This, These, That, Those

Exercises 

This / These (near = here)

We use this (singular) and these (plural) to talk about things that are close to us.

• This is my favorite pen.
  

• These are my cousins Mark and Emma.
  

That / Those (far = there)

We use that (singular) and those (plural) to talk about things that are far from us.

• That house looks very old.
  

• I don’t need those shoes on the shelf.
  

With or without a noun

Demonstratives can be used with a noun or without a noun.

With a noun:

• This book is really interesting.
  

• I know that teacher very well.
  

Without a noun:

• Who is that? (= that person)
  

• “What are those?” - “They’re my school notebooks.”

This is… (introductions & phone)

We use This is… when we introduce people or answer the phone.

Hello, this is Alex. (on the phone)

Mia: “This is my brother Tom.” - Sarah: “Hi Tom, nice to meet you.”

Practice tip: Point to objects around you and say this or that, depending on distance. Then try with plural forms these and those.