This, That, These, Those (A1 Grammar)

Use this/that for one thing. Use these/those for more.

Quick tip: Near→this/these, Far→that/those

THIS = near + one

Use this for one thing close to you.

• This is my book.
• This pen is blue.
• What is this?

THAT = far + one

Use that for one thing far from you.

• That is your car.
• That building is tall.
• I want that cookie.

THESE/THOSE = plural

Use these (near) or those (far) for many things.

• These are my keys.
• Those houses are old.
• I like these flowers.

Common mistakes

• Not "This are my books." — say "These are my books.". Use these for plural.
• Not "That books are old." — say "Those books are old.". Use those for plural + far.
• Not "These is my phone." — say "This is my phone.". Use this for singular.

Practise it

Point at things: This is..., That is..., These are..., Those are...