this, that – these, those

When do we use the this and thatthese/those?

We use:

  • this and that in the singular,
  • these and those in the Plural.

Generally speaking, we use this/these to refer to people and things, situations and experiences that are close to the speaker or very close in time. We use that/those to refer to people and things, situations and experiences that are more distant, either in time or physically.

  • This is a great game. (We are watching the game.)
  • That was a great game. (The game is over.)

The demonstrative determiner and the demonstrative pronoun

demonstrative determiner (together with a noun): This book is new.

demonstrative pronoun (stand on its own): This is a new book.