This, that, these, those

We use this, that, these, and those to point to people and things. They show if something is one or many, and if it is near or far.

Structure

Near, one: this + singular noun. Example: This book is new.
Near, many: these + plural noun. Example: These books are new.
Far, one: that + singular noun. Example: That car is red.
Far, many: those + plural noun. Example: Those cars are red.
Without a noun: this/that/these/those + verb. Example: This is my phone. Those are my keys.

How the Grammar Works

Use this for one thing that is near you. Use these for two or more things that are near you.
Use that for one thing that is far from you. Use those for two or more things that are far from you.
The word must match the noun. Use this/that with one thing. Use these/those with many things.
The verb must match too: this is, that is, but these are, those are.
You can use the word alone, without a noun: 'What is this?' 'I like those.'

Common Use Cases

Showing things in your hand or on your desk: This is my bag.
Showing things across the room or on the street: That is my teacher.
Asking about things: What are these? Who is that?
Introducing people: This is my friend Anna.
Talking on the phone: Hello, this is Tom.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Using this with a plural noun: Incorrect: "This shoes are nice". Correct: "These shoes are nice".
Using these with a singular noun: Incorrect: "These apple is red". Correct: "This apple is red".
Using the wrong verb: Incorrect: "Those is my books". Correct: "Those are my books".
Using the same word for near and far: Incorrect: "I like this, there, on the wall". Correct: "I like that picture on the wall".
Mixing up the singular and plural of far things: Incorrect: "That are my friends". Correct: "Those are my friends".

Comparison with Related Grammar

Word	One or many	Near or far	Example
this	one	near	This pen is blue.
these	many	near	These pens are blue.
that	one	far	That pen is red.
those	many	far	Those pens are red.

A simple way to choose: first ask "one or many?" Then ask "near or far?"

Example Sentences

This is my sister.
These apples are very good.
What is that on the table?
Those boys are my brothers.
Is this your phone?
I like these shoes, but I don't like those shoes.

When to Use This Rule

Use this and these for things that are near you. Use that and those for things that are far from you. Always check if the noun is one thing or many things, and use the matching verb.