We use "this, that, these, those" to refer to people and things. We use them as determiners and pronouns, and they are also used as demonstratives and are used to show the relative distance between the speaker and the noun.
This, that, these, those as determiners
1. How to use "this" as determiners?
We use "this" for the near singular. It is used to talk about something you are holding in your hand or very close to you.
- This pencil is blue.
- This is my brother.
2. How to use "these" as determiners?
We use "these" for the near plural. It is used when you speak about things that you hold in your hand or that are very close to you.
- These pencils are blue.
- These are my pupils.
3. How to use "that" as determiners?
We use "that" for the distant singular. It is used to talk about something far away that you see with the eye or remember.
- That pencil is blue.
- This is my uncle.
4. How to use "those" as determiners?
We use "those" for the distant plural. It is used when you speak of distant things that you do not see with the eyes or remember.
- Those pencils are blue.
- Those are my friends.
This, that, these, those as pronouns
We normally use this, that, these and those as pronouns to refer to things or ideas:
1. How to use "this" as pronouns?
We use "this" in the singular to refer to something that is here/near.
- This is my car.
2. How to use "these" as pronouns?
We use "these" in the plural to refer to something that is here/near.
- These are our children.
3. How to use "that" as pronouns?
We use "that" in the singular to refer to something that is there/far.
- That is our house.
4. How to use "those" as pronouns?
We use "those" in the plural to refer to something that is there/far.
- Those are my shoes.
References