What Is It?
Demonstratives point to things: this and these for things near you, that and those for things farther away.
Why Do English Speakers Use It?
They help you point things out in shops, at home and in conversation, and they connect ideas in writing.
When to Use It
- Near, singular: This is my phone.
- Near, plural: These are my keys.
- Far, singular: That is our school.
- Far, plural: Those are expensive.
When NOT to Use It
Don’t mix singular and plural: “these shoes”, not “this shoes”.
Sentence Structure
| Near | Far | |
|---|---|---|
| Singular | this book | that book |
| Plural | these books | those books |
| Time | this week (now) | that day (in the past) |
Grammar Rules
- Use them alone (pronouns) or before nouns (determiners): This is nice. / This bag is nice.
- On the phone: “Hello, this is Joe.”
- “That” can refer back to something just said: That’s a great idea!
- Use this for the present/near future, that for the past: this weekend / that weekend.
Real-Life Examples
- Is this seat free?
- Those mangoes look delicious.
- That was the best day of my life.
- Can you try these shoes in a bigger size?
Common Learner Mistakes
- This shoes are new.These shoes are new.
- Those car is fast.That car is fast.
- Hello, I am Joe speaking.Hello, this is Joe (speaking).
Quick Memory Tip
Th-is / th-ese = here. Th-at / th-ose = there. The plural forms both have an “s” sound.
Real Conversation
Shopkeeper: Can I help you?
Monica: Yes, how much are these scarves?
Shopkeeper: These are 500 taka, and those over there are 800.
Interactive Practice
Pick an answer to check your understanding.
Look at ___ birds in the sky!
Final Mini Quiz
One last check before you mark the lesson complete.
Which is correct on the phone?
Finished the lesson?
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