Demonstratives: This, That, These, Those – English Grammar Guide

Demonstratives are words used to point out specific people, objects, places, or ideas. In English, the four main demonstrative words are this, that, these, and those. They help us indicate which thing(s) or person(s) we are referring to, based on distance (near or far) and number (singular or plural).

Understanding how to use demonstratives correctly is essential for clear communication in both spoken and written English. This guide will explain their meanings, uses, examples, and common mistakes.

What Are Demonstratives?

Demonstratives are determiners (and sometimes pronouns) that point to a specific thing or things.
They answer the question: Which one?

• This → one thing that is near (singular, close)

• That → one thing that is far (singular, distant)

• These → more than one thing that is near (plural, close)

• Those → more than one thing that is far (plural, distant)

In other words:

Using Demonstratives as Determiners

When demonstratives are followed by a noun, they function as determiners. They modify the noun and show which specific item or person we mean.

Examples:

• This book is very interesting. (singular, near)

• That building is very tall. (singular, far)

• These shoes are comfortable. (plural, near)

• Those people are waiting for the bus. (plural, far)

Context:

Imagine you are in a store:

• Holding a shirt in your hand → “I like this shirt.”

• Pointing to one across the room → “I prefer that shirt.”

• Looking at a group of shirts in front of you → “These shirts are on sale.”

• Referring to a group farther away → “Those shirts are more expensive.”

Using Demonstratives as Pronouns

Demonstratives can also stand alone, replacing the noun they refer to. In that case, they act as pronouns.

Examples:

• This is my favorite.

• That looks delicious.

• These are new.

• Those are mine.

Here, the demonstratives replace the noun:

• “This [book] is my favorite.”

• “That [cake] looks delicious.”

• “These [flowers] are new.”

• “Those [cars] are mine.”

Near vs. Far: How to Decide Which to Use

The key difference among this/these and that/those is distance—physical, emotional, or temporal.

1. Physical Distance

• This/these = close to the speaker

• That/those = far from the speaker

Examples:

• “Take this pen (the one near me).”

• “Pass me that pen (the one near you).”

• “I love these flowers on the table.”

• “Do you like those mountains in the distance?”

2. Temporal Distance (Time)

Demonstratives can also show how near or far something is in time.

Examples:

• “This morning I went jogging.” (recent time)

• “That day was unforgettable.” (past or distant time)

• “These days, people use smartphones for everything.”

• “I don’t miss those days when I had no free time.”

3. Emotional or Psychological Distance

Speakers sometimes use that/those to show emotional distance or disapproval.

Examples:

• “I don’t like that attitude.”

• “Those lies really hurt me.”

• “Listen to this amazing song!” (positive, emotional closeness)

Common Expressions with Demonstratives

Using “This” to Introduce

We often use this when introducing people or ideas:

• “This is my friend, Maria.”

• “This is what I was talking about.”

Using “That” to Refer Back

We use that to refer back to something previously mentioned:

• “I lost my wallet yesterday. That was stressful.”

• “He said he’d call. That surprised me.”

Fixed Expressions:

• “That’s right!”

• “This is it!”

• “That’s enough.”

• “These are the days we’ll never forget.”

• “Those were the good old days.”

Demonstratives in Conversations

Example 1:

A: Whose phone is this?
B: Oh, that’s mine. Thanks!

Example 2:

A: I love these photos from our trip.
B: Yeah, but those we took in Japan were even better!

Example 3:

A: This coffee tastes great.
B: Really? I prefer that one from the new café.

Demonstratives with Uncountable Nouns

Demonstratives can also be used with uncountable nouns like water, music, or furniture, but still reflect distance.

Examples:

• “Try this rice—it’s freshly cooked.”

• “Can you hear that music?”

• “That information was useful.”

• “I don’t like this noise.”

Even if the noun is uncountable, the same rules (near vs. far) apply.

Demonstratives with Abstract Ideas

Demonstratives can point to ideas, situations, or events, not just physical objects.

Examples:

• “This is what I mean.”

• “That sounds like a good plan.”

• “I don’t understand these instructions.”

• “Those are the kinds of comments that make people angry.”

Grammar Tips: Agreement in Number

Demonstratives must agree with the number of the noun:

• Singular → this, that

• Plural → these, those

✅ Correct:

• “This apple is sweet.”

• “These apples are sweet.”

❌ Incorrect:

• “These apple is sweet.”

• “This apples are sweet.”

Common Mistakes

1. Mixing up singular and plural forms

Wrong: “I like this shoes.”
Right: “I like these shoes.”

2. Using “that” for something near

Wrong: “Pass me that plate” (when it’s right in front of you).
Right: “Pass me this plate.”

3. Using demonstratives without clear reference

Avoid vague usage:
Wrong: “I didn’t like that.” (What does “that” refer to?)
Right: “I didn’t like that movie we watched last night.”

Quick Summary Table

Practice Time

Try filling in the blanks with the correct demonstrative:

1. _______ apple in my hand is fresh.

2. _______ buildings over there are new.

3. _______ is my favorite TV show.

4. _______ people we met yesterday were kind.

5. _______ was a great experience!

Answers:

1. This

2. Those

3. This

4. Those

5. That

How Demonstratives Add Meaning to Speech

Demonstratives are not just grammar tools; they help create connection and emphasis in communication.
By choosing this/these, you bring your listener closer to your idea. By using that/those, you create distance—physically, emotionally, or mentally.

Compare:

• “I love this city.” (You feel connected, positive, present.)

• “I miss that city.” (You feel nostalgic, distant in time or space.)

Conclusion

Demonstratives—this, that, these, and those—are simple yet powerful words. They help us show which person or thing we mean, based on distance and number.
By mastering these four words, you can make your English speech and writing more natural, clear, and expressive.

Remember:

• This/These → near

• That/Those → far

• This/That → singular

• These/Those → plural

Practice using them in real-life situations, and soon you’ll use demonstratives automatically and accurately.

FAQs

What are demonstratives and why are they important?

Demonstratives are pointing words that identify specific people, things, places, times, or ideas. In English, the four core demonstratives are this, that, these, and those. They matter because they answer the question “Which one(s)?” and clarify reference, helping your listener or reader know exactly what you mean.

How do I choose between this/that and these/those?

Two switches control your choice: number and distance.

• Number: singular → this, that; plural → these, those.
• Distance: near → this, these; far → that, those.

Examples: “This pen (near, singular),” “Those houses (far, plural).”

What is the difference between using demonstratives as determiners and as pronouns?

As determiners, demonstratives come before a noun: “this book,” “those ideas.” As pronouns, they stand alone and replace the noun: “This is great,” “Those are mine.” The meaning is the same; the grammar changes depending on whether the noun is stated or understood from context.

Can demonstratives refer to time as well as physical distance?

Yes. Demonstratives also express temporal distance. “This morning” suggests recency or immediacy. “That day” often marks a more distant time. Similarly, “these days” means “nowadays,” while “those days” signals a past period, often with nostalgia.

Do demonstratives show emotional or psychological distance?

They can. Speakers use that/those to signal detachment, criticism, or distance, and this/these to show connection, approval, or immediacy. Compare: “Listen to this song!” (enthusiasm) vs. “I don’t like that tone.” (disapproval).

How do I use demonstratives with uncountable nouns?

Use them exactly as with countable nouns; agreement depends on proximity, not countability. Examples: “Try this rice,” “Can you stop that noise?” “This information is essential,” “I hate that traffic.”

Can demonstratives point to ideas, clauses, or whole situations?

Absolutely. Demonstratives often summarize earlier content or introduce an explanation. Examples: “I forgot my keys; that was annoying.” “This is what I mean: arrive 10 minutes early.” “If we combine teams, that could save costs.”

What are common fixed expressions with demonstratives?

• “That’s right.” / “That’s enough.”
• “This is it.” (the decisive moment)
• “Those were the days.” (nostalgia)
• “That’s why …” to give reasons; “This is because …” to introduce explanations.

What mistakes do learners commonly make with demonstratives?

1. Number mismatch: “These apple” (wrong) → “These apples” (right).
2. Proximity mismatch: Using that for something very near or this for something far away.
3. Vague reference: Saying “I don’t like that” without a clear antecedent. Specify: “I don’t like that idea.”
4. Overusing this/these in formal writing without a noun: Prefer “This result shows …” over bare “This shows …” when clarity is crucial.

Is there a difference between “this/these” and “that/those” on the phone or in digital contexts?

Yes. In calls, chats, and video, this/these typically points to what the speaker is “holding” or sharing (a screen, file, or link): “Can you open this PDF?” That/those often refers to something on the listener’s side or previously discussed: “Did you get that email?”

How do demonstratives interact with gestures and context?

Meaning often depends on pointing, eye gaze, or shared situational knowledge. Without visual cues, add a noun or description: instead of “Pass that,” say “Pass that blue folder.” In writing, anchor demonstratives to clear antecedents to avoid ambiguity.

Can demonstratives be intensified or softened?

Yes, adverbs and tone can modify force. “Right this moment” intensifies immediacy. “Just that one” narrows scope. In speech, stress (THIS vs. that) conveys attitude. In writing, combine with modifiers for precision: “These specific metrics,” “That particular concern.”

What guidelines help keep demonstratives clear in academic or professional writing?

• Prefer demonstrative + noun after complex ideas: “This finding suggests …” instead of a bare “This.”
• Keep antecedents close: Place the demonstrative sentence immediately after the idea it refers to.
• Avoid chain references: Don’t let “this/that” refer to an entire paragraph unless you restate the key term.

How do demonstratives work with relative clauses and adjectives?

Demonstratives can be followed by adjectives and relative clauses: “those two innovative startups,” “this book that I mentioned,” “these strategies which reduce churn.” The demonstrative still marks number and distance; the modifiers add detail.

What are quick rules of thumb I can memorize?

• This/These = near (physical, temporal, or emotional) ; That/Those = far.
• This/That = singular ; These/Those = plural.
• When in doubt in writing, use demonstrative + clear noun (“this issue,” “those results”).

Can you give mini-dialogue examples that show subtle differences?

In a store: “I’ll buy this jacket” (holding it). “What about that one near the door?” (farther away). “I like these buttons.” “But those sleeves are too long.”

At work: “This timeline is tight, so we’ll prioritize tasks.” “If we miss the deadline, that will affect the launch.” “Share these slides with the team.” “And review those metrics from last quarter.”

How do demonstratives interact with discourse markers like “however” or “therefore”?

Pair demonstratives with connectors to tighten logic: “This evidence supports the hypothesis; however, the sample is small.” “Sales dropped; therefore, this strategy needs revision.” The demonstrative signals reference; the connector signals the relationship.

Are there regional or stylistic preferences I should know?

Spoken English often favors bare demonstratives (“This is crazy!”). Formal writing prefers paired forms (“This result is surprising”). Some speakers use demonstratives to build rapport (“Try this!”) or distance (“I won’t accept that behavior”). Tailor your choice to tone and audience.

What practice exercises can I use to master demonstratives?

1. Point-and-name: In your room, name five items with correct forms: “This lamp,” “Those books.”
2. Temporal rewrite: Convert sentences to near/far time: “That week was hectic” → “This week is manageable.”
3. Clarity upgrade: Replace vague “this/that” with “this/that + noun” in a paragraph you wrote.

Can demonstratives co-occur with quantity words or numbers?

Yes: “these three options,” “that one solution,” “those many complaints” (informal). The demonstrative comes first, then quantity or number, then the noun: “these two key insights,” “those several risks.”

How do I avoid ambiguity when multiple candidates exist for “this” or “that”?

Add a head noun and, if necessary, a brief appositive or relative clause: “This policy, which caps overtime, is controversial.” “We’ll drop that feature—the beta users disliked it.” This strategy locks the reference to a single, identifiable thing.

What quick diagnostic questions help me choose correctly in real time?

• Near or far? (physical, temporal, emotional)
• One or many? (singular or plural)
• Is the noun explicit? If not, should I add it for clarity?
• What tone? Warm/engaged → this/these; detached/critical → that/those.

Can you summarize the core takeaways?

Use this/these for nearness and connection; that/those for distance and detachment. Match singular/plural precisely. In speech, gestures help; in writing, prefer “demonstrative + noun” for clarity. Anchor references tightly to avoid ambiguity, and let your choice signal time, stance, and emphasis.

English Grammar Guide: Complete Rules, Examples, and Tips for All Levels