Mastering This, That, These, and Those Exercises: Learn and Practice

Introduction

Understanding the differences between “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those” is essential for effective communication in English. These words are known as demonstrative pronouns and are used to indicate the proximity of an object or objects in relation to the speaker or the listener. In this post, we will explore the meanings and usage of each of these pronouns and provide exercises to help you practice using them correctly.

Singular Nouns:

1. This book is mine. (Correct) – The book is near the speaker.

2. That book is mine. (Incorrect) – The book is near the listener or far from both the speaker and the listener.

3. These books are mine. (Incorrect) – The books are near the speaker.

4. Those books are mine. (Incorrect) – The books are near the listener or far from both the speaker and the listener.

Explanation: When referring to a singular noun close to the speaker, we use “this.” On the other hand, if the noun is closer to the listener or far from both the speaker and the listener, we use “that.”

Plural Nouns:

1. This pen and pencil are mine. (Incorrect) – The pen and pencil are near the speaker.

2. That pen and pencil are mine. (Correct) – The pen and pencil are near the listener or far from both the speaker and the listener.

3. These pens and pencils are mine. (Correct) – The pens and pencils are near the speaker.

4. Those pens and pencils are mine. (Incorrect) – The pens and pencils are near the listener or far from both the speaker and the listener.

Explanation: When referring to plural nouns close to the speaker, we use “these.” Conversely, if the plural nouns are closer to the listener or far from both the speaker and the listener, we use “those.”

Exercises

Now that we have learned the differences between “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those,” let’s practice using them correctly. Complete the following exercise.

This, That, These, and Those

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By practicing these exercises, you will become more confident in using “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those” correctly in your everyday conversations.

General Usage:

1. This is a beautiful painting. (Correct) – The painting is near the speaker.

2. That is a beautiful painting. (Correct) – The painting is near the listener or far from both the speaker and the listener.

3. These are beautiful paintings. (Incorrect) – The paintings are near the speaker.

4. Those are beautiful paintings. (Incorrect) – The paintings are near the listener or far from both the speaker and the listener.

Explanation: When referring to something in general, without specifying its proximity, we use “this” or “that” based on whether the noun is singular or plural.

This and That

The pronouns “this” and “that” are used to refer to singular objects or ideas. The main difference lies in the proximity of the object being referred to. “This” is used for objects or ideas that are close to the speaker, while “that” is used for objects or ideas that are farther away.

For example:

• I like this book. (referring to a book that is close to the speaker)
• Look at that bird! (referring to a bird that is farther away from the speaker)

It’s important to note that “this” and “that” can also be used as demonstrative adjectives when they are followed by a noun. For example:

• Can you pass me this pen? (demonstrative pronoun)
• Can you pass me this pen? (demonstrative adjective)

These and Those

The pronouns “these” and “those” are used to refer to plural objects or ideas. Similar to “this” and “that,” the difference lies in the proximity of the objects being referred to. “These” is used for objects or ideas that are close to the speaker, while “those” is used for objects or ideas that are farther away.

For example:

• I love these flowers. (referring to flowers that are close to the speaker)
• Look at those cars! (referring to cars that are farther away from the speaker)

Just like “this” and “that,” “these” and “those” can also be used as demonstrative adjectives when followed by a noun. For example:

• Can you hand me these papers? (demonstrative pronoun)
• Can you hand me these papers? (demonstrative adjective)

Additional Tips

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when using “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those”:

• Use “this” or “these” when you want to draw attention to something specific or emphasize its importance.
• Use “that” or “those” when you want to refer to something more general or less important.
• Be mindful of the context and proximity of the object you are referring to.
• Consider using other words or phrases to provide more clarity or avoid repetition.

Conclusion

Mastering the usage of “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those” will greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively in English. Remember that “this” and “these” refer to objects or ideas that are close to the speaker, while “that” and “those” refer to objects or ideas that are farther away. By practicing the exercises provided, you will develop a strong understanding of these demonstrative pronouns and be able to use them with confidence.

So, go ahead and practice using “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those” in your conversations, and soon you’ll be using them like a pro!