Understanding “This,” “That,” “These,” And “Those”: Your Ultimate Guide With Worksheets And Answers

Hey friends! Today, I’m diving into a topic that can trip up even the most seasoned English learners—using “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those” correctly. If you’ve ever felt confused about which demonstrative pronoun or adjective to use, don’t worry. I’ve got you covered with a comprehensive guide, helpful worksheets, and practical tips to master this essential aspect of English grammar.

Why Are Demonstratives Important in English?
Demonstratives like “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those” are more than just words—they help us point out things, clarify what we’re talking about, and make our communication clear. Whether you’re describing a nearby object or referring to something far away, these words guide your listener or reader smoothly through your message.

In this article, we’ll explore the difference between these demonstratives, how to use them correctly, troubleshoot common mistakes, and give you plenty of practice opportunities. So, let’s get started!

Understanding “This,” “That,” “These,” and “Those”

Table of Contents

What Are Demonstratives?

Demonstratives are words that point to specific things or people. They indicate proximity—how close or far away something is from the speaker or the listener.

Definition List:

Demonstrative Pronouns: Used to replace nouns, standing alone. Example: This is delicious.
Demonstrative Adjectives: Used before nouns to specify which one. Example: This book is interesting.

Which Demonstrative to Use?

Here’s a quick, friendly breakdown of when to use each:

Demonstrative	Usage	Example	Distance Indicator
This	Refers to something nearby or recently mentioned	This pen is mine.	Near to the speaker
That	Refers to something farther away or less immediate	That mountain is huge.	Far from the speaker
These	Plural, refers to items nearby	These shoes are new.	Near to the speaker
Those	Plural, refers to items farther away	Those stars are bright.	Far from the speaker

How to Use “This,” “That,” “These,” and “Those” Correctly

1. Demonstrative as Adjectives (Before Nouns)

Use them directly before nouns to specify which item(s) you're talking about.

Example Sentences:

This car is fast.
That house looks old.
These cookies are delicious.
Those birds fly southeast.

2. Demonstrative as Pronouns (Standing Alone)

Use them to replace a noun when the context is clear.

Example Sentences:

I love this! (referring to a book in your hand)
Look at that! (pointing to something in the distance)
These are my friends.
Can you see those over there?

Practical Worksheets to Boost Your Skills

Worksheet 1: Fill-in-the-Blank

Fill in the blanks with “this,” “that,” “these,” or “those.”

Are you talking about ___ book on the table or ___ one on the shelf?
I can't believe ___ news! It’s fantastic.
___ flowers in the garden are beautiful.
Please hand me ___ pen near you.

Answers:

this, that
that
These
this

Worksheet 2: Error Correction

Identify the mistake and correct it.

I like thiss shoes you’re wearing.
Look at thats clouds in the sky.
Theses apples are rotten.
I see this birds flying.

Corrected sentences:

I like these shoes you’re wearing.
Look at those clouds in the sky.
These apples are rotten.
I see those birds flying.

Worksheet 3: Identification

Circle the correct demonstrative based on the sentence.

(This / That) book is missing.
I prefer (these / those) cookies over there.
(This / Those) chairs are uncomfortable.
Can you see (this / that) car coming?

Category Matching: Group the Words

Match the demonstrative to its category.

Category	Words
Singular, Near	____, ____, ____
Singular, Far	____, ____
Plural, Near	____, ____
Plural, Far	____, ____

Answer:

Singular, Near: this
Singular, Far: that
Plural, Near: these
Plural, Far: those

Tips for Success with Demonstratives

Identify proximity: Think about how close or far the object is from you.
Match number: Singular or plural.
Use context clues: When in doubt, re-read your sentence to see if the object is nearby or distant.
Practice aloud: Say sentences with different demonstratives to get a natural feel.

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Mistake	Explanation	How to Avoid
Using “this” with plural nouns	“This” is singular	Remember: “these” for plurals
Confusing “that” with “this”	Based on distance	Visualize the object’s location
Incorrectly using demonstratives with nouns	Forgetting to include noun after “this,” “that”	Practice pairing demonstratives directly with nouns

Variations and Expandability

Use “such” with demonstratives for emphasis (“such a beautiful day”).
Combine with adjectives for more descriptive sentences.
Explore idiomatic expressions like “that’s that,” or “these days.”

Importance of Using Demonstratives Correctly

Mastering “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those” helps you communicate more effectively, clarifies your message, and sounds more natural in conversation. Whether you're describing objects or referring to ideas, proper usage boosts your clarity and confidence.

Practice Exercises (Mirror of Section 9)

Fill-in-the-blank: Complete with “this,” “that,” “these,” “those.”
Error correction: Spot and fix mistakes in sentences.
Identification: Choose the right demonstrative.
Sentence construction: Create original sentences using each demonstrative.
Category matching: Group words based on number and proximity.

Summary and Final Thoughts

There you go, friends! Demystifying “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those” makes speaking and writing more precise and confident. Remember, practice makes perfect—so keep engaging with these exercises, visualize the objects, and try using them in your daily conversations.

Mastering demonstratives isn’t just about learning grammar; it’s about expressing yourself clearly and effectively. So go ahead—point, say, and write with confidence! Thanks for sticking with me—now you’re ready to ace these demonstratives!

Use these tips, practice regularly, and soon it’ll become second nature. Happy learning!

Understanding “This,” “That,” “These,” and “Those”: Your Ultimate Guide with Worksheets and Answers