ChatGPT Basic Grammar × Conversation: Showing Photos

When you meet new friends, you may want to show them pictures on your phone.
You might say, “This is my family” or “That is my dog.” These short English sentences are great for introducing people, places, or things in photos.

In this lesson, you will learn how to use the words “this” and “that” to talk about photos.
You will also practice how to say simple sentences like “This is my house” or “That is my school.”

Don’t worry if you are a beginner! We will explain everything step by step, with easy examples and practice exercises.
At the end, you’ll also get fun ChatGPT prompts to help you use these phrases in real conversations.

Let’s get started!

️ Example Conversation: Showing Photos to a Friend

In this short conversation, Ken is showing his friend Emma some pictures on his phone. Notice how he uses “This is…” and “That is…” to describe what’s in the photos.

Language Notes

• This is… is used when you are showing something close to you (like a photo on your phone).
• That is… is used for something a bit further away, or when pointing to a photo that is not right in front of you.

Try practicing this type of conversation by using your own photos. You can change the details to match your real life!

Grammar Focus: How to Use “This is” and “That is”

When you want to show or introduce something in English, you can use simple sentences like “This is…” or “That is…”. These are called demonstrative sentences, and they are great for pointing to people, objects, or places — especially when showing photos.

“This is”

Use “This is” when you are talking about something that is close to you, especially something you are holding or showing right now (like a photo on your phone).

• This is my house.
• This is my dog.
• This is my friend from school.

“That is”

Use “That is” when you are talking about something that is a little farther away, or when you are pointing to something in the distance or on a photo that is not directly in your hand.

• That is my uncle’s car.
• That is my sister on the left.
• That is our old school building.

Notes

• “This” = near (something close, in your hand or on your phone)
• “That” = far (something farther away or in the background)
• You can use “This is…” and “That is…” to talk about people, animals, objects, and places.

Now that you understand the difference, let’s use ChatGPT to practice these patterns!

Practice with ChatGPT

Let’s practice using “This is…” and “That is…” in conversation! These phrases are very useful when you show someone a picture and want to describe it. With ChatGPT, you can practice talking like you’re showing real photos to a friend.

Use the prompts below to start a natural and friendly conversation. Just copy, paste, and begin!

Recommended Prompt 1: Describe your house

In this activity, imagine you are showing ChatGPT a picture of your house. ChatGPT will ask questions like a friend. This will help you practice how to say “This is my house,” and talk more about it.

I want to practice showing photos in English. Please be my friend and ask, “What is this?” I will answer using “This is my house.” Then ask me more friendly questions like “Where is your house?” or “Is it big?” Please continue the conversation and help me practice.

Recommended Prompt 2: Show photos of people

This time, let’s practice introducing people in your photos. Use “This is my sister” or “That is my teacher.” ChatGPT will talk with you and ask more questions to keep the conversation going.

Let’s practice introducing people in pictures. You are my friend. Please ask, “Who is this?” I will answer using “This is my friend” or “That is my teacher.” Then ask follow-up questions like “What’s her name?” or “Where do you know her from?” Please help me practice naturally.

Practice Exercises

Now it’s your turn! Let’s practice using “This is” and “That is” to describe people, places, and things. These expressions are great for introducing photos or pointing to something around you.

In English, we use “This is” when something is close to us, and “That is” when it’s farther away. These exercises will help you become more comfortable using both.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences using “This is” or “That is”. Think about distance (near or far) when choosing the correct phrase.

• _______ my dog. He’s very friendly. (You are holding a photo)
• _______ my school. It’s over there. (You are pointing)
• _______ my best friend. Her name is Hana. (You show a picture)
• _______ a beautiful mountain. We went there last summer. (You point in the distance)
• _______ my room. I took this picture yesterday. (You show a picture on your phone)

Exercise 2: Write Your Own Sentences

Look at some photos on your phone or computer. For each one, write a sentence using “This is” or “That is”. Try to describe what or who is in the photo.

1. This is _____________________________
2. That is _____________________________
3. This is _____________________________
4. That is _____________________________

Example:
This is my family at the beach.
That is my uncle’s car in the background.

Exercise 3: Speak Out Loud

Find five things around you — like your phone, a bag, a photo, or a book. Try to say sentences out loud using “This is…” or “That is…”. Practice helps you become more confident!

Example:
“This is my English notebook.”
“That is my friend’s bag.”

You can also record your voice or use ChatGPT to practice by saying or typing your answers. Practicing speaking is very important, even when you are alone!

Tips and Common Mistakes

Let’s go over some helpful tips and common mistakes when using “This is” and “That is”. These phrases are easy to use, but many beginners still make small errors. Don’t worry — it’s all part of learning!

✅ Tip 1: Use “This is” for things that are close

If you are holding something, looking at a photo on your phone, or standing next to it — use “This is.”

Example: “This is my sister. She’s in this photo.”

✅ Tip 2: Use “That is” for things that are far

If something is far away, like across the room or in a picture taken from far away, use “That is.”

Example: “That is my house in the distance.”

⚠️ Mistake 1: Using “This” or “That” without “is”

❌ Wrong: “This my dog.”
✅ Correct: “This is my dog.”
Always remember to use “is” after “This” or “That.”

⚠️ Mistake 2: Confusing “this” and “that”

Sometimes learners use “this” for things that are far away. Try to think about where the object is.

If you can touch it or it’s right next to you, say “this.”
If it’s over there or in a photo taken from far away, say “that.”

️ Tip 3: Practice with your real photos

Look at your photo album or phone gallery. Point to each picture and say:
“This is…” if it’s your photo or something close.
“That is…” if it’s far or in the background.
This is a great way to make the grammar part of your real life!

Keep practicing and don’t worry if you make mistakes. That’s how we learn!

Why 3D ACADEMY is Perfect for Beginners

Are you just starting your English learning journey? 3D ACADEMY in Cebu, Philippines is a great place to begin! We offer friendly, one-on-one classes with kind and professional teachers who understand the needs of beginners. Whether you’re nervous about speaking or want to build basic grammar step by step, our school is here to help.

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