Demonstratives: This, That, These, and Those
This, these, that, and those are demonstratives used to point out people or objects near or further away from the speaker.
This and These: When referring to people or things close to the speaker, use this and these.
This is used with singular or noncountable nouns:
- This person right here. (singular noun)
- This wine is rich and earthy. (noncountable noun)
These is used with plural nouns.
- These books offer a wealth of knowledge. (plural noun)
That and Those: When alluding to people or things farther away from the speaker, use that and those.
That is used with a singular or uncountable noun:
- That person across the street. (singular noun)
- That coffee on the top shelf tastes great. (uncountable noun)
Those is used with a plural noun.
- Those books over there. (plural noun)
Demonstratives as Pronouns: Demonstrative adjectives are words that modify nouns by pointing them out and locating people or things in relation to the speaker.
For example: I can afford to buy this Toyota Camry, but my dream is to have that Hybrid Honda Accord.
Pronouns are words that replace nouns to avoid repetition. If the writer has already mentioned the noun (antecedent) and the meaning is clear, the noun can be omitted. If the noun pointed out by a demonstrative and has been mentioned before and it is evident for the writer and readers, the noun can be omitted.
For example:
– I made many mistakes filling these out (the forms I am holding in my hands).
– No problem. Fill those out (the forms over the counter).
References
Eastwood, J. (2019). Oxford practice grammar : with answers. Intermediate. Oxford University Press.
Larsen-Freeman, D., Celce-Murcia, M., Frodesen, J., White, B., & Williams, H. A. (2016). The grammar book : form, meaning, and use for English language teachers (3rd edition). National Geographic Learning, Heinle Cengage Learning.