Pronouns

Concept: Usage of this, that, these, and those

Definition:

The words 'this, that, these, those' are used to replace a noun and point out to a subject. They are also known as demonstrative pronouns.

Usage of 'This' and 'These'

The word 'This'shows a singular thing. The word 'These' is used for any noun that is plural. It also signifies anything or anyone near us or can be used to describe the thing better.

Examples:

1. This is my school.

2. These are my friends, Nilu and Namrata.

3. This is the city we have lived in for almost 30 years.

Usage of 'That' and 'Those'

The words 'That' and 'Those' are used to denote something which is at a distance. ‘That’ is used for singular instances and 'those' used in plural situations.

Examples:

1. Whose car is that?

2. That is a lake.
3. Those are pretty expensive bags.

When are the words ‘this’, ‘that’, ‘these’ and ‘those’ used?

Common Mistakes

1. 'This' is used with a singular thing and 'these' is used with plural ones. This/these indicate something or someone that is near us or for an introduction. It indicates the distance between the noun and the speaker. Do not use ‘these’ with singular verbs and ‘this’ with plural verbs.

Examples:

Thisis my car.

These is my car.

These are my pets, Rosy and Robin.

This is my pets, Rosy and Robin.

2. 'That' is used to denote singular things, and 'those' is used with plural words. It is used to show something at a distance.

Examples:

That is my book.

Those is my book.

Those are the new books.

That are the new books.

3. Usually ‘that’ is used as a substitute for athing, not for an animal or a person.

Example:

Q. Have you met Mr. Nitin Patel, the new manager?

A:He sits in the last cabin.

A:That sits in the last cabin.