This, that, these, and those: A guide to demonstrative pronouns and determiners

Mik aka NatureCrankByMik aka NatureCrank Updated on
A man standing by a library bookshelf pointing to books with a text overlay saying These books are out of order.
In this example, "these" is used as a demonstrative pronoun because the books are physically near the speaker.
Hey there! Quick note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases through affiliate links in this post—at no extra cost to you. Your support helps fuel my passion for sharing great content—thanks a bunch!

Ever pointed at something and realized you didn’t know whether to call it ‘this’ or ‘that’? You aren’t alone. While they seem simple, these four words—this, that, these, and those—actually change based on how close you are to an object and whether you’re talking about one thing or many.

Understanding the difference between this, that, these, and those is essential for clear communication in English. These words, known as demonstratives, tell the listener how near or far an object is in terms of physical distance or time.

Whether you are using them as demonstrative pronouns to replace a noun or as determiners to modify one, the rules stay the same based on number (singular vs. plural) and proximity (near vs. far).

How to use demonstratives: The quick reference guide

This table helps you choose the right word based on how many items you are talking about and where they are located.

WordQuantityDistanceExample
ThisSingularNear“This phone in my hand.”
ThatSingularFar“That bird in the tree.”
ThesePluralNear“These shoes I’m wearing.”
ThosePluralFar“Those cars down the street.”

What are demonstrative pronouns?

We use demonstrative pronouns to replace a specific noun that has already been mentioned or is clear from the context. Using these helps you avoid being repetitive.

  • This: Used for a single person or thing near the speaker.
    • Example: “This is my favorite shirt.”
  • That: Used for a single person or thing far from the speaker.
    • Example: “That looks like a storm cloud on the horizon.”
  • These: Used for multiple people or things near the speaker.
    • Example: “These are the keys I was looking for.”
  • Those: Used for multiple people or things far from the speaker.
    • Example: “Those are the tallest buildings in the city.”

Using this, that, these, and those as determiners

When these words function as determiners, they come immediately before a noun. They “determine” which specific noun you are talking about.

1. Singular and uncountable nouns

Use this and that for singular items or things that cannot be counted (like water, music, or advice).

  • This laptop is brand new.
  • That coffee smells amazing. (Distance in space)
  • That was a great movie. (Distance in time/past event)

2. Plural nouns

Use these and those when talking about more than one person or thing.

  • These shoes are pinching my toes.
  • Those children playing in the park look happy.

Key differences: Distance and time

Demonstratives don’t just describe physical space; they also describe metaphorical distance or time.

  • Physical proximity: Use “this/these” for things you are holding or standing next to. Use “that/those” for things across the room or down the street.
  • Time proximity: Use “this/these” for current or upcoming events (“This week is busy”). Use “that/those” for finished events or distant memories (“That trip in 2010 was unforgettable”).

Digital proximity

If you’re looking at a website, you say, ‘I like this layout.’ But if you’re telling a friend about a site you saw yesterday, you say, ‘I liked that layout.’ The ‘distance’ here is in your mind/time, not physical space.

Frequently asked questions about demonstratives

This is one of the most common points of confusion.

  • “It” is a personal pronoun used for a noun that has already been mentioned. It does not indicate distance.
  • “This” and “that” are demonstratives. Use “this” to introduce a new topic or point to something close. Use “that” to refer back to a previous idea or point to something farther away.
  • Example: “I saw a new car. It was red. That is the car I want to buy.”

When referring to a photo, a post, or a link on a digital screen, both are often acceptable, but there is a nuance:

  • Use “this” when you are introducing the item (e.g., “Check out this link I found”).
  • Use “that” when you are reacting to something someone else posted (e.g., “Where did you find that photo?”).

Yes. In English, we often use “this” and “that” to refer to an entire sentence or a complex situation.

  • Example: “The company decided to go remote. This was a surprise to everyone.”
  • Tip: In formal writing, it is often better to add a noun for clarity, such as “This decision was a surprise.”

Proximity isn’t just about physical space; it’s about time.

  • This/These: Used for the present or the near future (e.g., “This morning,” “these days”).
  • That/Those: Used for the past or a more distant time (e.g., “That year was difficult,” “back in those days”).

There is no difference! In modern linguistics, the term determiner is preferred, but many older textbooks and traditional grammar guides still use the term demonstrative adjective. Both terms describe the same thing: using this, that, these, or those to modify a noun (e.g., “this hat”).

When you pick up the phone, you say, “Hello, this is [Your Name].” You don’t say “I am [Your Name]” or “That is [Your Name].” We use this to introduce ourselves in a “near” digital space.

No. For uncountable nouns (water, air, money, music), always use the singular forms: this or that.

  • Wrong: “These water is cold.”
  • Right: “This water is cold.”

Video resource to aid your journey

Mastering demonstratives: Final thoughts

Mastering this, that, these, and those is one of the fastest ways to improve your English fluency. By paying attention to physical proximity and time, you can make your descriptions more vivid and your instructions more precise. Whether you are pointing to a specific “this” in your hand or reflecting on “that” memory from years ago, these four words are the building blocks of clear communication.

Join the conversation: Test your knowledge

Still confused about a specific sentence, or have you noticed a weird way people use “that” in your local dialect? Grammar is always evolving, especially in digital spaces.

Leave a comment below with:

  1. A sentence using “this” or “those” that you aren’t sure about.
  2. Your favorite “grammar pet peeve” regarding demonstrative pronouns.

Discover more from English Learning Tips

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Mik aka NatureCrank

About the author
Mik is a veteran, educator, and writer who has lived off-grid and nomadic since 2020. His perspective is shaped by a diverse career in both for-profit and non-profit management, as well as years of experience as an instructor in biology, psychology, health, and ESL.

By blending his formal studies in counseling and science with the practical realities of life on the trail, Mik provides a unique, grounded approach to nature-based healing. When he isn’t documenting the natural world through wildlife photography and geology, he is exploring the intersection of scientific research and the restorative power of the outdoors.

Leave a replay but be nice!