Demonstratives in English Grammar – This, That, These, Those

This, that, these, and those are demonstratives used to point to specific people, things, or ideas. They help show how many things you’re talking about and how far they are from the speaker. Knowing how to use them correctly makes your English clearer and more natural.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to use demonstrative pronouns and demonstrative adjectives based on distance (near vs. far) and number (singular vs. plural), along with clear explanations, real examples, and a summary table to help English learners master this, that, these, and those with confidence.

What Are Demonstratives?

Demonstratives are words we use to indicate which particular person or object we mean. They allow us to distinguish between things based on distance (near or far) and number (singular or plural).

In English, there are four demonstrative words:

• This – used for one thing that is near
• That – used for one thing that is far
• These – used for more than one thing that is near
• Those – used for more than one thing that is far

Each demonstrative can function as either a demonstrative adjective (when used with a noun) or a demonstrative pronoun (when used alone to replace a noun).

How to Use “This” and “These”

The words “this” and “these” are demonstratives we use to talk about things that are close to the speaker—either physically or emotionally. The difference between them comes down to number:

• Use “this” for one thing that is near.
• Use “these” for more than one thing that is near.

Using This (Singular + Near)

We use this when referring to a single person, object, or idea that is close in space, time, or context. It is often used when something is in your hand, right in front of you, or something you’re currently talking about.

Examples:

• This pen writes smoothly.
• This idea is interesting.

Using These (Plural + Near)

These is used when referring to two or more items that are close to the speaker. It can be physical closeness, such as items on a table near you, or conversational closeness—things you are currently focused on.

Examples:

• These shoes are very comfortable.
• These are my classmates.

How to Use “That” and “Those”

The demonstratives “that” and “those” are used when talking about things that are far from the speaker—either in physical space, time, or emotionally. Just like with “this” and “these,” the difference is based on number:

• Use “that” for one thing that is far.
• Use “those” for more than one thing that is far.

Using That (Singular + Far)

That is used to refer to a single person, object, or idea that is not close to you. It could be something across the room, outside, or something you’re no longer involved with. It’s also used for things in the past or that feel emotionally distant.

Examples:

• That building is very old. (far away)
• I remember that day clearly. (in the past)
• That idea doesn’t make sense to me. (emotionally distant)

Using Those (Plural + Far)

Use those when referring to two or more things that are not near the speaker. These can also be physical objects, past memories, or abstract concepts.

Examples:

• Those people over there are tourists. (physically far)
• Those shoes don’t belong to me. (not close)
• Those were the best days of my life. (emotionally or temporally far)

Demonstratives as Determiners and Pronouns

In English grammar, demonstratives like “this, that, these, and those” can function in two different ways: as determiners or as pronouns. Understanding this difference helps you build better sentences and avoid confusion.

Demonstratives as Determiners

When a demonstrative is used with a noun, it acts as a determiner. In this case, it helps describe which noun you’re talking about.

Examples:

• This book is interesting.
• That car looks expensive.
• These cookies are fresh.
• Those kids are noisy.

Here, the demonstrative gives specific information about the noun—how many things you’re talking about and how far they are.

Demonstratives as Pronouns

When a demonstrative is used alone, without a noun after it, it functions as a pronoun. It replaces the noun because it is already clear from the context what you’re referring to.

Examples:

• This is my favorite.
• That was funny.
• These are clean.
• Those were amazing!

These are very common in everyday English, especially in conversations where the object is already visible, understood, or has already been mentioned.

Summary Table: This, That, These, Those

Below is a simple chart that shows how to use “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those” correctly. It helps you choose the right word based on number and distance.