this, that, these, those
Pointing at things
- We use this, that, these, those to point at things.
- Near or far? One thing or many?
- This pen is mine. Those cars are fast.
this and that (one thing)
- this = one thing near me.
- that = one thing far from me.
- This is my phone. That is your car.
Practice
You are holding a pen. Which is best?
Something near you → this: “This is a pen.”
these and those (many things)
- these = things near me. those = things far away.
- These are my books. Those are her friends.
- They need a plural noun: these books.
Explore
this, that, these or those?
Near or far? One or many? That picks the word.
Practice
Complete (far + plural): ___ are my shoes over there.
Far + plural → those: “Those are my shoes.”
Practice
Is this correct? “These book are new.”
“these” needs a plural noun: “These books are new.”
Practice
Translate into English: 那些是我的书。
Far + plural → those + are + plural noun: “Those are my books.”
with nouns
- They can come before a noun too: this book, those people.
- I like this song. Look at those birds.
Common mistakes
- ❌ these book → ✓ these books — a plural noun after these / those.
- ❌ This books are mine. → ✓ These books are mine.
- On the phone, say: ✓ This is Tom. (not I am Tom)
Practice
Match the situation to the right word.
Near → this / these. Far → that / those. One → this / that. Many → these / those.
Practice
On the phone: “Hello, ___ is Anna.”
English says “This is Anna” on the phone.
Key idea
- Near: this (one) / these (many).
- Far: that (one) / those (many).
- these / those + a plural noun.
Practice
Look around the room. Write one sentence using “this”, “that”, “these” or “those”.
Example: “These are my pens.” or “That is a window.”