this + is + complementUse this for one thing near you. With be, use is.
Demonstrative Pronouns
A2Use this, that, these, and those as pronouns when no noun follows. Choose by distance and by one thing or more than one.
What you'll learn
- Use this, that, these, and those without a following noun.
- Choose near forms and far forms correctly.
- Match one thing with singular and many things with plural.
- Build correct be-sentences with demonstrative pronouns.
- Ask questions with What is this/that and What are these/those.
Structure
that + is + complementUse that for one thing farther away in space, time, or attention. With be, use is.
these + are + complementUse these for two or more things near you. With be, use are.
those + are + complementUse those for two or more things farther away. With be, use are.
What + is + this/that + ?Ask about one thing with What is this? or What is that?
What + are + these/those + ?Ask about more than one thing with What are these? or What are those?
Build a sentence
Distance
Number
Thisismine
This is mine.
Use this for one thing near you.
When to use
Pointing
Use them when you point to something near or far: This is nice. Those are too expensive.
Choosing items
Use them when you choose between options: I'll take this, not that. These are better than those.
Identifying
Use them to identify what you mean after the context is clear: Who left this? Those are Maria's.
Markers
hereover herethereover therein my handon the shelf
Common mistakes
Wrong
I want this one bag.
Correct
I want this one.
This one already replaces the noun, so bag must drop.
Wrong
This are my shoes.
Correct
These are my shoes.
Use these for more than one thing. This is only for one thing.
Wrong
Those is mine.
Correct
Those are mine.
Those is plural, so it takes are, not is.
Wrong
What are this?
Correct
What is this?
This is singular, so the question uses is.
Common misconceptions
❝ I must always put a noun after this, that, these, and those. ❞
Not when they are pronouns. They can stand alone if the thing is already clear: This is better. Those are mine.
❝ This and that only talk about physical distance. ❞
They can also show distance in time or attention: That was a good idea. These are the points we need now.
Skills in this rule (6)
USE_WITHOUT_NOUNw5Use this, that, these, those without a noun after them
Use demonstrative pronouns when the thing or things are already clear from the situation. Do not add a second noun if this, that, these, or those already stand alone.
CHOOSE_NEAR_OR_FARw5Choose this or these for near things and that or those for far things
Use this and these for things near the speaker. Use that and those for things farther away in space, time, or attention.
MATCH_ONE_OR_MOREw5Choose singular for one thing and plural for more than one
Use this or that for one thing. Use these or those for two or more things.
BUILD_BE_SENTENCESw5Build sentences with this is, that is, these are, and those are
When the demonstrative is the subject, match it with the correct form of be. Singular takes is; plural takes are.
ASK_WHAT_IS_THIS_THATw4Ask about things with What is this or What are these
Use singular questions for one thing and plural questions for more than one. Keep the same near/far choice when you point or refer back.
USE_FOR_CHOICESw3Use demonstrative pronouns to choose, compare, or identify things
Use this, that, these, and those when you point to options, compare items, or identify what you mean. The noun can stay unstated because the context shows it.