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Demonstrative Pronouns in English: This, That, These, Those

Learning & Grammer

Are you tired of making mistakes with demonstrative pronouns in English? Don't worry! In this article, you'll learn the rules for their correct use with detailed explanations, clear examples, and practical exercises to test your knowledge.
 

 Discover how to improve your English grammar skills easily and effectively.

What are Demonstrative Pronouns in English?

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Demonstrative pronouns in English serve an essential function in indicating the proximity or distance of a person, object, or situation in relation to the speaker, both in a physical sense and in a more abstract or conceptual one. Unlike Spanish, where these pronouns vary according to gender (masculine, feminine) and number (singular or plural), in English they are distinguished only between singular and plural, without regard to gender.

The four demonstrative pronouns in English are used depending on the proximity or distance of the object in question from the speaker. This simplified system facilitates the precise identification of elements in the conversation and is fundamental for clear and effective communication. The four demonstrative pronouns in English are:

"This" and "These"

1. "This" is used to refer to something that is close to the speaker in the singular. It can refer to objects, people, animals, or ideas.

Example:

  • This hamburger is delicious .
  • Who is this person ?

2. "These" is the plural of "this" and is used to talk about several objects or people close to the speaker.

Example:

  • These books are very interesting.
  • Are these your keys ?

"That" and "Those"

3. "That" is used to refer to something that is far from the speaker, in the singular.

Example:

  • That house is beautiful. (That house is beautiful.)
  • Do you like that song?

4. "Those" is the plural of "that" and is used to talk about several objects or people that are far from the speaker.

Example:

  • Those mountains are amazing .
  • I don't like those shoes.

What's the difference?

Singular Plural Use
This​ These (estos/estas) Something close to the speaker.
That (ese/esa, aquel/aquella) Those (those, those) Something distant from the speaker.
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Are you ready to practice?

Fill in the blanks with the correct demonstrative pronoun:

  1. Zach: Could you please give me that game on the table over there ?
  2. Clara: Do you want this game here ?
  3. Zach: Yes , this game !
  4. Clara: Here you are. Oh, could you give me those apples on the table over there ?
  5. Zach : _____ ? Sure, here you are .

Answers: 1. That / 2. This / 3. This / 4. Those / 5. These

  1. Carlos: Could you pass me that book on the shelf?
  2. Lina: Do you mean the one on the table?
  3. Carlos: No, not that one, the one next to the chair.
  4. Lina: Oh, okay, _____ one! (Ah, okay, that one!)
  5. Carlos: Thanks! And could you hand me those pens over there?
  6. Lina: _____? Sure, here you go.
  7. Carlos: I don't need those pens, just the blue ones.

Answers: 1. That, 2. This, 3. That, 4. This, 5. Those, 6. Those, 7. Those

Do you Understand the Difference?

Learning to use demonstrative pronouns in English is easy if you remember the difference between near and far. "This" and "these" are used for things that are near, and "that" and "those" for things that are far.

Keep in mind that "this" is used for singular in both cases, and "these" for plural. With practice and exercises, you'll soon be using them confidently in your everyday conversations without any problems. Keep practicing and you'll improve quickly!

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