This, that, these, and those are demonsrative adjectives.
There are only 4 demonstrative adjectives, and they are this, that, these and those. As the name suggests, these words point to something specific, whether it’s in close proximity or far, emotional, or abstract.
How to use this or that
This, that, those, and these demonstrate (key word) where nouns or pronouns are relative to who’s speaking. They help answer “which one?” or “which ones?”
- That‘s my interpretation of the novel.
- Those are my shoes.
- This is the road to take.
- These belong to her.
Yonder is also technically a demonstrative adjective …in case anyone is interested in the grammar of antiquity (who isn’t?)
This, that, these, and those
| Demonstrative Adjective | Number | Distance (from speaker) |
|---|---|---|
| This | Singular | Near |
| That | Singular | Far |
| These | Plural | Near |
| Those | Plural | Far |
“This” (Singular, Near)
- This book is very interesting. (The book is close to the speaker.)
- I like this dress better than the other one.
“That” (Singular, Far)
- That car over there belongs to my neighbor. That was his idea!
- That movie we watched last week was amazing.
“These” (Plural, Near)
- These cookies are freshly baked. (The cookies are near the speaker.)
- Look at these shoes—aren’t they stylish?
“Those” (Plural, Far)
- Those mountains in the distance are beautiful. (The mountains are far from the speaker.)
- I remember those days when we used to play outside all day.
Demonstrative adjectives vs. pronouns
Demonstrative adj. precede the noun(s) they modify, whereas demonstrative pronouns replace them entirely. See the difference:
- Demonstrative adjective: I don’t like that movie.
- Demonstrative pronouns : I don’t like that.
Sentences with this, that, these, and those
In conversation: Do you want this pen or that one? I’m going to wear these jeans tonight.
In writing: This article explores the impact of climate change. Those documents need to be signed today.
For instructions: Add this ingredient first. Avoid these exercises, which can lead to injury unless supervised.
When to use this or that (or these and those)
- Number – Are you referring to something singular or plural?
- Distance – Is the object near or far from the speaker?
- Use this for one thing that is close.
- Use that for one thing that is farther away.
- Use these for more than one thing that is close.
- Use those for more than one thing that is farther away.
1. Physical Distance
- This chair (the one right here).
- That chair (the one across the room).
2. Temporal Distance (Time)
Demonstrative adjectives can also be used to refer to time, not just physical space.
- This week has been very busy. (Current week — near in time.)
- I’ll never forget those days from childhood. (Past — far in time.)
3. Emotional or Psychological Distance
Sometimes, demonstratives can reflect emotional closeness or distance, even if physical distance is unclear.
- I hate that attitude. (Emotionally distant or negative.)
- I love this idea. (Emotionally close or positive.)
Tips for using this or that
Always Use Them with a Noun
Demonstrative adjectives must modify a noun. Don’t leave them standing alone unless you are using them as pronouns.
- Incorrect: I don’t like this. (Unless “this” is a pronoun.)
- Correct: I don’t like this movie\.
Be Mindful of Plural and Singular Forms
Mixing up singular and plural is a common mistake.
- Incorrect: I love these book\.
- Correct: I love this book\.
- Correct: I love these books\.
Match Distance to Context
Make sure the demonstrative adjective fits the physical or abstract context of the sentence.
- Talking about something nearby: use this or these.
- Talking about something far: use that or those.
Main types of adjectives
- Comparative
- Superlative
- Predicate
- Compound
- Possessive
- Demonstrative
- Proper
- Participial
- Limiting
- Descriptive
- Interrogative
- Attributive
Visualize a line: This/These are close to you on the line (near), while That/Those are far away; This and That are singular, while These and Those are plural.
Worksheet
Choose the correct demonstrative adjective to replace the blank: “_____ shoes are muddy.” (The shoes are close to the speaker).
Select the appropriate demonstrative adjective: “_____ book on the table is mine.” (The book is far from the speaker).
Which sentence uses the demonstrative adjective correctly?
Which demonstrative adjective refers to multiple items far away?
Identify the incorrect usage of a demonstrative adjective:
I prefer ______ shirt to the others. (The shirt is near the speaker)
Look at ______ birds flying overhead. (The birds are far from the speaker)
______ is the best option for the assignment.
Please bring me ______ files from the archive.
I really like ______ new shoes. (The shoes are near the speaker)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are demonstrative adjectives?
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How do “this” and “that” differ?
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When do I use “these” vs. “those”?
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What’s the difference between adj/pronouns?
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What are the two factors to consider?
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Yash, D. "**This or That (How to Use Demonstrative Adjectives)**." Grammarflex, Jun 6, 2025, https://www.grammarflex.com/this-or-that-/.
