Understanding Demonstrative Determiners :

This, That , These & Those.

 

Demonstrative determiners are small but powerful words in English. Although they look simple, they play an important role in helping speakers point to things, clarify meaning, and avoid confusion in everyday communication. The four main demonstrative determiners in English are this, that, these, and those.

In this article, you will learn what demonstrative determiners are, how they work, when to use each one, and how they improve clarity in both spoken and written English. Complete with examples and practical usage tips, this guide will help you communicate more clearly and confidently.

 

What Are Demonstrative Determiners?

Demonstrative determiners are words used to point to specific nouns. They show which person, place, or thing the speaker is referring to and whether the noun is near or far, and singular or plural.

The four demonstrative determiners are:

Demonstrative	Number	Distance
This	Singular	Near
That	Singular	Far
These	Plural	Near
Those	Plural	Far

They are always placed before a noun.

Example:

• This book is interesting.
• Those cars are expensive.

When to Use Each Demonstrative Determiner

1. THIS – Singular + Near

Use this for:

• One thing
• Close to the speaker (physically or mentally)

Examples:

• This pen is mine.
• This lesson is easy to understand.

2. THAT – Singular + Far

Use that for:

• One thing
• Far from the speaker

Examples:

• That mountain looks beautiful.
• That idea is interesting.

3. THESE – Plural + Near

Use these for:

• More than one thing
• Near the speaker

Examples:

• These shoes are new.
• These students are my classmates.

4. THOSE – Plural + Far

Use those for:

• More than one thing
• Far from the speaker

Examples:

• Those houses are old.
• Those flowers smell great.

Demonstratives and Clearer Communication

Using the correct demonstrative determiner can make your sentences clearer and more specific. They help your listener understand:

• Which object you are talking about
• Whether the object is near or far
• How many objects there are

Without demonstrative determiners, communication can become vague or confusing.

Compare:

• “Look at the car.” (Which car? Where?)
• “Look at that car.” (Faraway car = clear meaning)

Demonstrative Determiners vs. Demonstrative Pronouns

Sometimes learners confuse determiners with pronouns.

Determiners

Used before a noun

• This book is mine.
• Those students are tired.

Pronouns

Used without a noun

• This is mine.
• Those are students.

Understanding the difference helps avoid grammar mistakes.

Using Demonstratives in Real Communication

Here are some practical ways demonstrative determiners improve clarity:

1. Giving Instructions

• Put this box on the table.
• Move those chairs to the corner.

2. In Daily Conversation

• Can you pass me that glass?
• These cookies taste great.

3. Expressing Opinions

• This movie is so exciting!
• I don’t like that attitude.

4. Talking About Time

• This morning (near in time)
• That day (distant in time)

5. Talking About Ideas

• I agree with this point.
• That suggestion might work.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

❌ Using “this” with a plural noun

Correct: These apples are fresh.

❌ Using “those” when something is near

Correct: These books are on the table.

❌ Forgetting the noun

Incorrect: These is delicious.
Correct: These cookies are delicious.

Remember: Demonstrative determiners must be followed by a noun.

Examples in Sentences

Here are some clear examples to help reinforce understanding:

• This chair is comfortable.
• That building is very tall.
• These dogs are friendly.
• Those bags belong to my sister.
• I don’t understand this question.
• Can you hand me that document?
• These ideas are excellent for our project.
• Those lights look beautiful at night.

 

5 sample conversations using demonstrative determiners

(this, that, these, those) in clear, natural English.

1. At a Store

Customer: Excuse me, how much is this shirt?
Shopkeeper: That one is $15.
Customer: And how about those jackets over there?
Shopkeeper: Those are on sale for $30 each.
Customer: Great! I’ll take this shirt and one of those jackets.

2. In the Classroom

Teacher: Can you pass me that marker on the table?
Student: Sure. Here you go.
Teacher: Thanks. Now, everyone, look at these pictures on the board.
Student: Are those pictures from last year’s project?
Teacher: Yes, those are examples from last year.

3. Ordering Food

Waiter: Are you ready to order?
Customer: Yes. I’ll have this pasta, please.
Waiter: Good choice. Would you like anything to drink?
Customer: What’s that drink on the menu?
Waiter: That is our fresh mango juice.
Customer: Sounds good. I’ll take that too.

4. At the Park

Friend 1: Look at this flower! It’s beautiful.
Friend 2: Yes, and these trees are so tall.
Friend 1: What about those birds by the lake?
Friend 2: Those are ducks. They always stay near the water.
Friend 1: I love walking in this park.

5. Online Shopping Chat

Buyer: Hi, is this bag still available?
Seller: Yes, this one is still in stock.
Buyer: Great! Are these colors also available?
Seller: Yes, but those colors might run out soon.
Buyer: Okay, I’ll take this black one. Thank you!

 

Conclusion

Demonstrative determiners—this, that, these, and those—are simple words, but they make a big difference in communication. They help identify specific nouns, show distance, and clarify the number of items you’re talking about.

By using them correctly, you can express your thoughts more clearly, avoid confusion, and improve both your spoken and written English.