Demonstratives – this, that, these, those
Learn how to use demonstratives (this, that, these, those) to point to people, objects, and ideas. This guide explains the difference between singular and plural, near and far, and also covers special uses like introductions and phone calls.
How to use
Rule 1: Singular or plural
Use this/that for one person or thing, and these/those for two or more.
- This/that car is fast.
- These/those cars are fast.
Rule 2: Physical distance
Use this/that for things that are close to you, and that/those for things that are far from you.
- This chair I am sitting on is very comfortable.
- These apples in my hand are fresh.
- Can you see that house on the hill?
- Look at those birds flying high up in the sky!
Rule 3: Time distance
We can also use demonstratives to talk about time. Use this/these for the present or near future, and that/those for the past or distant future.
- This week is very busy.
- These days, many people work from home.
- I remember that evening.
- Those were the best years of my life.
Rule 4: Using 'This is' for introductions and phone calls
In English, we use 'this is' when we introduce people and when we identify ourselves on the phone.
- Carol, this is my friend Simon. Simon, this is Carol.
- "Hi, this is David speaking."
