this / that / these / those

Rules

• Rule 1: Near + one → this

  Use this for one thing in your hand or close to you. We also use this to introduce people: *This is my brother.*

  Pattern: this + singular noun + is

  Example: This sandwich is yummy.

  Example: This is my teacher, Mr. Aydın.

• Rule 2: Far + one → that

  Use that for one thing over there, far from you.

  Pattern: that + singular noun + is

  Example: That tree over there is very tall.

  Example: Look at that rainbow!

• Rule 3: Near + many → these

  Use these for more than one thing near you. A plural noun and are come after it.

  Pattern: these + plural noun + are

  Example: These strawberries are sweet.

  Example: These are my new boots.

• Rule 4: Far + many → those

  Use those for more than one thing far from you.

  Pattern: those + plural noun + are

  Example: Those ducks on the lake are white.

  Example: Are those your friends over there?

Common mistakes

• This shoes are new. → These shoes are new.

  Many things near you → these.

• Those bird is small. → That bird is small.

  One bird → that.

• These is my books. → These are my books.

  these / those go with are.