When using this that these those. How to use this, that, these, those, it, there
English right now. What, how and why.
Using this, that, these, those
These words are used in different situations with some differences in shades of meaning. In addition, that serves to introduce subordinate clauses. In general, some of the examples below should simply be remembered, they may come in handy.
But first, I advise you to return to the previous article “th, demonstrative pronouns and the definite article” to practice again: repeating after the announcer, say “small” words several times: this, that, these, those.
So first, the words this, that, these, those needed when talking about what is near and far (with or without a noun)
Near and far, here and there
with a noun (as a definition)
For example, in zoo:
look at these birds! They are so beautiful! - Look at those birds! They are so beautiful.
Those bears are climbing a tree. — The bears climb the tree.
This monkey is drinking straight from the bottle! This monkey drinks straight from the bottle!
Do you like that bear? Do you like that bear?
I'd like to have this ice-cream. — I would like to eat this ice cream.
no noun(as a pronoun)
For example, in the shop:
Which shoes do you like most? These or those? - Which shoes do you like best? These or those?
This is dill and that is parsley. - This is dill, and there is parsley.
dill and parsley
But that's not all!
You introduce your friends:
— Linda, this is Ann. Linda, meet me. This is Ann.
Hello, Ann. Pleased to meet you. - Hello Anya. Pleased to meet you.
Hello Linda. Pleased to meet you, too. — Hello, Linda. I'm glad to meet you too.
Anna calls Linda on the phone:
Hello, this is Ann. Is that Linda? - This is Anna. Am I talking to Linda?
that - an indication of known information
about what just happened; from what someone just said
That was a really nice meal. — Thank you very much. - It was very tasty (It was very tasty food). Thanks a lot.
To be, or not to be: that is the question - To be or not to be - that is the question
That's it - that's it, right; we did it
that of - instead of repeating a noun
Determination of mass of Jupiter and that of some other planets — Determining the mass of Jupiter and some other planets
Based on my research and that of others, . — Based on my research and the research of others (scientists), .
Industrial farming damages your health and that of the planet. - Industrial farming harms your health and the health of the planet
What are the differences between American conservatism and that of other countries? What are the differences between American conservatism and the conservatism of other countries?
On this forum you will find my videos and those of my friends - In this forum you will find my videos and videos of my friends.
that to introduce subordinate clauses
He that comes first to the hill, may sit where he will. “He who comes to the hill first sits wherever he wants.
It's a bold mouse that nestles in the cat's ear. - The mouse that took refuge in the cat's ear swept away.
All's well that ends well. - All is well that ends well.
.
And that is not all. This list can and should go on!
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Pronouns this / these, that / those
Pronouns this(this one) and that(that) have plural forms, respectively: these(these) and those(those). If these pronouns in the sentence perform the function of the subject, then in the grammatical analysis of the sentence, you need to look for the predicate in the corresponding number. In this case these usually translated - they.
These elements are called metals. These elements are called metals.
These are like in … . They are similar in that...
Pronouns that / those are also used as substitute words for those nouns that were used earlier. The main sign of such use is the presence of a preposition (usually of) or participles after that / those.
The climate Great Britain is much like that of the Baltic republics. Climate Great Britain is very similar to climate republics of the Baltics.
Word that can also be a relative pronoun or conjunction with meaning "what / which / what" if it is before a subordinate clause.
Copernicus proved that the Earth goes round the Sun. Copernicus proved that the earth revolves around the sun.
This that these those and their uses.
It's no secret that this/that/these/those very similar to each other both externally and in sound, many confuse them and therefore do not like them. This article is dedicated to the “four” words, which, on the one hand, are studied at the very initial level, and on the other hand, are the cause of many mistakes later, if they are not given enough attention.
This/that/these/those refer to or refer to an object.
How to choose the right word? First of all we look How many items (one/more than one) and where they are(close/far). Close - at arm's length, you can reach them, far - you cannot reach them with your hand.
Accordingly, we choose:
this/this
[ðiːz]
that/that
In English words this/that/these/those have a dual function. They can be demonstrative pronouns and determiners. There are some differences in usage depending on the function.
Demonstrative pronouns(Demonstrative Pronouns) are used without a noun and are most often at the beginning of a sentence, because it is at the beginning that we draw the attention of listeners to some object / objects.
words as determinants(Determiners) are always used with nouns, answer the question "Which / What?" and help to determine which particular subject (s) is meant:
In the first case, the word this acts as a pronoun and means "this object". In the second sentence, the word this is a determiner; it describes the word flower and indicates that the beautiful flower is “this one”, and not that one.
That is a dog. - That's a dog. (That object, that animal, the word that is a demonstrative pronoun)
That dog is big. - That dog is big. (Exactly the dog that the speaker is pointing to. The word that is a determiner).
These are pencils. - These (these items) are pencils. (These is a demonstrative pronoun)
These pencils are sharp. These pencils are sharp. (These is a qualifier because it specifies which pencils)
Those are fruit trees. Those (those trees) are fruit trees. (Those is a demonstrative pronoun. Points to objects, draws our attention to them.)
Those fruit trees are young. Those fruit trees. (Those is a qualifier, as it makes it clear which trees are meant.)
Why do we often forget to use plural demonstrative pronouns and replace them with singular pronouns? When building a sentence, we are guided by an internal translation from Russian into English, so we make mistakes. Russian demonstrative pronouns this and these have the same translation "this" and that and those"that" is translated into Russian.
This is my book. - it my book.
These are my books. - it my books.
That is our house. - That our house.
Those are our houses. - That our houses.
Therefore, when building an English sentence, you will have to “think in English”, and if you have to point to several objects, then think about them not “this / that”, but “these objects” or “those objects”. This way you will definitely not forget to use the words these and those.
As determiners, words can refer to both people and objects:
But as demonstrative pronouns, when they are used without a noun, but instead of it, we use this/that/these/those only regarding subjects:
However, it is acceptable to use when presenting anyone:
This is my sister Kate. This is my sister Kate.
Who is that? I don't know him. - Who is it? I do not know him.
It has already been mentioned that we use this/these if the subject of discussion is close to the speaker, that/those if it is far away. In this case, not only the physical distance to the object is meant, but also the “distance” to it in time.
This/these in the present, in the near future, which are about to appear or begin:
I like this play. - I like this play.
This summer is very hot. - This summer is very hot.
This is an announcement from the authorities. This is an announcement from the authorities.
Look at this. - Look at it.
I like this city. - I like this city.
That/those relate to objects and events in the past(which have just ended or are more distant in the past) or indicate that something is appropriate to completion. Please note that it can be translated into Russian in different ways:
I liked that play. - I liked that play.
That summer is very hot. That (last) summer was very hot.
That was an announcement from the authorities. It was an announcement from the authorities.
I looked at that. - I looked at it.
We liked that city. We liked this/that city.
That's all. - It's all.
That's it. Thank you for listening. - That's all. Thank you for listening.
In a telephone conversation this used by the speaker when introducing yourself, a that- to clarify personality of the interlocutor:
The interesting thing is that this/that/these/those are used to talk about something, famous to all interlocutors:
And she shows that picture of her. And then she shows this photo of herself.
It was one of those cold and rainy evenings in London. It was one of those cold and rainy London evenings.
Are you sick and tired of those dirty towels? Are you tired of these dirty towels?
That nagging pain will disappear if you take this pill. - This aching pain will disappear if you take this pill.
And one more interesting fact about the words this/that/these/those: this and these are used in relation to what we are positively disposed to, with approval, interest, and that/those use to show a negative attitude, disapproval:
He told me about this new girlfriend of his. He told me about his new girlfriend.
I don't want to know about that new girlfriend of his. “I don't want to know anything about this new girlfriend of his.
That's it! And finally, some funny pictures:
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Rules for using this these
How demonstrative pronouns are used in spoken English.
Demonstrative pronouns:
this, this, this these
that, that, that - that
those
it is it
such, such
the same (s), the same (same) - the same
That/those. This/these.
1. This (these)index pronouns English colloquial use:
to point to an object that is close to the speaker.
This old woman is Mr. White's secretary.
This old woman is Mr. White's secretary.
to describe situations related to the future or present.
We are sorry but Dr. White is out at this moment.
We're sorry, but Dr. White is not available at the moment.
I'm seeing Tom this Sunday.
I'm meeting Tom this Sunday.
in a situation where you introduce people to each other or introduce yourself on the phone.
Kate, this is Liz and these are my friends Bob and Ted.
Katya, this is Lisa, and these are my friends Bob and Ted.
2. Those/that are used:
To indicate an object or person at a certain distance from the speaker.
Look at those new beautiful buses over there! they are his!
Look at those beautiful new buses! They are his!
to describe situations in the past.
That month spent at the seaside was the best in my life!
That month spent at the seaside was the best of my life.
when talking on the phone to clarify who you are talking to.
Hello! This is Lilia Smith. Who is that, please?”
"Hello. My name is Lily Smith. With whom, tell me, am I talking?
3. these/ this, those/that are used as pronouns and independently without a noun after it.
Let's have a talk over this. Let's discuss this.
These peaches are riper than those in the basket.
These peaches are more ripe than the ones in the basket.
4. If pronouns are used in the interrogative sentence these /those, then in the answers they are replaced by they.
Are these papers yours? Are these your papers?
Yes, they are. Yes.
It
It is also used as a demonstrative pronoun.
It is a candle. This is a candle.
5. When answering special and general questions containing this or that, the it pronoun is used
Is that a butterfly over there? Is that a butterfly over there?
Yes, it is. Yes.
What is this? What's this?
It is a beetle. This is a beetle.
It or there?
How to use it correctly:
1) in sentences with It + be + adjective + to infinitive, highlighting the adjective, or it + be + adjective (+ that)
It is useless to know how it works without a manual.
It's useless to know how it works without instructions.
It was coincident (that) Zinaida met her future husband in Paris.
What a coincidence that Zinaida met her future husband in Paris.
2) When we talk about the weather It has been foggy today.
It was foggy today.
It has been snowing here since 2 o'clock.
It has been snowing since 2 o'clock.
3) When we ask the exact time - What is the time?
What time is it now?
-It is 23.30 sharp.
Exactly twenty-three thirty.
4) When we describe places (places)
It is always calm and beautiful here at the lake.
It is always quiet and beautiful here by the lake.
5) When we use turnovers like it is becoming / it is going to.
It is going to be boring at Rubik's party.
Rubek's party promises to be boring.
It is becoming less and less interesting film to watch on TV. There are less and less interesting films on TV to watch.
Use when there is a combination: there + be (is, are, will be, have / has / had been, was, were):
1) When we say that something exists somewhere (is, exists, is)
There is wooden old church in my village.
There is an old wooden church in my village.
2) When we indicate the presence of something, someone
I'm sure there was some people at the restaurant.
I'm sure the restaurant had several people.
3) When we indicate that something is happening or will happen in the future
There was a wedding here 3 hours ago.
There was a wedding here 3 hours ago.
If there is an enumeration in the sentence, then in turns there is / are be agrees in number with the first noun.
There was his aunt, two cousins and Granny at my last birthday party. My birthday party last year was attended by his uncle, two cousins and my grandmother.
Demonstrative pronouns This, that, these, those
Today I ho body would talk about This, that, these, those It is not uncommon for students, even with a very good knowledge of English grammar, to get confused in demonstrative pronouns: this, that, these, those- this is a common mistake, but you should not think that you do not need to pay attention to it. Often this mistake appears if you translate sentences with pronouns from Russian into English. These four words can be classified according to 2 criteria: distance and amount. Consider distance. Take a look at the plate below. You will see that the pronouns this and these can be used when talking about personalities and things that are near the speaker. Let's take an example this newspaper (this newspaper), these newspapers (these newspapers). T hat and those- Can be used when talking about something or someone located away, away from the one who speaks. For example, that book (that book), those book s (those books). Let's talk about numbers (sg. - the singular - the singular, pl. - plural - plural). The pronouns this and that are used with singular nouns - this pearl(this pear) that pearl(that pear), and these and those - in the plural - these pearls(those pears) those peers(those pears).
Particular attention should be paid to the pronunciation of the demonstrative pronouns this and these. These two sounds are very similar. now repeat a few times to feel the difference between [??s] (“s”) and [?i:z] (like “and” in the word “needles”).
Remember to pluralize the noun after these and those by adding the ending -s or -es ( these shops s, those bench es).
Demonstrative pronouns in English
Demonstrative pronouns are pronouns that help the speaker "point" to an object (s) in space, without giving a detailed description of them. There are not so many similar pronouns, but they all play extremely important role, since they are quite common in speech. Consider them in pairs and separately.
This vs. That
Pronoun this used in the meaning "this / this / this" and indicates a single object that is close to the speaker in space and time (i.e. near and now).
Do you like this car?
Do you like this car?
This is my friend Chris.
This is my friend Chris.
Pronoun that used in the meaning "that / that / that" and points to one object located far from the speaker in space and / or time (i.e. distant and/or in the past).
How do you like that car at the opposite side of the street?
How do you like that car across the street?
-
Who was the man we met in the street?
-
That
was my friend Chris.
- Who was the man we met on the street?
- That was my friend, Chris.
It is worth noting that if we are talking about events from the past, then that applies:
-
I'm sorry, I forgot to phone you.
-
Sorry I forgot to call you.
That was a really nice meal. Thank you very much.
It was a really lovely meal (dinner). Thanks a lot.
This pronoun is also used when the speaker is referring to what was just said:
-
Are you a doctor, aren't you?
-
yes, that's right.
- You are a doctor, aren't you?
-
Matthew has got a new job.
-
Has he? I didn't know that.
- Matthew has a new job.
- Truth? I did not know it.
And already now you can see that for the Russian language it is not so important which pronoun we use in speech - "that" or "that". The latter is used quite often in speech and may well replace the pronoun "that" in many sentences.
That bag was very expensive.
Ta (This) the bag was very expensive.
However, despite the fact that in Russian the difference between these demonstrative pronouns is not given much importance, in English the difference between this and that very significant, and confusion in their use can lead to serious errors. Therefore, when using demonstrative pronouns in your speech, be sure to keep track of the location of the subject relative to the speaker in space and time.
Both pronouns can be used in a sentence either before a noun or without a noun:
with a noun
This hotel is expensive but it's very nice.
This hotel is expensive, but it is very beautiful.
Who is that girl?
Who lives in that house?
Who lives in that house?
Excuse me, is this seat free?
Excuse me, is this place free?
no noun
This is a nice hotel but it's very expensive.
This is a beautiful hotel, but very expensive.
Excuse me, is this your bag?
Excuse me, is this your bag?
Who is that?
That is my daughter Kate.
This (there) is my daughter Kate.
A curious phenomenon of the English language is the choice of the pronoun this or that in a telephone conversation. If the person introduces himself, applies this, and if he asks the interlocutor who is calling – that:
hello, this is Martin.
Hello, this is Martin.
Is that Susan?
Is that Susan? (Susan, is that you?)
These vs. Those
As you can see, the pronouns discussed in detail above are responsible for indicating the subject in the singular, while for the plural in the response of the pronoun these and those.
demonstrative pronoun these used to refer to several objects that are close to the speaker in space and time. This is a kind of plural form of the pronoun this.
Do you like th e se cars?
Do you like these cars?
These are my friends Amy and Chris.
These are my friends Emmy and Chris.
Do not confuse pronouns this and these by their sound. Please note that this [ð ɪs] pronounced with a short vowel and a voiceless final consonant, while these [ðiːz] pronounced with a long vowel and a voiced final consonant. This is a vivid example of the fact that longitude and voicedness in English have a meaningful function.
demonstrative pronoun those used to refer to a group of objects located far from the speaker in space and / or time. It is also a peculiar plural form for the pronoun that.
What is your opinion about those cars at the end of the street?
What's your opinion on those cars at the end of the street?
-
Who were the men we met at the bus stop?
-
Those
were my friends Adam and Chris.
- Who were the men we met at the bus stop?
- Those were my friends, Adam and Chris.
For simplicity and convenience in remembering the differences in the use of the four pronouns this/that/these/those, you can use the following table:
singular
plural
close (and now)
far (and/or long ago)
English versions of the question: "What is it?" and answers to it
Indeed, there is only one question in Russian, but it will be translated into English in four different ways, depending on the situation:
1) we are talking about one object that is close to the speaker - in this case, the demonstrative pronoun this and the singular verb form is are used in the question:
This is a map. (the card is within reach of the speakers, close to them)
2) the speaker also asks a question about one object, but in this case the object is far from him in space (or time) - in this situation, the question will contain the demonstrative pronoun that and the predicate is:
That is my new computer.
This is my new computer. (obviously, the computer is far away from the speakers)
3) if the speaker is interested in several objects that are close to him, then the demonstrative pronoun these is used in the question, and the predicate takes the form are:
These are my maps of Cambridge.
These are my maps of Cambridge. (the cards, judging by the question and answer, are close or even in the hands of the speaker)
4) when several objects about which the speaker wishes to receive information are far from him, the demonstrative pronoun those and the plural verb form are are used:
Those are the new pictures I have put on the wall.
These are the new paintings that I have hung on the wall.
We have considered this situation only in relation to the question "What is it?" and answers to it, which, as can be seen, are formulated on the basis of the question itself. However, the same principle is valid for other similar questions, subject to some changes, for example: "Who is this?", "What was that?" etc.
Pronoun it
The pronoun it is not only a personal pronoun with the meaning "it", serving to replace neuter nouns, but also a demonstrative pronoun with the meaning "it":
It is my best friend Marc. I have told you about him.
This is my best friend Mark. I told you about him.
In this sense, it is close in meaning to the pronoun this. Sometimes they are even interchangeable, but there are some differences in their use.
Differences between it and this
can be used both before nouns and before verbs:
This man is my uncle. / This man is my uncle.
This is my uncle. / This is my uncle.
not used before nouns, only before verbs:
It is funny but true. / It's funny but true.
makes a special emphasis on the novelty of the presented object / phenomenon:
This is our new boss. / This is our new boss.
is used to make a reference to an object or situation that has already been discussed recently:
Do you remember I told you we had got a new boss? It is Mr. Clark. / Do you remember I told you that we have a new boss? This is Mr Clark.
puts special emphasis on the position of the object:
This is the book I'm reading at the moment. / Here is the book I am currently reading.
does not indicate the location of the object
It's your fault. / It's your fault.
pronoun such
The Russian analogue of this demonstrative pronoun is the word "such". It serves the purpose of indicating a characteristic of an object. It is worth noting that if such is used before a countable noun in the singular, then after such should be consumed indefinite article a/an. If the noun is used in the plural form or is uncountable, then the need for the article disappears:
I always dream of such a big house.
I have always dreamed of such a big house.
Do people really need such big houses?
Do people really need such big houses?
I don't like such strong and bitter coffee.
I don't like this strong and bitter coffee.
pronoun the same
To indicate a certain repetition of the characteristics of an object, the pronoun is used same. Its Russian counterparts, depending on the situation with the gender, number and case of the subsequent noun in the Russian sentence, will be the expressions "the same (same) / the same / the same / the same / the same" etc.
I need the same shoes as my sister has.
I need the same shoes like my sister.
Match the words with the same meaning.
Match the words with the same value.
Demonstrative pronouns are very common in English speech, which is why it is so important to understand them and remember them well. This article is designed to help you through this exciting process. We hope that it has helped you in the assimilation of demonstrative pronouns.
Features of the use of pronouns this, that, these, those
Demonstrative pronouns this, that, these, those refer to an object or objects located near or at some distance from the speaker.
Pronoun this translated into Russian as “this, this, this” and indicates the relative proximity of an object or person in time or space:
These in translation means "these" and is similar to the pronoun this, but is used with plural nouns:
Pronoun that- “that, that, that”, on the contrary, indicates the relative distance of an object or person:
Besides, that can be used as a union ("what"), which attaches a subordinate clause to the main:
Also that may refer to objects, persons or events just mentioned in the context:
Those("those") is the plural form of the pronoun that:
In some cases, turnover can be used that of (those of), which helps to avoid repetition:
It should not be forgotten that pronouns this, that, these, those can indicate proximity or distance not only in distance, but also in time:
To practice the skills of using the considered pronouns, we suggest taking a test on our website: This, these, that, those.
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The English pronouns this and these are indicative. They have some common features, but at the same time, each of these words has its own characteristics of use.
General information
Demonstrative pronouns allow you to focus on something (objects, persons, periods of time, etc.), point to objects. To begin with, let's say what this and these, which are included in this category, stand for.
This is understood as "this, this, this": this orange - this orange.
These means "these": these pictures - these pictures.
Usually, the pronouns under consideration are studied together with another pair of words of the named group: that (that) and those (those).
Comparison
A common feature for the two pronouns is that they are used to refer to objects that are nearby: this window is (and not that) window, these windows are these (not those) windows. Proximity can be not only in space, but also in time:
Jim has been to the Zootwice this year. Jim has been to the zoo twice this year.
They never get time to travel these days. They haven't been traveling lately.
Meanwhile, the difference between this and these lies in the number corresponding to each of these pronouns. This is used when talking about one thing:
I want to buy this magazine. – I want to buy this magazine.
The use of these is associated with cases where the speech contains information about several subjects:
I want to buy these magazines. I want to buy these magazines.
It should be noted that the function of the pronouns in question is ambiguous. It happens that they act as definitions for words, that is, they are pronouns-adjectives. In such cases, it is important not to forget about the rules of coordination. Namely: the noun referring to this must be used, respectively, in the singular, while these requires the noun associated with it to be plural.
Examples with pronouns-adjectives:
This table is big. This table is big.
Write these words once more. - Write these words again.
Also, this and these can play the role of noun pronouns. Then they become subjects or other members of the sentence. What is the difference between this and these used in this meaning? The fact that when using the verb to be, the pronoun this corresponds to its form is, and the pronoun these corresponds to the form are.
Examples with noun pronouns:
This is my sister Jane. This is my sister Jane.
These are birds. - These are birds.
Demonstrative pronouns in English ( demonstrative pronouns / demonstrations) indicate a person, object, or their features. There are several demonstrative pronouns in English.
| Singular | Plural |
|---|---|
| this- this, this, this | these- these |
| that- that, that, that | those- those |
| such- such, similar | such- such, similar |
| same- the same | same- same |
| it- this is | it- this is |
Now you know what demonstrative pronouns are in English. Next, we will consider cases where each of them is used.
Demonstrative pronouns this and these
This these- with plural nouns. These pronouns should be used in the following cases:
- When we talk about people or things that are close to us. Sometimes in sentences with this and these adverb is used here(here), which also indicates the proximity of the subject to us.
- When a situation occurs in the present or in the future, we describe this situation with this/these.
- When we talk about the same thing several times and want to avoid repetition.
- When we introduce people or introduce ourselves in a telephone conversation.
This table is wooden. - This table wood. (the table is nearby and we point to it)
These books belong to me. - These books belong to me. (several books are next to me)
This girl is here and she is waiting for you. - This girl here and she is waiting for you.
We are going to meet this week. - We're going to meet at this week.
This month you are making a great progress. - AT this month you are making great progress.
I don't want to discuss this but I have to. - I don't want this is discuss, but I must. (it is assumed that this event has already been called before, thus avoiding repetition)
look at this! He seems to be looking for his money. - Look at this is! He seems to be looking for his money. (the pronoun indicates the situation described in the second sentence)
This is the main goal in my life. - it main goal in my life.
Jim, these are my brothers, Tom and Carl. – Jim this is my brothers, Tom and Carl.
Hello! This is Kate speaking! Can I speak to Mary? - Hi. it Kate. Can I speak to Mary?
Demonstrative pronouns that and those
demonstrative pronoun that used with singular nouns, pronoun those- with plural nouns. Let's see when we can use demonstrative pronouns that and those:
- When we talk about people or things that are far away from us. Sometimes in sentences with demonstrative pronouns that and those the adverb is used there(there).
- When we talk about a situation that took place in the past.
- When we refer to some information that was mentioned earlier and want to avoid repetition. Usually we talk about the past action.
She got married a month ago. That was wonderful! She got married a month ago. It was wonderful!
- When we start a conversation on the phone and ask the interlocutor to introduce himself. The person on the other end of the wire is far away from us, so you need to use a demonstrative pronoun that.
good morning! This is Brenda White. Who's that speaking? - Good morning! It's Brenda White! Who am I talking to?
I don't like this piece of cake. give me that one please. I don't like this piece of cake. Give me that, please. (a piece of cake that the speaker liked is further away from him)
Those ships are too far. I can't see their names. - Those ships too far. I don't see their names. (the indicated ships are at a distance from the speaker)
look at that! There's a camel. - Look there! Won there camel.
That's my future husband. - That- My future husband.
In those days people didn't have cars. - AT those times people didn't have cars.
We made only four kilometers that day. - AT that day we walked only four kilometers.
The picture clearly shows how demonstrative pronouns work. this/that and these/those when indicating the proximity or remoteness of an object.
We also invite you to watch a video from the teacher Alex. It is interesting how a native speaker explains this topic.
Demonstrative pronouns such, the same, it
Other demonstrative pronouns in English include such(such, similar) same(same) and it(this is). Consider how they should be used in speech:
- When the noun is in the singular, then together with the demonstrative pronoun such(such, similar) the indefinite article is used.
It's such an important decision. - It such important decision.
If the noun is plural, the article after the pronoun such(such, similar) no.
Don't do such things! - don't do such of things!
- demonstrative pronoun same(same / the same) is always used with the definite article. Nouns after same can be both singular and plural.
- demonstrative pronoun it corresponds to the Russian pronoun "it".
Underline the word with the same meaning, please. - Please underline the word the same meaning.
He chose the same movies as I did. - He chose the same films, and me too.
– What is it? - What this is?
- It's my ring. - This is my ring.
Is it your passport? - it your passport?
Don't miss it! - Do not miss this is!
Difference between this and it
Many linguists say that there is little difference between it and this no. You will be understood anyway if you say This is a cat or It is a cat. But there is a difference, albeit a small one.
This is a cat. - It's a cat. (we focus on the word “this”, that is, this, and not that cat)
It is a cat. - It's a cat. (we focus on the word "cat", that is, not a dog or a guinea pig)
And one small nuance in the end. In order not to repeat the same noun twice, the word is sometimes used instead one. And before that one you also need to use a demonstrative pronoun. If a demonstrative pronoun in English is not followed by an adjective, then one (ones) can be omitted.
Would you like to buy this hat or that (one)? – Would you like to buy this hat or that?
And if there is an adjective, then you must definitely save one or ones in a sentence.
I don't want to buy this hat, I will take that blue one. - I don't want to buy this hat, I'll take out that blue
This, that, these, those are demonstrative or demonstrative pronouns in English. Typically, this, that, these, and those are used to refer to a specific object, being, or phenomenon. When should these pronouns be used? What is their difference? Read more in the article.
Basic Rules
So, the rule about this, that, these and those testifies: in English speech, these words can play the role of not only pronouns, but also determiners. Consider the following table.
It's also worth noting that these is the plural form of this, and those is the plural form of that.
Thus, this and that should be used with singular nouns, and these and those with plural nouns.
Using the pronouns this, that, these and those: the rule
The first thing to remember is that we use this and that with uncountable nouns, as well as singular nouns.
Try to repeat this exercise every morning and evening.
What does this music make you think.
I've never been to that part of France.
Can I have some of that juice, please?
- Try to repeat this exercise every morning and evening.
- What does this music make you think about?
- I have never been to this part of France.
- Can I have some of this juice, please?
The English rule about this, that, these and those indicates that these and those should only be used with plural nouns:
You can use any one of these computers.
I need to paint those windows.
- You can use any of these computers.
- I need to paint those windows.
Interestingly, according to the rules of the English language, this, that, these and those are used in the context of time.
Demonstrative pronouns and time
So, for example, we often use this with words that describe time and date (morning, afternoon, evening, week, month, year).
It is important to refer to the time at which the speaker directly speaks, or the time that comes. For example:
I'll be with you some time this evening.
Johan seemed very happy this afternoon.
Ian is in Germany all this week.
- Tonight I will be with you.
- Johan seemed very happy this afternoon.
- Jan is in Germany this week.
This, that, these, those - the rule of using as pronouns further.
This, that, these, those - pronouns
We use the above words as pronouns, referring to things or phenomena:
Put the butter, chocolate and sugar in a saucepan. Heat this over a low flame until it melts.
Add butter, chocolate and sugar to a saucepan. Heat it (this/mixture container) over low heat until the food is melted.
What color are those? Black or dark blue. I can't see.
What color are they? Black or blue. I can `t get it.
You can use this and that if you want to point to a person:
Linda, this is my mother, Anne.
Is that your brother over there?
- Linda, this is my mother, Ann.
- Is that your brother there?
Often demonstrative pronouns are used in telephone conversations.
Hello, is that Ken Orm? This is Jane Bromham here.
Hey, is this Ken Orme? It's Jane Bromham calling.
Use cases for this and these, that and those
In many ways, the selection of the correct pronoun is determined by the physical proximity of the object/person/phenomenon to the speaker. Those and these, this, that and spelling rules are presented in the following examples:
Translation: Shall I use this knife?
I'll post these letters on my way home.
Translation: I will send these letters on my way home.
We use that and those for things and people that are not easily identified in a particular situation.
They are often more distant from the speaker, and sometimes closer to the listener:
What's in that bottle over there?
Could you blow out those candles near you?
- What's in that bottle?
- Can you blow out those candles next to you?
Sometimes they are not in the field of view of either the listener or the speaker:
Budapest! That's my favorite place!
Translation: Budapest! My favorite place!
emotional meaning
Oddly enough, the attitude of the speaker towards them plays an important role in the rule about this, that, those and these and the use of these pronouns. So we use this and these to think of positive things that we like to think about.
I love these new blue walls.
We use that and those to point out things that don't make us feel good.
(speaking of the restaurant) I didn't like the decoration. It had those awful paintings.
I didn't like the decor. There (in the restaurant) hung these horrible pictures.
Public information
We sometimes use that instead of the to direct the listener to common knowledge. For example, when telling a story or explaining something, we might say:
You know that old shop on the corner? Well, they're going to turn it into a restaurant.
Do you know that old corner store? Basically, they're going to turn it into a restaurant.
It is also acceptable to use this instead of the indefinite article a/an if the speaker refers to something important or relevant, or is going to introduce a new person, mention something new.
This guy knocked on the door and asked if I wanted new windows.
Then suddenly she pulled out this big pile of papers from her briefcase and threw them on the table.
- This guy knocked on the door and asked if I wanted to put in new windows.
- Suddenly, she pulled out such a large pile of papers from her pocket and threw it on the table.
What other uses are there for this, that, those, these?
Replacement
In the context of formal speech, it is acceptable to use the demonstrative pronouns that and those as substitutes in the meaning of the one(s), in order to avoid lexical repetitions.
The most important information is that given at the beginning of the manual.
The most important information is that (information) given at the beginning of the manual.
In this case, that replaces the word information.
The methods employed are those familiar to researchers. (sounds more formal than The methods employed are the ones familiar to researchers.)
The applied methods are those (methods) that are familiar to the researchers.
In the context of formal writing and speech, especially in academic style, we use that of/those of instead of the one of/the ones of. The use of demonstrative pronouns in this case is preferable.
The proton has a similar mass to that of a neutron
A proton has a mass similar to that of a neutron. In this case, we can see that the word mass has been replaced by the construct that of.
The emotions in the poems are those of loss and grief.
Translation: Emotions in poetry are emotions of loss and grief.
It should be noted that in English the demonstrative pronoun that can only be used as a substitute for a thing or object. Regarding animals, people and other living beings, this pronoun is not used. Consider the following dialogue.
B: The one who works at the town hall, or his brother?
You can't say: That who works at the town hall.
A: Have you met Mr. Kelly?
Q: With the one who works in the town hall, or his brother?
A: The one who works at the town hall.
However, the use of this plural demonstrative pronoun as a substitute for people and animals is permitted. For example:
There are sports facilities for guests.Those interested in golf can enjoy our course.
There are sports facilities for guests. Those who are interested in golf can enjoy our course.
greetings, everyone! Today we'll talk about the basics. We will tell you the difference between “this / that” and “these / those”, explain their meaning, give illustrative examples and decorate all this with a final table with a difference.
It's time to dispel doubts and find out the difference in order to be 200% sure of using one of the most common words in the English language.
This and That
The main difference lies in the distance of the object from the speaker.
Need to use " this" [ðɪs] - this / this / this, when the object is close to the speaker (he holds it in his hands, for example), and " that» [ðæt] - that / that / that, when he is at a distance or out of sight of the speaker or listener.
This is my cat (pointing at a cat on my lap).
it my cat (pointing to him on her lap).
That is his dog (pointing at a dog beside some stranger on the street).
Ta his dog (pointing to the dog next to the stranger on the street).
Note that tense will also affect the use of "this" and "that" as a demonstrative pronoun.
If something happened in the past, use " that' would be more appropriate. Although in Russian we still say "it".
You can, of course, say “that”, but it will sound suspiciously strange. There is no need for clarification, which cannot be said about English.
He didn't die yet. That made me think.
He hasn't died yet. it made me think.
On the other hand, if the event has not yet occurred, then the appropriate form would be " this».
She won't go to church tomorrow. This is quite strange.
She won't go to church tomorrow. it pretty weird.
It's amazing that Americans, when picking up the phone, usually say: Who is this?", and the British -" Who is that?».
We usually use " that", talking about things, but not about people or animals:
Right:- Have you met Mr. Rogers? - The one with the stupid haircut or silly mustache?
Wrong: That who has stupid haircut?
These and Those
In a formal context, especially in scientific activity, when talking about the similarity of something, we use " that of / those of" instead of "the one of / the ones of".
The proton has a similar mass to that of a neutron.
The proton has the same mass as the proton of the neutron.
The emotions in the poems are those of loss and grief.
Emotions in poetry reflect loss and grief.
How to use these pronouns
- Cast defining word:
What's in this bag?
That whiskey tastes strange.
I might get myself a pair of those Nikes.
- Cast pronouns(meaning things or ideas):
Come and look at this.
That's a very bad idea.
Can I have one of these?
Variants of using this and that
emotional distance
Sometimes we use this, that, these, and those to refer to something that makes us happy.
For example, you can use " this/these”, referring to what we approve of or have a positive attitude towards.
I love this new woolen smartphone cover that you can get.
I like this new wool phone case which you can get.
We use " that/those” to create distance.
What are you going to say to that friend of yours?
What are you going to say to that friend?
We use " those”, talking about the objects inside the room where we were.
I didn't like his house. It had those awful paintings.
I didn't like his house. It contained those terrible pictures.
Knowledge sharing and new information
Often this happens when we tell a story or explain something.
you know that waterfall in the forest nearby? Well, they're gonna privatize it.
You know that waterfall in the forest nearby? Well, they're going to privatize it.
« This' is sometimes used instead of 'a/an' when we are referring to something important or recent, or when introducing someone to a new person or thing in our story.
This guy today knocked on the door and asked if I wanted to talk about God.
This the guy knocked on the door and asked if I wanted to talk about God.
Physical proximity and distance
We use " this", and " these» most often, indicating things and people that are close to the speaker or writer, or what is happening at the moment.
Shall I use this knife here?
I should take advantage this knife?
I'll post these letters on my way home.
I will throw these letters to the post office on the way home.
We use " that" and " those”, pointing to things and people who are not easily identified in the situation. They are often at a distance from the speaker, and sometimes closer to the listener.
What's in that bottle over there?
What is it in toy bottle there?
Sometimes things are not visible to either the speaker or the listener.
Deathstar! That's my favorite star!
The Death Star! it my favorite star!
Useful expressions and phrases
That's it- exclamation when solving a problem: “that's all!”; in the role of consent: “yes, right”, “exactly!”, “in-in!”, “and the point !; in the role of the final replica in an unambiguous plan: “well, that’s it!”, “everything, that’s enough!”, “dry the oars!”; interrogative meaning in terms of “is that all?”, “Yes, well?”.
That's it! I "m not putting up with any more of her rudeness!
Well everything! I will no longer tolerate her rudeness!
That's it, it is working now.
That's all! Now it works.
That's alright(that's ok) - both expressions can be used to express forgiveness.
- Sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you.
-That's ok.
- I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you.
- Everything is fine.
That's right is one of the most popular answers in English. Says that you agree or confirm other people's words.
Translations: just like that, right, exactly, absolutely, just about, so-and-so.
- You must be one lucky son of a b*tch, right?
- You must be a lucky son of a bitch, right?
- That's right, I am. What?
- Yes sir. What?
And others:
this one time only(this once, just for once) - only 1 time;
this one is still kicking- this one is still alive;
this one is as good as any- this one is no better than any other;
this side of the Black Stump- on "this side" (where there is water, trees, life);
this said- at the same time (despite the fact that ...), everything said means that ...;
this and that- This and that; bench stoves;
those against?- who is against?;
those abstracting- those who abstained from voting;
those and that ones- those and those;
those are her days- on these days she receives (guests, for example).
This one taken?- Is it busy/free here?;
What's all this/that about?- What is this news!; Here's more news!;
This is it!- Here it is!; Here is what I was looking for!; This is a critical moment!; Good!; Correctly!; In fact of the matter!
| This/These | That/Those | |
| Meaning | Pronouns and defining word. | |
| Use | 1) With people and objects near the speaker or listener in the singular / plural. 2) To represent someone. 3) Speaking of close time periods. 4) Referring to what will happen in the future, what has not yet happened, or what we are going to say or do. 5) Referring to something important or recent, or when presenting someone with a new person or thing in our 6) Talking about things close in time or location to the speaker or happening at the moment. 7) Referring to what we approve of or have a positive attitude towards. |
1) With people and objects away from the speaker or listener in singular/plural. Do you want to sit down on that bench over there? 2) Talking about events in the past. 3) Talking about what just happened. 5) In a formal context, especially in scientific activities, talking about the similarity of something. 6) Talking about items inside the room where we were. 7) To create a sense of distance. |
Conclusion
Summarize:
This/that- here & singular / there & singular.
These/those- here & plural / there & plural.
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