This, that, these, those

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  • This/these= here, that/those= there

    Grammar chart with cartoon monsters illustrating the demonstratives 'this, that, these, those' in English, with 'here' and 'there' directional cues and example sentences.

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    This, these (here)

    We use this and these for things that are here (near). This is singular and these is plural.

    • This is my new watch. 
    • These are my sisters Anna and Jenny. 

    That, those (there)

    We use that and those for things that are there (not near). That is singular and those is plural.

    • That man is very strange. 
    • I need those boxes over there. 

    With a noun or without a noun

    We can use this, that, these, those with a noun (this box, that car, etc.) or without a noun.

    • This watch is very expensive. 
    • I like that woman in the park. 
    • Who is that? (= that person)
    • ‘What are those?’ ‘They are old pictures.’

    This is John (introductions and on the phone)

    We use this is when we introduce people and on the telephone.

    • Hi, this is Tim. (Tim on the telephone)
    • Laura: ‘Hi, Sara. This is my friend Paul.’ Sara: ‘Hi, Paul. Nice to meet you.’