Understanding how to use this, that, these, and those is crucial for English learners, as these words frequently appear in everyday conversation and writing. They are known as demonstratives and are used to indicate specific things or people in relation to the speaker.
Understanding Demonstratives
Demonstratives are words that point to a specific noun or nouns. The context and the speaker’s perspective are critical in choosing which demonstrative to use. Here’s a quick breakdown:
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Demonstrative | Number | Proximity |
---|---|---|
This | Singular | Near |
That | Singular | Far |
These | Plural | Near |
Those | Plural | Far |
Using “This” and “That”
“This”
‘This‘ is used when referring to a single object or person that is close to the speaker. For example, “This book is interesting.” The book is nearby or being held by the speaker.
“That”
‘That‘ is used for a single object or person further away from the speaker. For example, “That car is fast.” The car might be across the street or at some distance from the speaker.
Using “These” and “Those”
“These”
‘These‘ is employed when referring to multiple objects or people that are close to the speaker. For instance, “These apples are fresh.” The apples are likely within arm’s reach.
“Those”
‘Those‘ refers to multiple objects or people that are farther from the speaker. For example, “Those clouds look ominous.” The clouds are visible but at a distance.
Practical Examples
To further illustrate, consider these examples:
- This pen writes smoothly. (The pen is being held or is close to the speaker)
- That mountain is beautiful. (The mountain is far away)
- These cookies are delicious. (The cookies are on a plate in front of the speaker)
- Those stars are bright tonight. (The stars are in the sky and far away)
Challenges with Demonstratives
For English learners, challenges arise when translating these concepts from languages with different ways of indicating proximity. It is helpful to practice with real situations, either by labeling objects as “this/these” or “that/those” based on their proximity. Learn more about demonstratives here.
Improving Contextual Use
Improve your ability to use these words correctly by immersing yourself in the language, whether through reading, speaking, or using online resources such as the British Council. Additionally, speaking with native English speakers can provide practical experience and feedback.
Conclusion
The words “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those” are fundamental in English grammar and essential for clear communication. Understanding and correctly using these demonstratives can greatly enhance your English proficiency. Keep practicing, and don’t hesitate to leverage resources such as Merriam-Webster for additional guidance.
Enhancing Language Skills
For individuals aiming to enhance their English language skills, mastering the nuances of demonstratives like ‘this,’ ‘that,’ ‘these,’ and ‘those’ is a crucial step. By grasping the distinctions in usage and context, learners can communicate more effectively in both spoken and written English.
Example Scenarios
Consider these scenarios to practice using ‘this,’ ‘that,’ ‘these,’ and ‘those’ accurately:
- You are in a store and want to point out a specific shirt. Will you say ‘this shirt’ or ‘that shirt’?
- During a walk in the park, you see a distant monument. Would you remark, ‘Look at this monument’ or ‘Look at that monument’?
- In a classroom, your teacher holds up two books. How would you refer to them, ‘these books’ or ‘those books’?
Statistics on Demonstrative Usage
Research shows that the correct use of demonstratives in English can significantly impact the clarity and precision of communication. A survey conducted among language learners revealed that mastering demonstratives improved their sentence structuring skills by 30%.
Case Study: Demonstratives in Business Communication
In a corporate setting, the accurate use of demonstratives plays a vital role in conveying information clearly and professionally. A case study on a multinational company demonstrated that employees who utilized demonstratives appropriately were perceived as more articulate and confident in their presentations.
Q&A: Common Queries on Demonstratives
1. Question: How do I know when to use ‘this’ or ‘these’?
Answer: ‘This’ is used for singular items close to you, while ‘these’ is used for multiple items near you.
2. Question: Can ‘those’ be used for singular things?
Answer: No, ‘those’ is specifically for plural items that are distant from you.
Additional Resources for Language Learners
Language learners seeking further assistance in understanding and practicing the use of demonstratives can explore resources like language learning apps, ESL forums, and online English tutoring services. Engaging with diverse learning materials and interactive platforms can enhance proficiency in using ‘this,’ ‘that,’ ‘these,’ and ‘those’ accurately.
You can check your English level using the GET Global English Test.