This, that, these, those 📕

We use these words to point to something. They show if something is near or far away, and if it is singular or plural.

Examples

This bag is heavy. (the bag I am holding)

These shoes are new. (the shoes I am wearing)

Who is that man? (the man over there)

Look at those birds! (the birds in the sky)

With or without a noun

We can use the words alone:

This is my friend, Sara.

I don't want these. I want those.

Time

This is also used for now, and that for the past:

I am busy this week.

That was a great party last night.

On the phone

Hi, this is Omar. (I am Omar)

Is that Anna? (are you Anna?)

✗ This shoes are nice.

✓ These shoes are nice.

✗ I like that books.

✓ I like those books.