What it is
This, that, these and those point at things. Distance decides this/that; number decides singular/plural.
Look
- This is my book.— Near · one.
- That is your bag.— Far · one.
- These are my pens.— Near · many.
Form
FormPatternModel sentence
PositiveThis / That + singular noun · These / Those + plural nounThese shoes are comfortable.
NegativeThis / That + noun + isn't … · These / Those + noun + aren't …Those shoes aren't mine.
QuestionIs this / that + noun? · Are these / those + noun?Are these your shoes?
Short answerYes, they are. · No, they aren't.No, they aren't.
Form
Near · this / these
thisone thing near mesingular
thesemany things near meplural
Far · that / those
thatone thing far from mesingular
thosemany things far from meplural
Use it when
- You point at something in a shop or a classroom.
- You compare something near with something far.
- You introduce a person: This is my colleague, Sam.
Remember
- near → this / these
- far → that / those
- one → this / that
- many → these / those
More examples
- Those are her shoes.— Far · many.
- This coffee is too hot.
- That building over there is the hospital.
- I'll take these apples, please.
- Who are those people?
Watch out!
This are my pens.
These are my pens.
Many → these/those.
Quick check
___ is my pen. (near, one)
___ are my friends. (near, many)