
• What’s that over there?
• Are these yours?
• I prefer those.

Demonstratives as Adjectives

When this, that, these, and those come before a noun, they are called demonstrative adjectives. They help us show which person or thing we mean. Use this and that with singular nouns, and these and those with plural nouns.

Examples:

• This book is easy to understand.
• That restaurant is always busy.
• These flowers smell lovely.
• Those students are waiting for the teacher.