This, that, these, those

Introduction

This way or that way?

We use this, that, these and those to indicate the people and things we are talking about.

Singular

Plural

'this' (+ noun)

this book

'these' (+ noun)

these books

'that' (+ noun)

that book

'those' (+ noun)

those books

Use

Example

To talk about near and distant people and objects.

This and these for close people and objects.

That and those for distant people and objects.

This is here. That is over there.

To talk about two (groups of) people or objects.

This and these for the first object(s) or person/people we mention.

That and those for the second object(s) or person/people we mention.

Do I take this road or that road?

Introductions

['this' +'be' +person]

This is our accountant, Mr. Brown.

This present is for you.

Those are mountains in the Himalayas.

Those people are my colleagues.

These are my three daughters.

This is the new plan

Do you like this coat?

That is the old factory.

I prefer that jacket.