Not "These is my phone." — say "This is my phone.". One thing → this (with is), not these.
Try it: ___ is my phone. (one thing, in my hand) (This / These / That) Answer: This — One thing, and it is near you → this. "These" is for many; "that" is for far. So: This is my phone.
that = far + one
Use that for one thing far from you.
That is your car.
That building is tall.
I want that cookie.
Not "This is your car. (it is far away)" — say "That is your car.". Far away → that, even for one thing.
Try it: ___ building over there is tall. (That / This / Those) Answer: That — One building, far from you → that. "This" would mean it is near; "those" would mean many. So: That building.
these = near + many
Use these for many things close to you (the plural of this).
These are my keys.
I like these flowers.
Try these shoes.
Not "This are my books." — say "These are my books.". Many things → these (with are), not this.
Try it: ___ are my keys. (right here in my hand) (These / This / Those) Answer: These — Many things, and near you → these. "This" is for one; "those" is for far. So: These are my keys.
those = far + many
Use those for many things far from you (the plural of that).
Those houses are old.
Look at those birds.
Those are my friends.
Not "That houses are old." — say "Those houses are old.". Many things far away → those, not that.
Try it: ___ houses across the street are old. (Those / That / These) Answer: Those — Many houses, far away → those. "That" is for one; "these" would mean they are near. So: Those houses.
Try it: Remember: one or many? ___ are my friends, over there by the door. (Those / That / This) Answer: Those — "Are" tells you it is many, so it must be these or those. "Over there" tells you they are far, so: Those are my friends.