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When and How to Use the Demonstratives "this," "that," "these," and "those"

Every semester I get asked by someone how people know whether to use "this," "that," "these," or "those."  

This

--singular
--close in proximity; or
--something going on or under immediate discussion right now

These

--plural
--close in proximity; or
--something going on or under immediate discussion right now

That

--singular
--further in proximity; or
--something being discussed about that took place in the past or that will take place in the future

Those

--plural
--further in proximity; or
--something being discussed about that took place in the past or that will take place in the future

 

The following resources do a good job of explaining this:

Website Page Name Comment
Woodward English This - That - These - Those A clear visual poster, followed by explanations
wikiHow How to Use These and Those A clear and clean explanation of this topic.
British Council this, that, these and those Explanations, followed by a self-administered quiz.
YouTube (Learn English with Rebecca)  this that these those  For a very good visual / audio explanation. 

 

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