Demonstrative Pronouns use
Demonstrative Pronouns are the words this, that, these, and those. They help us point to a person, thing, group of things, or idea: near or far, singular or plural.
Do you like this picture?
These flowers are for you.
Do you like that picture?
Who are those people?
This is a nice hotel, but it is very expensive.
Which shoes do you prefer — these or those?
Demonstrative Pronouns Form
The form depends on two things: singular or plural and near or far. These words can come before a noun or stand alone, without a noun.
| Form | Number | Distance / meaning | Example |
| this | singular | near, here, now | This bag is mine. |
| these | plural | near, here | These books are new. |
| that | singular | far, there, already said / happened | That picture is beautiful. |
| those | plural | far, there | Those people are my neighbours. |
near + singular: this
near + plural: these
far + singular: that
far + plural: those
With a noun and without a noun
| Type | Form | Example |
| before a noun | this / that / these / those + noun | Do you like this picture? Those apples look nice. |
| without a noun | this / that / these / those alone | This is my bag. Which shoes do you prefer — these or those? |
This hotel is expensive, but it is very nice.
This is a nice hotel, but it is very expensive.
Do you like these shoes? I bought them last week.
Which shoes do you prefer — these or those?
Demonstrative Pronouns Rule
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Use this and these for things that are near the speaker: physically near, in a picture, in your hands, or in the current situation.
This phone is new.
These flowers are for you.
Look at this photo.
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Use that and those for things that are farther from the speaker: physically far, “over there”, closer to the listener, or no longer in the present moment.
Do you like that picture?
Who are those people?
That shop across the street is closed.
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This and that are used with singular nouns. They can also be used with uncountable nouns.
this / that + singular noun
this / that + uncountable nounThis exercise is easy.
That water tastes strange.
This music makes me happy.
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These and those are used only with plural nouns.
these / those + plural noun
These shoes are comfortable.
Those apples look nice. Can I have one?
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When this / that / these / those are used without a noun, they replace a thing, person, or idea that is clear from the situation.
Come and look at this.
Can I have one of these?
I do not like those. They are too expensive.
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That often refers to something that has just happened or to what someone has just said.
A: I am sorry I forgot to phone you.B: That's all right.That was a really nice meal. Thank you very much.
A: Martin has got a new job.B: Has he? I did not know that. -
On the telephone, we often use This is... to say who is speaking and Is that...? to ask who is on the line.
Hi Sarah, this is David.
Is that Sarah?
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To introduce people, use This is... for one person and These are... for several people.
Brian, this is Chris.
These are my parents.
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In time expressions, this often means the current or nearest period: this morning, this week, this year. That can refer to the past or to a time period already mentioned.
I am very busy this week.
We met in Paris in 2019. That year was unforgettable.
Demonstrative Pronouns Questions
In questions, match this / that / these / those with the verb be: use is for singular and are for plural.
Is + this / that + singular noun?
Are + these / those + plural noun?
What / Who + is + this / that?
What / Who + are + these / those?
Is this your bag?
Are these your keys?
Is that your brother over there?
Are those your books?
What is this?
Who is that?
Which shoes do you prefer — these or those?
Do you like this picture?
Demonstrative Pronouns Common mistakes
Common mistakes are usually connected with number: this / that cannot be used with plural nouns, and these / those need the verb are.
❌ This are my books.
✅ These are my books.
❌ This is new shoes.
✅ These are new shoes.
❌ Those is their bags.
✅ Those are their bags.
❌ That people are very friendly.
✅ Those people are very friendly.
❌ I like this apples.
✅ I like these apples.
❌ These is my friend.
✅ This is my friend.
❌ What are this?
✅ What is this?
❌ Are that your keys?
✅ Are those your keys?
❌ This are my parents.
✅ These are my parents.
❌ I like those car.
✅ I like that car.
✅ I like those cars.
Demonstrative Pronouns Sentences
This is my notebook.
This picture is very old.
This water is cold.
These are my favourite shoes.
These flowers are for my teacher.
That is my school over there.
That picture on the wall is beautiful.
Those people are waiting for the bus.
Those apples look delicious.
I bought these shoes last week.
Can you pass me that book, please?
I am sorry about that.
That was a really nice meal.
Hi, this is Anna speaking.
These are my classmates.
Demonstrative Pronouns Examples
A: Do you like this picture?
B: Yes, I do. This is my favourite picture in the room.
A: Are these your books?
B: Yes, they are. These books are for my English class.
A: Who is that?
B: That is my neighbour.
A: Who are those people?
B: Those are my cousins from Canada.
A: Which shoes do you prefer — these or those?
B: I prefer these. They are more comfortable.
A: I am going on holiday next week.
B: Oh, that's nice!
A: Hi Sarah, this is David.
B: Hi David. Nice to hear from you.
A: Brian, this is Chris.
B: Hello, Chris — nice to meet you.
This week I am busy, but next week I will have more free time.
We watched a film yesterday. That film was very funny.
