Demonstrative pronouns in English they do not name a person or object, but point to it. Usually demonstrative pronouns include this, that and their plural forms these, those.
Demonstrative pronouns This – That and the difference between them
Pronoun this used to indicate an object or person nearby, like “this” in Russian. Pronoun that indicates an object, a person in the distance, like “that” or “that” in Russian. This in the plural is these, that in the plural is those:
This and that are classified as noun determiners, words that clarify meanings.
I hold the book in my hands, looking at the pictures.
I like this book. - I like this book.
I don't like these pictures. - I do not like these Pictures.
In a bookstore I point to the books on the shelf:
I like that book. - I like that book.
I don't like those books. - I do not like those books.
Pronoun that It is not always appropriate to translate into Russian as “that, that.” More often “this, this” is suitable. For example, I'm talking about a book that the interlocutor mentioned in a conversation. There is no book nearby, it is only mentioned.
I like that book. - I like this book.
This is That as noun pronouns
The pronouns this and that can act not as determiners of a noun, but in roles inherent in the nouns themselves. For example:
This is what we wanted. - This is what we wanted.
That was a good show. – It was a good performance.
I don't like this.- I don't like This.
Can you see that?- You This do you see?
Demonstrative pronouns Such, Same
Demonstrative pronouns also include such And same. Both pronouns do not have special plural forms.
1. Pronoun Such
The pronoun such means “such”, “of this type, kind”. If such comes before a singular noun, put : between them:
It was such an interesting movie. – It was such an interesting film.
Beer? At such a time? - Beer? At this hour?
The pronoun such is often used in surprised exclamations - joyful or not:
Such a wonderful place! – What a wonderful place!
Such a mess! - What a mess!
If such comes before a plural noun, the article is not needed:
I don't know such people. – I don’t know such people.
Why would she ask me such questions? “Why would she ask me such questions?”
2. Pronoun Same
The pronoun same means “the same”, “the same”. Since same identifies a specific noun, it is always preceded by
It will be useful for a beginner English speaker to understand the frequently used demonstrative pronouns that and this in English. If you understand their use at the very beginning, this will help you avoid frequent misconceptions and mistakes in the future. So what are their differences and similarities?
That or this? Where and how?
In English, everything is different from our native language. There, pronouns that indicate this and that can answer the questions "who?" So what?". And they serve as an addition and definition in a sentence. And they can even become, if necessary, an independent part of speech.
Despite the fact that they play the same general role, there is still a noticeable difference between that and this.
This - this, this, this.
That - that, that, that.
Translated into Russian, both pronouns define one object (or one person).
The significant difference between this and that is only the distance at which this object or person is from the speaker. To be more precise, this is what is nearby or close to the speaker, and that is what is far away from us.
This bird is mine. - This bird is mine.
That bird is yours. - That bird is yours.
Which word to choose - this or that? It all depends on where exactly this bird is located. The one sitting on my shoulder will be this bird. The one that is far from me, on a tree branch - that bird.
There will also be a difference between this and that when we talk about the remoteness of an object. But we are no longer talking about space, as in the previous example, but about time.
For example: That was funny! I had a wonderful time! - It was wonderful! I had a wonderful time!
If the narrator, remembering summer, talks about the past tense, then he pronounces that.
These and those. Difference and use of plural pronouns
Just as there is a difference between this and that, there are also differences in the plural pronouns these and those.
You need to remember when pronouns change their form:
If there are many objects, we change the form: this to these, and that to those.
These - these; Those - those.
These apples are mine. These apples are mine.
Those apples are yours. Those apples are yours.
Both pronouns indicate that there is more than one apple. The difference between these and those in the plural, as well as in the singular, is obvious. But that's not all. Distance also plays an important role.
These - these objects are close.
Those - those objects are far away.
Therefore, when choosing a pronoun, pay attention to the following:
1. How many (one or many).
2. Distance (here or there).
But this is not the only difference between this and that. In colloquial speech, it would be impolite to refer to someone using the pronoun this without the purpose of introducing them to someone.
For example: This is our gardener. - This is our gardener (there is a disrespectful attitude towards the gardener here)
Mom, this is Jon, my friend. Mom, dad, this is John, my friend.
In the first case, it is considered impolite to address the gardener, and in the second, John’s acquaintance with his mother. In this way, the difference between that and this will be obvious to an Englishman.
use this, that, these, those in a sentence
As mentioned above, singular and plural pronouns can be combined with words that answer the questions “who?” So what?".
Also, if this or that comes at the beginning of a sentence and is followed by a noun that modifies, then they must be followed by the verb to be. If the number is singular, then is, if it is plural, then are.
This is. This is a cat. - It's a cat.
These are. These are dogs. - These are dogs.
That is. That is a car. - That's a car.
Those are. Those are tomatoes. - Those are tomatoes.
Both this and that in these sentences play the role of the subject and are translated as “this”.
That and this without nouns can be seen in different sentence forms:
Which dresses would you give, these or those? -Which dress should I give you: this or that?
Who is that? - Who is it there?
If the demonstrative pronoun is preceded by a word that answers the questions “who?” and “what?”, then it specifies an object or person:
This cat has drunk our milk. - This cat drank our milk.
In this example, the pronoun this specifies that it was this cat, and not some other, that drank all our milk.
The above examples clearly show the difference between that and this.
For Russian speakers, the translation “this” will be more familiar and pleasant. After all, as a rule, we don’t say “that”.
And although for us the difference between this and that does not play a special role, it will be fundamental for a native English speaker. Therefore, to avoid errors, it is better to use this.
How to pronounce these or this correctly
In spoken English it is difficult to hear the difference between these and this; they seem almost the same to us by ear. Therefore, it is important to immediately figure out how to speak clearly for residents of the UK and USA.
This is spoken with lightning speed, while the s at the end sounds like the Russian “s” - dull. But these are better pronounced with a long, drawn-out “and” sound. And at the end it is important to hear the “z” hard, not the “s”.
But how can you tell the difference? The answer is simple: if you learn to pronounce these pronouns accurately from the very beginning, then in a conversation with your interlocutor you will also clearly hear what the difference is between that and this.
Anyone who strives to improve the English language can first begin to do this by understanding where and how to correctly use such simple words as this and that. After all, you can’t do without them. Very often, almost everywhere, they are found in English expressions. And, of course, it is best to do this with real native English speakers.
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 clear examples and decorate it all with a final table with the difference.
It's time to clear your doubts and learn the difference so you can be 200% confident in using some of the most common words in the English language.
This and That
The main difference is distance of the object from the speaker.
You need to use " this"[ðɪs] - this / this / this, when the object is close to the speaker (he is holding it in his hands, for example), and " that» [ðæt] - that / that / that when it is at a distance or outside the field of view of the speaker or listener.
This is my cat (pointing at a cat on my lap).
This 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 demonstrative pronouns.
If something happened in the past, use " that" would be more appropriate. Although in Russian we still say “this”.
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's not dead yet. This got me thinking.
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. This quite strange.
It’s surprising that Americans, when they pick up the phone, usually say: “ Who is this?", and the British - " Who is that?».
Usually we use " that", speaking 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 work, 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.
A proton has a similar mass to a neutron proton.
The emotions in the poems are those of loss and grief.
The emotions in the poems reflect loss and grief.
How to use these pronouns
- In the role defining word:
What's in this bag?
That whiskey tastes strange.
I might get myself a pair of those Nikes.
- In the role pronouns(meaning things or ideas):
Come and look at this.
That's a very bad idea.
Can I have one of these?
Uses of this and that
Emotional distance
Sometimes we use this, that, these and those to refer to things that make us happy.
For example, you can use " this/these”, referring to something we approve of or feel positive about.
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 that friend of mine?
We use " those", talking about 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 are telling a story or explaining 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 history.
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, pointing to things and people that are close to the speaker or writer, or to what is happening at the moment.
Shall I use this knife here?
I should take advantage this with a knife?
I'll post these letters on my way home.
I'll throw it in these letters to the post office on the way home.
We use " that" And " those”, pointing out things and people that are not easily identified in a situation. They are often located at a distance from the speaker, and sometimes closer to the listener.
What's in that bottle over there?
What's in it that bottle there?
Sometimes things are not visible to either the speaker or the listener.
Death Star! That's my favorite star!
The Death Star! This my favorite star!
Useful expressions and phrases
That's it- exclamation when solving a problem: “that’s all!”; in the role of agreement: “yes, right”, “exactly!”, “whoa!”, “period!; in the role of the final replica in an unambiguous plan: “that’s it!”, “that’s enough!”, “dry the oars!”; interrogative meaning in the sense of “that’s all?”, “oh well?”.
That's it! I"m not putting up with any more of her rudeness!
That's it! I won't tolerate her rudeness anymore!
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.
- 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 someone else's words.
Translations: exactly like that, right, exactly, absolutely, just about, like that.
- You must be one lucky son of a b*tch, right?
- You must be a lucky son of a bitch, huh?
- 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 abstaining- abstained from voting;
those and those ones- both;
those are her days- on these days she receives (guests, for example).
Is this one taken?- Is it busy/free here?;
What's all this/that about?- What kind of news is this!; Here's more news!;
This is it!- Here it is!; This is what I was looking for!; This is a critical moment!; Fine!; Right!; In fact of the matter!
| This/These | That/That | |
| Meaning | Pronouns and modifier. | |
| Use | 1) With people and objects near the speaker or listener in singular/plural. 2) To introduce someone. 3) Speaking about close time periods. 4) Referring to what will happen in the future, to what has not yet happened, or to what we are going to say or do. 5) Referring to something important or recently happened, or when introducing someone new person or thing in our 6) Speaking about things close in time or location to the speaker or happening at the moment. 7) Referring to something we approve of or feel positive about. |
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 objects 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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Very often, students of even intermediate levels of English proficiency confuse demonstrative pronouns this, that, these, those, what is Especially when you need to translate sentences with these pronouns from your native language into English. These four words can be classified according to 2 criteria: distance And number. First about the distance.
In the table below you can see that the words this And these are used when talking about people or objects located close to the speaker. For example, this magazine (this magazine), these magazines (these magazines). While that And those- about people or objects located far away, far away from the speaker. For example, that picture (that picture), those pictures (those pictures). Now about the number (sg. - the singular - singular, pl. - plural - plural). The pronouns this and that are used with singular nouns - this pear(this pear) that pear(that pear), and these and those - in the plural - these pears(these pears) those pears(those pears).
Particular attention should be paid to the pronunciation of the demonstrative pronouns this and these. These two sounds are very similar. Be sure to compare them by listening directly to the blog, and now repeat them several times to feel the difference between [ðιs] (“s”) and [ði:z] (like the “and” in the word “needles”).
Remember that after the pronouns these and those you must make the noun plural by adding the ending -s or -es ( these shopss those bench es).
| HERE | THERE | |
|---|---|---|
| sg. | this (this) | that (that) |
| pl. | these (these) | those |
It's time to check how clear my explanation is to you :) Translate into English:
- this car
- these houses
- those vegetables
- these cities
- that sandwich
- this car
- these houses
- those vegetables
- these cities
- that sandwich
I think everyone did a great job with this simple task. Then, how would you say in English such a sentence (note, NOT a phrase): “This is a hotel, and that is a restaurant”? That's right, after the words this and that we use the verb to be in the singular: “This is a hotel, and that is a restaurant.” Say hotel and restaurant in the plural. It should be like this: “These are hotels, and those are reataurants.” - verb to be in the plural (These are hotels, and then restaurants.)
| HERE | THERE | |
|---|---|---|
| sg. | This is | That is |
| pl. | These are | Those are |
We fix:
- These are newspapers, and these are dictionaries.
- This is my book, and that is your pen.
- These are our envelopes, and this is his letter.
- This is her white bag, and that is her coat.
- This is the student, and these are the teachers.
- Those are newspapers, and these are dictionaries.
- This is my book, and that is your pen.
- Those are our envelopes, and this is his letter.
- This is her white bag, and that is her coat.
- This is a pupil, and these are teachers.
Questions with this, that, these, those
And, the last important point on the topic this, that, these, those- questions. Before asking “What is this?” in English, determine whether the answer will be a singular or plural noun. Because your question and answer must match in number. For example, if there are several apples on a plate, then the question “What is this?” will sound: “What are these?”, and not “What’s this?”, because the answer will be: "These are apples."
The demonstrative pronouns this (this), that (that, this) in a sentence can act as a determiner, subject, object, used as a noun determiner or independently:
Definition
We'll stay here, at this place. - We will stay here, in this place.
Subject
Those are the lorries that carry our brothers to the mines. “These are the trucks that take our brothers to the mines.
Addition
Put that down. - Put this on.
There is an important semantic difference between this and that. This is used when talking about people and objects that are physically close to the speaker, and about situations corresponding to the moment of speaking. This is correlated with here - here and now - now. That is used when talking about people, objects and situations remote from the speaker in time or space. That is correlated with – there – there and then – then. Compare:
Get this cat off my shoulder. - Take this cat off my shoulder.
Get that cat off the piano. - Get that cat off the piano.
That was nice. - That was great.
This will be interesting. - It will be interesting.
Please note that in Russian the difference between this and that is not conveyed.
When speaking on the telephone, the English use this to name themselves, and that to ask who is calling:
Hello. This is Elizabeth. Is that Ruth? - Hello. This is Elizabeth. Is this Ruth?
When this and that are used without a noun, they usually denote things:
This costs more than that. - This one costs more than that one.
But not: This says he’s tired. “This one says he’s tired.”
However, in sentences that identify a person, this and that can be used to refer to people:
That looks like Mrs. Walker. - Looks like it's Mrs. Walker.
This is Elizabeth. - This is Elizabeth.
Informally, this and that are often used with adjectives or adverbs as intensifiers. For example:
I didn’t realize it was going to be that hot. – I didn’t think it would be so hot.
If your boy-friend is that clever, why isn’t he rich? – If your friend is so smart, why isn’t he rich?
Not all that is used in the sense of “not very”, “not so much”, “not so much”. For example:
But was the party? – Not all that good. - How was the party? - Not that good.
Such structures cannot be used before a subordinate clause. You can't say:
It was that cold that I couldn’t feel my fingers. “It was so cold that I couldn’t feel my fingers.”
If the noun in the function of the nominal part of the predicate is in the plural, then the demonstrative pronoun in the function of the subject also takes the form of the plural, but is translated into Russian by the pronoun “this”:
These are the books I told you about. - These are the books I told you about.
The pronoun that can be used to avoid repetition of the preceding singular noun:
The butter we import is less expensive than that (which) we produce ourselves. – The oil we buy abroad is cheaper than the oil we produce ourselves.
In such constructions, that can only replace inanimate nouns. The pronouns these and those can replace both inanimate and animate plural nouns. At the same time, these / those are translated into Russian by the noun they replace, sometimes by a personal pronoun, or not translated at all:
These flowers are better than those which we planted last year. – These flowers are better than those (flowers) that we planted last year.
All bodies consist of molecules and these of atoms. – All bodies are made of molecules, and molecules are made of atoms.
Then he bought a reader, some exercise-books… and hid these at the bottom of his trunk. “Then he bought a textbook, several notebooks... and hid them at the bottom of his suitcase.
Sometimes the pronoun those can have a general meaning:
He admires those who succeed. “He admires those who get their way.”
Those are often used with the participle:
Those taking part in the competition are requested to come onto the stage. – Those who take part in the competition are asked to go on stage.
He never approved of those chosen by other people. “He never approved of those chosen by others.”