That's plural. Demonstrative pronouns in English (this, that, these, those)

English now. What, how and why.

Using this, that, these, those

These words are used in different situations with some differences in shades of meaning. In addition, that serves to introduce subordinate clauses. In general, some of the examples below should just be remembered; they may come in handy.
But first, I advise you to return to the previous article “th, demonstrative pronouns and the definite article” to practice again: repeating after the speaker, say the “little” words several times: this, that, these, those.

So first of all, the words this, that, these, those needed when talking about what is near and far (with or without a noun)

Near and far, here and there

with a noun (as a modifier)

For example, at the zoo:
Look at these birds! They are so beautiful! - Look at these birds! They are so beautiful.

Those bears are climbing a tree. — Bears climb a tree.

This monkey is drinking straight from the bottle! - This monkey drinks straight from the bottle!

Do you like that bear? - Do you like that bear?

I'd like to have this ice-cream — I would like to eat this ice cream.

without a noun(as a pronoun)

For example, in the store:
Which shoes do you like most? These or those? —Which shoes do you like best? These or those?

This is dill and that is parsley. - This is dill, and there is parsley.

dill and parsley

But that's not all!
You introduce your friends:

— Linda this is Ann. - Linda, meet me. This is Anya.
- Hello, Ann. Pleased to meet you. - Hello, Anya. Nice to meet you.
— Hello, Linda. Pleased to meet you, too. - Hello, Linda. I'm glad to meet you too.

Anna calls Linda on the phone:

— Hello, this is Ann. Is that Linda? - This is Anna. Am I talking to Linda?

that - an indication of known information

about what just happened; from what someone just said

That was a really nice meal. - Thank you very much. — It was very tasty (It was very tasty food). Thank you very much.
To be, or not to be: that is the question - To be or not to be - that is the question
That‘s it - that’s right, that’s right; we did it

that of - instead of repeating a noun

Determination of mass of Jupiter and that of some other planets — Determination of the mass of Jupiter and some other planets
Based on my research and that of others, . — Based on my research and the research of others (scientists), .
Industrial farming damages your health and that of the planet. — Industrial farming is harmful to your health and the health of the planet
What are the differences between American conservatism and that of other countries? —What are the differences between American conservatism and the conservatism of other countries?
On this forum you will find my videos and those of my friends - On this forum you will find my videos and the videos of my friends.

that to introduce subordinate clauses

He that comes first to the hill, may sit where he will. - The one who comes to the hill first sits wherever he wants.
It's a bold mouse that nestles in the cat's ear. — The mouse that nestled in the cat’s ear was brave.
All's well that ends well. - All's well that ends well.
.
And that's not all. This list can and should be continued!

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Pronouns this / these, that / those

Pronouns this(this one) and that(that) have plural forms, respectively: these(these) and those(those). If these pronouns in a sentence serve as the subject, then when grammatically analyzing the sentence you need to look for the predicate in the corresponding number. In this case these usually translated - They.

These elements are called metals. These elements are called metals.
These are like in…. They similar in that...

Pronouns that / those are also used as substitute words for those nouns that were used earlier. The main sign of such use is the presence of a preposition (usually of) or participle after that / those.

The climate of Great Britain is much like that of the Baltic republics. Climate Great Britain is very similar to climate Baltic republics.

Word that can also be a relative pronoun or conjunction with meaning "what/which/that", if it comes before a subordinate clause.

Copernicus proved that the Earth goes round the Sun. Copernicus proved that the Earth revolves around the Sun.

This that these those and their use.

It's no secret that this/that/these/those They are very similar to each other both in appearance and in sound, many people confuse them and therefore do not like them. This article is dedicated to the “four” words, which, on the one hand, are studied at the very beginning level, and on the other hand, are the cause of many mistakes later if they are not given enough attention.

This/that/these/those refer to objects or indicate an object.

How to choose the right word? First of all we look How many objects (one/more than one) and where are they located(close/far). Close - at arm's length, you can reach them, far - you cannot reach them with your hand.

In accordance with this, we choose:

this/this

[ðiːz]

that/that

In English words this/that/these/those have a dual function. They can be demonstrative pronouns and determiners. There are some differences in usage depending on the function.

Demonstrative pronouns(Demonstrative Pronouns) are used without a noun and are most often found at the beginning of a sentence, because it is at the beginning that we draw the listeners’ attention to some subject/subjects.

Words as determinants(Determiners) are always used with nouns, answer the question “Which / Which?” and help determine which particular subject (which particular subjects) is meant:

In the first case, the word this acts as a pronoun and means “this object.” In the second sentence, the word this is a determiner, describes the word flower and indicates that the beautiful flower is “this” and not that.

That is a dog. - That's a dog. (That object, that animal, the word that - demonstrative pronoun)

That dog is big. - That dog is big. (It is the dog that the speaker is pointing at. The word that is the determiner).

These are pencils. – These (these objects) are pencils. (These is a demonstrative pronoun)

These pencils are sharp. - These pencils are sharp. (These is a qualifier because it indicates which pencils)

Those are fruit trees. - Those (those trees) are fruit trees. (Those is a demonstrative pronoun. Points to objects, draws our attention to them.)

Those fruit trees are young. - Those fruit trees. (Those is a qualifier, as it makes it clear which trees are meant.)

Why do we often forget to use plural demonstrative pronouns and replace them with singular pronouns? When constructing a sentence, we are guided by internal translation from Russian into English, so we make mistakes. Demonstrative pronouns in Russian this And these have the same translation “this”, and that And those“that” is translated into Russian.

This is my book. – This my book.
These are my books. – This my books.

That is our house. – That our home.
Those are our houses. – That our houses.

Therefore, when constructing an English sentence, you will have to “think in English”, and if you have to point to several objects, then think about them not “this/that”, but “these objects” or “those objects”. This way you will definitely remember to use words these And those.

As qualifiers, words can refer to both people and objects:

But as demonstrative pronouns, when they are used without a noun and replace it, we use this/that/these/those only regarding objects:

However, it is acceptable to use when present anyone:

This is my sister Kate. - This is my sister Kate.

Who is that? I don't know him. - Who is this? I don't know him.

It has already been mentioned that we use this/ these if the subject of discussion is close to the speaker, that/those - if it is far away. In this case, we mean not only the physical distance to the object, but also the “distance” to it in time.

This/these in the present, in the near future that are about to appear or begin:

I like this play. – I like this play.

This summer is very hot. – This summer is very hot.

This is an announcement from the authorities. – This is an announcement from the authorities.

Look at this. - Look at this.

I like this city. – I like this city.

That/that refer to objects and events in the past(which have just ended or refer to the more distant past) or indicate that something is coming to completion. Please note that the translation into Russian may vary:

I liked that play. – I liked that play.

That summer is very hot. – That (last) summer was very hot.

That was an announcement from the authorities. – It was an announcement from the authorities.

I looked at that. – I looked at it.

We liked that city. – We liked this/that city.

That's all. - This is all.

That's it. Thank you for your listening. - That's all. Thanks for listening.

In a telephone conversation this used by the speaker when introducing yourself, A that- to clarify personality of the interlocutor:

The interesting thing is that this/that/these/those are used when talking about something, famous to all interlocutors:

And she shows that picture of her. – And then she shows this photograph of herself.

It was one of those cold and rainy evenings in London. “It was one of those cold and rainy London evenings.”

Are you sick and tired of those dirty towels? – Are you sick and tired of these dirty towels?

That nagging pain will disappear if you take this pill. – This aching pain will disappear if you take this pill.

And one more fun fact about the words this/that/these/those: this And these are used in relation to what we are positive about, with approval, interest, and that/that used to show negative attitude, disapproval:

He told me about this new girlfriend of his. – He told me about his new girlfriend.

I don’t want to know about that new girlfriend of his. “I don’t want to know anything about this new friend of his.”

That's it! And finally, a few funny pictures:

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Rules for using this these

How demonstrative pronouns are used in spoken English.
Demonstrative pronouns:
this, this, this these - this
that, that, that - that
those - those
this is it
such, such - such
the same (s), the same (same) - the same
That/that. This/these.

1. This (these)index fingers pronouns English colloquial use:
to indicate an object located close to the speaker.
This old woman is Mr. White's secretary.
This elderly woman is Mr. White's secretary.
to describe situations relating to the future or present time.
We are sorry but Dr. White is out at this moment.
We're sorry, but Dr. White is not available at the moment.
I'm seeing Tom this Sunday.
I'm meeting Tom this Sunday.
in a situation where you introduce people to each other or introduce yourself over the phone.
Kate, this is Liz and these are my friends Bob and Ted.
Katya, this is Lisa, and these are my friends Bob and Ted.

2. Those/that are used:

To indicate an object or person located at a certain distance from the speaker.
Look at those new beautiful buses over there! they are his!
Look at those beautiful new buses over there! They are his!
to describe situations related to the past.
That month spent at the seaside was the best in my life!
That month spent on the sea coast was the best of my life.
when talking on the phone, to clarify who you are talking to.
"Hello! This is Lilia Smith. Who is that, please?”
"Hello. My name is Lilia Smith. Who, tell me, am I talking to?

3. these/ this, those/that are used as pronouns and independently without a noun behind it.
Let's have a talk over this. Let's discuss this.
These peaches are riper than those in the basket.
These peaches are riper than the ones in the basket.

4. If the pronouns these /those are used in an interrogative sentence, then in the answers they are replaced by they.
Are these papers yours? Are these your papers?
Yes, they are. Yes.

It
It is also used as a demonstrative pronoun.
It is a candle. This is a candle.

5. When answering special and general questions containing this or that, the pronoun it is used
Is that a butterfly over there? Is that a butterfly over there?
Yes, it is. Yes.
What is this? What is this?
It is a beetle. It's a beetle.
It or There?

How to use It correctly:

1) in sentences with It +be + adjective + to infinitive, highlighting the adjective, or it + be + adjective (+ that)
It is useless to know how it works without manual.
It's useless to know how it works without instructions.
It was coincident (that) Zinaida met her future husband in Paris.
What a coincidence that Zinaida met her future husband in Paris.

2) When we talk about the weather It has been foggy today.
Today it was foggy.
It has been snowing here since 2 o’clock.
It has been snowing since 2 o'clock.

3) When we ask for the exact time -What is the time?
What time is it?
-It is 23.30 sharp.
Exactly twenty three thirty.

4) When we describe places (terrains)
It is always calm and beautiful here at the lake.
Here by the lake it is always quiet and beautiful.

5) When we use phrases like it is becoming/ it is going to.
It is going to be boring at Rubik’s party.
Rubek's party promises to be boring.
It is becoming less and less interesting film to watch on TV. There are less and less interesting movies to watch on TV.

Used when there is a combination: there + be (is, are, will be, have/has/had been, was, were):

1) When we say that something exists somewhere (is, exists, is located)
There is wooden old church in my village.
In my village there is an old wooden church.

2) When we indicate the presence of something, someone
I’m sure there was some people at the restaurant.
I'm sure there were several people outside the restaurant.

3) When we indicate that something is happening or will happen in the future
There was a wedding here 3 hours ago.
There was a wedding here 3 hours ago.

If there is an enumeration in the sentence, then in the phrases there is / are be consistent in number with the first noun.
There was his aunt, two cousins ​​and Granny at my last birthday party. My birthday party last year was attended by his uncle, two cousins ​​and grandmother.

Demonstrative pronouns This, that, these, those

Today I would like to talk about the body This, that, these, those There are often cases when students, even with a very good knowledge of English grammar, get confused with demonstrative pronouns: this, that, these, those- this is a common mistake, but don’t think that you don’t need to pay attention to it. This error often appears when you translate sentences with pronouns from Russian into English. These four words can be classified according to 2 criteria: distance And quantity. Let's consider the distance. Take a look at the plate below. You will see that pronouns this And these can be used if the conversation turns to personalities or things that are close to the speaker. Let's take an example, this newspaper (this newspaper), these newspapers (these newspapers). T hat And those– Can be used when talking about something or someone located far away, far away from the one who speaks. For example, that book (that book), those book s (those books). Let's talk about numbers (sg. - the singular - singular number, pl. - plural - plural). The pronouns this and that are used with singular nouns - this pear(this pear) that pear(that pear), and these and those - in the plural - these pears(these pears) those pears(those pears).

Particular attention should be paid to the pronunciation of the demonstrative pronouns this and these. These two sounds are very similar. Now repeat several times to feel the difference between [??s] (“s”) and [?i:z] (like the “and” in the word “needles”).

Do not forget that after these and those you must use the noun in the plural by adding the ending -s or -es ( these shops s those bench es).

Demonstrative pronouns in English

Demonstrative pronouns are pronouns that help the speaker “point” to object(s) in space without giving a detailed description of them. There are not so many such pronouns, but they all play an extremely important role, since they occur quite often in speech. Let's look at them in pairs and separately.

This vs. That

Pronoun this used in the meaning "this / this / this" and indicates a single object located close to the speaker in space and time (i.e. close by now).

Do you like this car?

Do you like this car?

This is my friend Chris.

This is my friend, Chris.

Pronoun that used in the meaning "that/that/that" and points to one object located far from the speaker in space and/or time (i.e. in the distance and/or in the past).

How do you like that car at the opposite side of the street?

How do you like that car across the street?

-
Who was the man we met in the street?

-
That was my friend Chris.

-Who was the man we met on the street?

- That was my friend, Chris.

It is worth noting that when we are talking about events from the past, then that is used:

-
I’m sorry, I forgot to phone you.

-
Sorry, I forgot to call you.

That was a really nice meal. Thank you very much.

It was truly a wonderful meal (dinner). Thanks a lot.

This pronoun is also used when the speaker makes a reference to what has just been said:

-
You are a doctor, aren’t you?

-
Yes, that's right.

- You are a doctor, aren’t you?

-
Matthew has got a new job.

-
Has he? I didn't know that.

- Matthew has a new job.

- Is it true? I didn't know this.

And now you can notice that for the Russian language it is not so important which pronoun we use in speech - “that” or “that”. The latter is used in speech quite often and may well replace the pronoun “that” in many sentences.

That bag was very expensive.

That (This) the bag was very expensive.

However, despite the fact that in Russian the difference between these demonstrative pronouns is not given much importance, in English the difference between this and this that very significant, and confusion in their use can lead to serious errors. Therefore, when using demonstrative pronouns in your speech, be sure to monitor the location of the object relative to the speaker in space and time.

Both pronouns can be used in a sentence either before a noun or without a noun:

with a noun

This hotel is expensive but it’s very nice.

This hotel is expensive, but it is very beautiful.

Who is that girl?

Who lives in that house?

Who lives in that house?

Excuse me, is this seat free?

Sorry, is this place free?

without a noun

This is a nice hotel but it’s very expensive.

This is a beautiful hotel, but it is very expensive.

Excuse me, is this your bag?

Excuse me, is this your bag?

Who is that?

That is my daughter Kate.

This (there) is my daughter Kate.

A curious phenomenon in the English language is the choice of pronouns. this or that in a telephone conversation. If a person introduces himself, applies this, and if he asks the interlocutor who is calling – that:

Hello, this is Martin.

Hello, this is Martin.

Is that Susan?

Is this Susan? (Susan, is that you?)

These vs. Those

As you can see, the pronouns discussed in detail above are responsible for indicating an object in the singular, while pronouns are responsible for the plural in the answer these and those.

Demonstrative pronoun these used to denote several objects that are close to the speaker in space and time. This is a kind of plural form of the pronoun this.

Do you like th e se cars?

Do you like these cars?

These are my friends Amy and Chris.

These are my friends, Emmy and Chris.

Don't confuse pronouns this and this these by their sound. Please note that this [ð ɪs ] pronounced with a short vowel sound and a voiceless final consonant, whereas these [ðiːz] pronounced with a long vowel and a voiced final consonant. This is a clear example of the fact that longitude and voicing in English have a meaningful function.

Demonstrative pronoun thоse used to denote a group of objects located far from the speaker in space and/or time. This is also a kind of plural form for the pronoun that.

What is your opinion about those cars at the end of the street?

What do you think about those cars at the end of the street?

-
Who were the men we met at the bus stop?

-
Those were my friends Adam and Chris.

- Who were the men we met at the bus stop?

- Those were my friends, Adam and Chris.

For simplicity and convenience of remembering the differences in the use of the four pronouns this/that/these/those, you can use the following table:

singular

plural

close (and now)

far (and/or long ago)

English versions of the question: "What is this?" and answers to it

Indeed, in Russian there is only one question, but it will be translated into English in four different ways depending on the situation:

1) we are talking about one object that is close to the speaker - in this case, the question uses the demonstrative pronoun this and the singular verb form is:

This is a map. (the map is within reach of the speakers, close to them)

2) the speaker also asks a question about one object, but in this case the object is located far from him in space (or in time) - in this situation the question will contain the demonstrative pronoun that and the predicate is:

That is my new computer.

This is my new computer. (obviously the computer is far from the speakers)

3) if the speaker is interested in several objects that are close to him, then the demonstrative pronoun these is used in the question, and the predicate takes the form are:

These are my maps of Cambridge.

These are my Cambridge maps. (the cards, judging by the question and answer, are close or even in the hands of the speaker)

4) when several objects about which the speaker wants to receive information are located at a distance from him, the demonstrative pronoun those and the plural verb form are are used:

Those are the new pictures I have put on the wall.

These are new paintings that I hung on the wall.

We have considered this situation only in relation to the question “What is this?” and answers to it, which, as you can see, are formulated based on the question itself. However, the same principle is valid for other similar questions, subject to some modifications, for example: “Who is it?”, “What was that?” etc.

Pronoun it

The pronoun it is not only a personal pronoun with the meaning “it”, which serves to replace neuter nouns, but also a demonstrative pronoun with the meaning “it”:

It is my best friend Marc. I have told you about him.

This is my best friend Mark. I told you about him.

In this meaning it is close in meaning to the pronoun this. Sometimes they are even interchangeable, but there are some differences in their use.

Differences between it and this

can be used both before nouns and verbs:

This man is my uncle. / This man is my uncle.

This is my uncle. / This is my uncle.

not used before nouns, only before verbs:

It is funny but true. / It's funny but true.

places special emphasis on the novelty of the presented object/phenomenon:

This is our new boss. / This is our new boss.

used to make a reference to an object or situation that has already been discussed recently:

Do you remember I told you we had got a new boss? It is Mr. Clark. / Remember I told you that we have a new boss? This is Mr Clark.

places special emphasis on the position of the object:

This is the book I’m reading at the moment. / Here is the book I am reading at the moment.

does not indicate the location of the object

It's your fault. / It's your fault.

Pronoun such

The Russian analogue of this demonstrative pronoun is the word "such". It serves the purpose of indicating a characteristic of an object. It is worth noting that if such is used before a singular countable noun, then after such should be consumed indefinite article a/an. If the noun is used in the plural form or is uncountable, then the need for an article disappears:

I have always dreamed of such a big house.

I have always dreamed of such a big house.

Do people really need such big houses?

Do people really need such big houses?

I don't like such strong and bitter coffee.

I don't like such strong and bitter coffee.

Pronoun the same

To indicate some repetition of the characteristics of an object, the pronoun is used the same. Its Russian analogues, depending on the situation with gender, number and case of the subsequent noun in a Russian sentence, will be the expressions “the same (same) / the same / the same / the same / the same” etc.

I need the same shoes as my sister has.

I need the same shoes like my sister.

Match the words with the same meaning.

Match the words with each other the same value.

Demonstrative pronouns are very common in English speech, which is why it is so important to understand and remember them well. This article is designed to help you in this exciting process. We hope that it helped you in mastering demonstrative pronouns.

Features of the use of pronouns this, that, these, those

Demonstrative pronouns this, that, these, those refer to an object or objects located nearby or at some distance from the speaker.

Pronoun this is translated into Russian as “this, this, this” and indicates the relative proximity of an object or person in time or space:

These translated means “these” and is similar to the pronoun this, but used with plural nouns:

Pronoun that- “that, that, that,” on the contrary, indicates the relative distance of an object or person:

Besides this, that can be used as a conjunction (“that”), which attaches a subordinate clause to the main clause:

Also that may refer to objects, persons or events just mentioned in context:

Those(“those”) is the plural form of the pronoun that:

In some cases, you can use turnover that of (those of), which helps avoid repetition:

We should not forget that pronouns this, that, these, those can indicate proximity or distance not only in distance, but also in time:

To practice your skills in using the pronouns discussed, we suggest taking a test on our website: This, these, that, those.

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Demonstrative pronouns have separate forms for the singular - this this, this, this,
that mom, that, then- and plural - these these, those me.

Demonstrative pronouns are used both as adjective pronouns and noun pronouns.

1. Demonstrative pronoun-adjective, being a determiner of a noun,
excludes the use of an article before the noun to which it refers.
When the noun to which the demonstrative pronoun refers is preceded by others
definitions, then the demonstrative pronoun, like any determiner, is placed before them:

Don't live in that house. - He lives in that house.

He lives in that white house. - He lives in that white house.

2. Pronouns this And these indicate objects in
close proximity to the interlocutor, while that And those point to
more distant objects:

This pencil is mine. - This pencil is mine. (We are talking about a pencil that the speaker holds in his hand or that is directly in front of his eyes.)

That pencil is yours. - That pencil is yours. (We are talking about a pencil that is not in close proximity to the speaker.)

This young man is my brother. - This young man is my brother. (We are talking about a person standing close to the speaker.)

Do you know that man? - Do you know this person? (We are talking about a person located at some distance from the interlocutor.)

These cigarettes are very good. - These cigarettes are very good. (We are talking about cigarettes that the speaker holds in his hand or that are in close proximity to him.)

I like those flowers. - I like those (those) flowers. (We are talking about flowers that are not in close proximity to the speaker.)

3. Pronoun this with the word country used in relation to the country in which
there is a speaker or author. Therefore, when the combination country this found in
English newspaper, it should be translated England, in an American newspaper - USA, V
message from a correspondent from Holland - Holland etc.:
The exports of coal from this country decreased last year (from an article in an English newspaper). Coal exports from England fell last year.

The exports of coal from this country decreased last year (from an article in an English newspaper). - Coal exports from England decreased last year.

The imports of coal into this country decreased last year (from a report by a correspondent from Holland, published in an English newspaper). - Coal imports to Holland decreased last year.

If we are not talking about the country of residence of the speaker or author, then it is used that country
both with the meaning of that country and this country:

I was in Bulgaria last year. I liked that country very much. - I was in Bulgaria last year. I really liked this country.

4. This in time expressions refers to the moment of conversation or to the current period
time, a that- to a moment or period of time in the past or future:

I am busy at this moment. - I'm busy at the moment.

It is only the beginning of May. - It's only the beginning of May.

You can’t bathe at this time of the year. - You can't swim at this time of year.

My brother will go to the Caucasus this summer. - My brother will go to the Caucasus this summer (this summer).

I spent the summer of 1986 in the south. We had a lot of rain that summer. - I spent the summer of 1986 in the south. This (that) summer was very rainy.

At that moment the door opened and a man entered the room. - At that (that) moment the door opened and a man entered the room.

I am going to call on him at five o’clock. I hope he will come home by that time. - I'm going to see him at five o'clock. I hope he comes home by this time.

In Russian the demonstrative pronoun this (this) often used not only for
indications of nearby objects and to indicate the moment of conversation or the current period
time, but also to indicate more distant objects, objects that are not present,
and to indicate past and future moments or periods of time. Therefore the pronoun this (these)
in English in some cases it corresponds this (these), and in others that (those):

I'll go south this summer. - I shall go to the south this summer.

I usually work in this room. - I usually work in this room.

Do you see the white house at the end of the street? My brother lives in this house. - Do you see the white house at the end of the street? My brother lives in that house.

Yesterday he showed me his new dictionary. He bought this dictionary in Leningrad. - He showed me his new dictionary yesterday. He bought that dictionary in Leningrad.

At that moment I heard a noise in the corridor. - At that moment I heard a noise in the corridor.

Come at 5 o'clock. I'll be home at that time. - Come at five o'clock. I shall be at home at that time.

After pronouns this And that pronoun is often used one to avoid
repetition of the previously mentioned noun:

Will you give me another book? I don't like this one. - Give me another book. I don't like this one.

This book is mine, and that one is yours. - This book is mine, and that one is yours.

1. Demonstrative pronouns-nouns are used in the same way as corresponding
adjective pronouns, namely: this And these are used when talking about objects close to the speaker, a that And those- when it comes to more distant objects:

This is my dictionary and that is yours. - This is my dictionary, otherwise it’s yours.

These are my magazines and those are yours. - These are my magazines, otherwise they are yours.

Have you read this? -Have you read this?

I shall take these. - I'll take these.

2. This often used in relation to subsequent direct speech, and that in relation to
to the previous direct speech:

This is what she said: “I don’t think he is right.” “That’s what she said: “I don’t think he’s right.”

“I don’t think he is right.” - That's what she said.

That used to replace a preceding singular noun, a
those to replace a plural noun when they should
repeat with the definite article. That And those in such cases it is usually translated into
Russian language with the nouns they replace:

The price of tin is higher than that of copper (that = the price). - The price of tin is higher than the price of copper.

At our factory there are a few machines similar to those described in this magazine (those = the machines). - There are several machines in our factory similar to the machines described in this magazine (similar to those described in this magazine).

In the meaning of a demonstrative pronoun, the pronoun is also used it, corresponding
Russian pronoun This:

Who is there? -It is Helen. -Who's there? - This is Elena.

What is this? - It is a dictionary. - What is this? -This is a dictionary.

Demonstrative pronouns also include the pronoun such such, such,
which is used both as an adjective pronoun,
and noun pronouns:

These are such interesting books! - These are such interesting books!

Such was the agreement between the two parties. - That was the agreement between both parties.

When such defines a countable noun in the singular, then the noun
used with the indefinite article, which is placed after such:

It is such an interesting book! - This is such an interesting book!

This, That, These And Those known as demonstrative determiners or demonstrative pronouns ( demonstrative pronouns ). They are often used with location words here (here) and there (there), or phrases indicating a specific place, e.g. on the corner (on the corner). Demonstrative pronouns mean that we show someone that one or more objects are here or there.

Demonstrative pronouns in examples

Notice how pronouns this, that, these And those change depending on the location of the items in the following dialogues. Location can be relative. If I'm standing in this room over there (there) can mean that someone or something is on the other side of the room, as in this example:

Harry: Could you pass me that pen on the shelf over there?(Can you pass me that pen over there on the shelf?)
Mark: Do you mean this pen here?(You mean this pen here?)
Harry: Yes, that pen.(Yes, that pen)
Mark: Here you are. Oh, could you pass me those newspapers on the chair over there?(Yes, please. Oh, can you pass me those newspapers on that chair over there?)
Harry: These? Of course, here you are.(These? Of course, please)

In this dialogue, Harry asks Mark about the pen that is next to Mark. Please note that Harry uses over there (there) to refer to something on a shelf in another part of the room.

However, the next example is about a street, and in it here covers a much larger area, and there means something further away.

Harry: Is that Miss Smith over there?(Is that Miss Smith there?)
Mark: No, Miss Smith is further away. That's Mrs. Twins.(No, Miss Smith is much further away. This is Mrs. Twins)
Harry: What’s the number of this house in front of us?(What is the number of this house in front of us?)
Mark: This is number 5. It’s not what we need.(This is number 5. This is not what we need.)
Harry: I’m glad your sight is much better than mine! How about these flowers in this lawn?(I'm glad your eyesight is much better than mine. What are those flowers on this lawn?)
Mark: These are called mallow.(They are called mallows.)

Here (here), There (there)

This and these are used with objects that are relatively close, that is, they can be used with the word here (Here ) or indicating a specific nearby location.

This is my book here.(This is my book.)
These are my new shoes here. I bought them last month.(These are my new shoes. I bought them last month.)
This is my new phone on the table.(This is my new phone on the table.)
These are my sons on this sofa.(These are my sons on this sofa.)

That (for singular) and Those (for the plural) are used for objects located at a distance. WITH that And those often used there or over there (there) to indicate that the object is far from the speaker. At the same time, instead of there or over there Can also indicate specific locations of objects at a distance.

That is my wife sitting over there.(That's my wife sitting there.)
Over there! Those are the sportsmen who won the competition.(Over there! These are the athletes who won the competition.)
Those are my friends over there.(These are my friends.)
Those are my apple trees at the back of the garden.(These are my apple trees at the back of the garden.)

Singular demonstrative pronouns

This and That are used with singular verbs and indicate one object, one person or one place.

That blouse is wonderful!(That blouse is wonderful!)
This window overlooks the garden.(This window looks out onto the garden.)
This woman walks with a dog.(This woman is walking her dog.)
That park is known for its wildlife.(This park is known for its wildlife.)

Plural demonstrative pronouns

These Andthose are used with the plural form of the verb and refer to more than one object, person or place.

These dresses are so light!(These dresses are so easy!)
Those figures were done by Michelangelo.(These sculptures were made by Michelangelo.)
These study students in our college.(These students study in our college.)
Those girls play volleyball on the middle school team.(These girls play volleyball on the middle school team.)

Exercises on demonstrative pronouns

Complete the sentences using this, that, these, those , and also here or there :
1. Could you give me that pencil over _____?
2. Here are _____ books you wanted.
3. Can you see _____ palace next to the shop?
4. Is _____ a pen over there for me?
5. _____ are three boys standing on the beach.
6. Could I take some of _____ cakes right here?
7. _____ cars over there are luxury.
8. _____ computers on the desk are ancient.
9. _____ is the document you asked for.
10. Could I have that photo on the table over _____.

Answers and explanations to them

1. there - you are talking about something remote from you.
2. those - use those in cases where you have already talked about this before.
3. that - points to a large building far away from you.
4. there — use there in questions: is there/are there to ask about the availability of something.
5. There - use there to point out people far away from you.
6. these - use these , talking about something close.
7. those - use those , pointing to multiple objects.
8. those - use those, talking about something distant.
9. here - use here is/here are when you convey something to someone.
10. there - use there to point to something at a distance.

You will find a large number of exercises on demonstrative pronouns on the website

This and that in English

In English speech and in literary texts the words that and this are often found. There is, of course, a difference between them, but what it is remains a mystery to many.

Today we will look not only at the use of this and that, but also at the correct use of these and those pronouns. The difference between these pairs is quite significant, and once you understand it, you will never again confuse the words that, this, those and these.

This or that: usage rule

This and that are demonstrative pronouns.

This translates as this/this/this.
That's accordingly how that/that/that.

Both pronouns refer to the SAME object (or person), the difference between this and that is that the objects that we refer to with these pronouns are at different distances from the speaker.

This denotes what is nearby, nearby, nearby.
That- something that is located in the distance, remote from the speaker.

For example,
This cat is mine. This cat is mine.
That cat is yours. That cat is yours.

“Cat” is a singular word. Choice this or that depends exactly on WHERE exactly this cat is located. The one that lies near my feet is this cat. The one that is far from me is that cat.

When we talk about the distance of an object, we are talking not only about space (the physical location of the object - far or close to the speaker), but also about time.

For example:
That was awesome! I had a wonderful time!
It was great! I had a wonderful time!

The action took place in the past, the narrator now recalls a pleasant time spent and uses the pronoun that. Please note that we will most likely translate into Russian that as “this”, and not as “that” - due to the stylistic features of the Russian language. For us, the difference between “this” and “that” in this context is insignificant. But it is fundamental for the English language. Consume this in this case it will be an error.

Thus, when talking about distant events (actions in the past), we use the pronoun that.

This and that in live speech

This and that are often confused in dialogues, for example, in a telephone conversation.

If you are introducing yourself in a conversation, use this:
- Hello. This is Mary.

If you are asking a question, clarifying who is speaking to you, use that:
- Is that Julia?

Compare:

Is that George?
- No, this is Mike.

These and those: difference and use

In addition to this and that, you can often find another pair of demonstrative pronouns: these-those. The rule for their use is: if there are many items, not just one, we change this to these, and that to those.

These - these
Those - those

These cats are mine. These cats are mine.
Those cats are yours. Those cats are yours.

As you can see, both pronouns those, these indicate many objects (several cats). What is the difference between them? These and those, as well as the pair this–that, denote objects that are at different distances from the speaker.

These - objects are close (these)
Those - objects are far away (those)

Thus, when choosing a suitable pronoun, we always look at only two aspects:

1. Number of objects/persons (how many - one or many)
2. Their distance from the speaker (here or there)

The this–these pair is used if the object/objects are near the speaker. The pair that–those is used if the object or objects are far from the speaker.

We pronounce it correctly: these or this

You have probably encountered the fact that in live speech it is difficult to hear the difference between these and this. Therefore, they are often confused both in speech and in writing. Both pronouns are pronounced similarly, and in a conversation it is not always possible to catch what was said - these or this. How to pronounce these and this correctly:

This is pronounced briefly, with the s at the end sounding like “s”, dull. But these is pronounced with a long “i” sound (as in Russian “NII”), and at the end it sounds “z”, not “s”.

If you yourself pronounce these pronouns correctly, you will hear the difference between them in someone else’s speech.

How to correctly use this, that, these, those in a sentence

Demonstrative pronouns this/that/these/those can be used with or without a noun. Take a look:

Without a noun:
This is your last chance to see him.
This is your last chance to see him.

With a noun:
This meeting is your last chance to see him.
This meeting is your last chance to see him.

If demonstrative pronouns come at the beginning of a sentence and there is no defining noun after them, then, as a rule, the verb to be follows in singular or plural form:

This is/These are/That is/Those are

This is a cat. - This is a cat.
These are butterflies. - These are butterflies.
That is a train. - This is a train.
Those are cucumbers. - These are cucumbers.

Both this and that serve as the subject here and are translated as “this.”

Demonstrative pronouns without nouns can appear in different parts of a sentence:

Which trousers would you choose, these or those?
Which trousers would you choose, these or those?

What is that?
What's that there?

If a demonstrative pronoun precedes a noun, its function is to point to a specific object:

This cat has drunk our milk. - This cat drank our milk.
In this case, the pronoun this specifies that it was this cat, and not some other, that drank all the milk.

Any of the four demonstrative pronouns can be accompanied by a noun:

This flower smells great. - This flower smells great.
That man is very angry. - That man is very evil.
These tickets cost too much. -These tickets are too expensive.
Those presents are from my friend. - Those gifts are from my friends.

Tricky question “What is this?”

When you ask the question “What is this?”, you may encounter difficulty. After all, uttered in Russian, the question “What is this?” It sounds the same no matter how many objects there are and no matter where they are located. Take a look:

Due to the fact that in Russian the question sounds the same in all four situations, many are confused about how to correctly ask in English: “What is this?”

Focus on the distance of the object and the number of objects. Have you determined? Now choose the appropriate pronoun and the appropriate form of the verb to be.

Demonstrative pronouns and one

Sometimes after demonstrative pronouns you can find the word one. And even ones. What is it?

It happens that in order to preserve the beauty of speech it is necessary to avoid repeating a noun. For example:

This T-shirt is too expensive. That T-shirt is cheaper.
This T-shirt is too expensive. That T-shirt is cheaper.

The repetition of the word “T-shirt” is not justified here. For what? In Russian speech we would rather say: “This T-shirt is too expensive. That one is cheaper.” Everyone understands that “that” = “that T-shirt.”

Something similar happens in English. Just like in Russian, we get rid of the double word T-shirt. But if in Russian we can leave the pronoun “ta” in splendid isolation, then in English we must choose a substitute for the noun. This function is performed by the word one. Take a look:

This T-shirt is too expensive. That one is cheaper.
This T-shirt is too expensive. It's cheaper.

Since we are talking about one subject, we used the singular demonstrative pronoun - that. After the pronouns that/this, the rule requires the use of the word one.

If we are talking about many objects and using the pronouns these and those, then we will use ones.

These glasses are awful! Pass me those ones, please.
These glasses are terrible. Pass those to me, please.

Common Mistake: no need to try to translate one and ones. Neither as “one”, nor as “alone”, nor in any other way. In this case, one/ones is a building block that allows you to correctly construct a sentence in terms of structure; neither one nor ones are translated into Russian in such sentences.

Now you know when to use the demonstrative pronouns this, that, these, those and you can correctly structure your speech. Read other Puzzle English articles and improve your English!

What is the difference between this and that in English?

Here you can find out what is the difference between the words this and that.

The English language has many pronouns that serve different roles. This and that are demonstrative pronouns. They indicate a certain object and its distance.

For example, the pronoun this is used with an object located nearby, and the pronoun that with an object located far away. Let's look at this with examples:

I'd like to buy this dress. - I would like to buy this dress.
Look at that scenery. It's absolutely stunning. - Look at that landscape. He's amazing.
Don't touch this big black box. - Don't touch this big black box.
Do you like that jacket? - Do you like that jacket?

As can be seen from the examples, this indicates the proximity of objects, and that indicates distance. Both pronouns have plural forms:

this - these (this - these)
that - those (that - those)

These clothes are mine. - Are these things mine?
Can you see those stars? - Do you see those stars?

The words this and that There are other functions too. This can easily replace the pronoun it:
It is a red clock. = This clock is red. - This watch is red.

That can sometimes replace the pronoun which:
I saw the camera which you bought. = I saw the camera that you bought. - I saw the camera you bought.

The pronoun that is often used in harsh statements, fixed expressions and other emotionally charged phrases. For example:

That’s none of your business! - This doesn't concern you!
That's why you chose to skip my lesson. - So that's why you chose not to come to my lesson.
Never mind. That's all right. - Don't worry. Everything is fine.
That's just what he suggested. - That's exactly what he proposed.