Dealing with informing people, sometimes in a public way, how a system or concept works can be a challenge. In an effort to educate myself on why people report confusion, feedback said the words ‘this’ and ‘that’ are sometimes to blame. I already found articles referring to inward and outward projections of ‘this’ vs ‘that’ and I have read examples and opinions of ‘this’ vs ‘that’ at the end of sentences.
I say this to prevent redundant responses. As well as using that last sentence and this one as possible examples. My inquiry is for how they are used at the beginning of a sentence and or paragraph.
How correct is it for me to use the word «this» to refer to what was concluded/identified in the sentence prior? Or sometimes the whole paragraph prior. Either way I only do so if there is only one presumable element available that can be immediately elaborated.
I want to give some additional thoughts that pertain to the question of distance being all the indication of context required. I may be incorrect and I welcome feedback:
Elaboration in some form or degree is what both words «this» and «that» express. Where «that» is more general and ‘this’ is specific. Thus, given the nature of time, space, and writing language, using ‘that’ would be something over a larger distance and ‘this’ would be close. For intangible ideas the distance argument should hold true relative to written text.
It is important to recognize I am dealing with intangibles, so saying «This dog also was seen sporting a bowtie and..» may not apply to the rule I am trying to confirm. For elaboration of an intangible idea I think it is only correct to use ‘this’ when referring to something immediately prior and enhancing the description of it immediately. If starting a paragraph or sentence with ‘that’ then the meaning must be intended as an indication for the reader to collect several points explained across possibly multiple paragraphs. So to prepare for how the collection of notions or facts is to be handled across several coming sentences. Or to change how they would otherwise be handled without such elaboration.
I need to report specific sequence on systems and concepts. The word «this» at the beginning of a sentence is invaluable to me. As sometimes it is an inappropriate use of space and time to attempt redundant articulation of something just said the sentence before. That all said I realize I will always run into people unaware where their reading comprehension is at, but I welcome creative ideas on how to introduce a reader to my usage needs.
Thank you for your time reading this…or that. =)
The demonstrative adjectives this/that/these/those, which may also be pronouns, tell us where an object is located and how many objects there are.
This and that are used to point to one object. This points to something nearby, while that points to something “over there.” | |
Examples: | This dog is mine. This is mine. That dog is hers. That is hers. |
These and those refer to more than one object. These points to things nearby, while those points to things “over there.” | |
Examples: | These babies have been smiling for a while. These are mine. Those babies in the nursery have been crying for hours. Those are yours. |
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What is a demonstrative pronoun?
A demonstrative pronoun is a pronoun used to point to specific people or things. For example, imagine there was a chair right next to you and a chair across the room from you. When talking about the chair nearer to you, you would say This is a chair. When talking about the chair far away from you, you would point to it and say That is a chair. In these sentences, the words this and that are demonstrative pronouns.
Demonstrative pronouns can be used to refer to either people, animals, or objects. For example,
- People: This is my friend Lance.
- Animals: That looks like a poisonous snake.
- Objects: The cars in the front are worth more than those in the back.
A demonstrative pronoun can be used as either a subject or an object:
- Subject: I think I need new shoes. These are pretty old.
- Object: What is that?
List of demonstrative pronouns
Singular demonstrative pronouns
The words this and that are singular demonstrative pronouns. They are used to refer to a single person or thing. The word this is used to refer to things close by, and that is used to refer to things far away.
In addition to being used as a demonstrative pronoun, the word that has many different meanings and can be used as an adjective, adverb, or a conjunction in addition to a pronoun. For example, the word that can also be used as a relative pronoun that introduces relative clauses. You can learn more about this in our guide to relative pronouns.
Plural demonstrative pronouns
The words these and those are plural demonstrative pronouns. They are used to refer to more than one person or thing. These is used to refer to nearby things, and those is used to refer to faraway objects.
Examples of demonstrative pronouns
Let’s look at examples of how we use demonstrative pronouns in sentences.
- This is a really weird-looking fruit.
- I can’t believe she said that.
- We are going to need boxes that are a lot bigger than these.
- The restaurants here are a lot newer than those across town.
Want to know a secret? There are some grammar rules you don’t always have to follow.
Demonstrative pronouns vs. demonstrative adjectives
All four of the words this, that, these, and those are used as demonstrative pronouns and another part of speech called demonstrative adjectives. Usage highly overlaps as all four words keep their same meanings regardless of what part of speech they are used as. Most of the time, a sentence doesn’t even change its meaning when using a demonstrative pronoun or a demonstrative adjective. For example,
- Pronoun: There are a lot of books in my room, but this is my favorite.
- Adjective: There are a lot of books in my room, but this book is my favorite.
Both of the above sentences have the exact same meaning even though the word this is used as a pronoun in the first sentence and an adjective in the second.
So, how do you know if a word is being used as a demonstrative pronoun or as a demonstrative adjective? A pronoun is used in place of a noun, which means it is used as a subject or an object. Pronouns do NOT modify other words. On the other hand, an adjective is used to modify nouns or pronouns.
Putting it all together, the word that would be classified as a demonstrative pronoun in the following sentence:
- That looks like fun. (That is the subject of the sentence. It is a demonstrative pronoun.)
However, that would be classified as a demonstrative adjective in the following sentence:
- That game looks like fun. (That is modifying the noun game. It is a demonstrative adjective.)
How to use demonstrative pronouns
Like all other pronouns, demonstrative pronouns must follow the same rules as nouns do. This means that they can function as a subject or object and must follow subject-verb agreement.
The words this and that use a singular verb, and these and those use a plural verb:
✅ Correct: That is an expensive car.
❌ Incorrect: That are an expensive car.
✅ Correct: Those look delicious.
❌ Incorrect: Those looks delicious.
In general, it is important to make it clear to a reader or listener what a demonstrative pronoun is referring to. For example,
Less clear: That is not a good idea. (What isn’t a good idea?)
More clear: You’re going to tell Cindy her singing is terrible? That is not a good idea. (Telling Cindy that you don’t like her singing is not a good idea.)
In everyday speech, we often use demonstrative pronouns without saying what they refer to. This is possible because we can point to things with our hands, or we can use context or body language to clarify what we are talking about. In some instances, there may only be one person or object in a room, and so further clarification is not needed. For example, you can say This is my new shirt while pointing to it with your finger. A listener can look at you and understand what you mean without needing any more descriptions or instructions.
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The words ‘this’ and ‘that’ are demonstrative pronoun which is used for indicating something. Not only this, but they also come in the category of demonstrative determiners which are used before a singular noun, that tell you which person or object you are talking about. We use the word ‘this‘ to point out a person or object which is close to you. On the other hand, ‘that‘ is used to point out a person or an object which is farther from you.
- This sweater does not suit you, and that one is too big for you.
- This necklace is made of pure diamonds, but that’s not for you.
In both the examples, you might have observed that when we use the word ‘this’ it indicates that the object is closer to the speaker, but ‘that’ reflects that the object is at a distant place in the first example, while in the second one, it means ‘a particular object (implied)’.
Content: This Vs That
- Comparison Chart
- Definition
- Key Differences
- Examples
- How to remember the difference
Comparison Chart
Basis for Comparison | This | That |
---|---|---|
Meaning | This is a pronoun and determiner used to identify someone or something near to the speaker. | That is a pronoun and determiner used to identify someone or something at a distance to the speaker. |
Refers to | Something which is just mentioned. | Something which is previously mentioned. |
Plural form | These | Those |
Conjunction | No | Yes |
Examples | Did you know this person? | That’s not my cup of tea. |
The water of this river is clean and pure. | Bring me that book. | |
This is a very simple exercise. | Who is that boy? |
Definition of This
Basically, we use the word ‘this’ to show or point out an object, person, idea, time, etc. which is right here with you or close to you or which is recently mentioned, experienced or supposed to be understood. However, in English we can use it in many contexts, as discussed in the points given below:
- To refer someone or something:
- Kate studies in this college.
- This pancake is superb.
- I would love to watch this movie once again.
- His friend repaired this mobile himself.
- Where shall I keep this jar?
- Who is going to complete this?
- This is the way to Principal’s cabin.
- This is my favourite dress.
- I heard this news on the internet.
- During encroachment, several houses of this area are demolished.
- To refer to something near in time or space, to the speaker:
- Alex joined the army in March this year.
- I have seen her in the coffee house, this evening.
- By this time, I will reach New York tomorrow.
- I will go to my Granny’s home, this vacations.
- To talk about degree:
- The car was this close to me.
- Joe never reacted like this on a silly joke.
Definition of That
When we talk about a particular object, idea or person, which is previously mentioned or implied, we use the word ‘that’. Moreover, it is also used to refer to someone or something which is far away from the speaker. There are a number of ways, to use the word that, which we’ll discuss in the points given below:
- To indicate someone or something, distant in time or space from the speaker:
- That issue has to be resolved first.
- Who is that boy talking to Lisa?
- That accident happened some days ago.
- That old woman has shifted to Delhi.
- You should try that new salon and spa, opened in our area.
- To refer to something which was formerly discussed or you already have an idea of it:
- She stopped working on that project, after coming back from Australia.
- They always arrange a party at that restaurant.
- The lady who was shouting at me that day is my mother.
- As a conjunction, to introduce relative clause:
- Where are the earrings that you have borrowed from me?
- Claudia works for a company, that deals in security alarms.
- As an adverb it refers to as much as suggested or given:
- The lady is too old to work that much.
- The candidates are not given that much time.
There is a thin line of difference between this and that which is discussed in the points given below:
- ‘This’ is a demonstrative pronoun and adjective which is used to point out a person object or an idea, which right here with you, i.e. within speaker’s vision range. In contrast, ‘that’ is a demonstrative pronoun and adjective which indicate a person object or an idea which is at a distant place or position to you, i.e. not within the speaker’s vision range.
- ‘This’ can be used to refer to something which is just mentioned. Conversely, ‘that’ refers to something which is previously mentioned or implied.
- The plural form of the this is ‘these’, whereas ‘those’ is the plural form of that.
- The word ‘that’ can be used as a conjunction to add a subordinate clause in a sentence, in order to mention something or to give the reason. On the other hand, the word ‘this’ cannot be used as a conjunction.
Examples
This
- This is my sister.
- I made this snack for you.
- Whose is this mobile?
- I can’t believe this!
- The new restaurant opens this new year.
That
- That is my friend’s house.
- No, that book is mine.
- That’s cool.
- Do not touch that blade!
- Would you pass me that bowl?
How to remember the difference
The most important tip, to differentiate between these two Basic English words is when someone/something is right here with you – use ‘this’, whereas when someone/something is there, i.e. at a distance – use ‘that’.
By
Last updated:
April 9, 2023
Almost every time you use your finger to point at something, you’ll need to use a demonstrative pronoun.
This and that are among the most common demonstrative pronouns, but there are more!
Read on to learn all about different demonstrative pronouns and how to use them.
Contents
- Why Learn Demonstrative Pronouns?
- What Is a Demonstrative Pronoun?
-
- What Is a Pronoun?
- What Is a Demonstrative?
- So, What Is a Demonstrative Pronoun?
- Demonstrative Pronouns vs. Demonstrative Adjectives
- How to Use Demonstrative Pronouns
- 7 English Demonstrative Pronouns
-
- This
- That
- These
- Those
- Such
- None
- Neither
- Summary: All About Demonstrative Pronouns
- English Demonstrative Pronoun Exercises
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Why Learn Demonstrative Pronouns?
Learning how to recognize and use demonstrative pronouns is very important, for several reasons:
- We hear demonstrative pronouns all the time in daily conversations, movies and TV shows, books and songs. So learning them means you will be able to understand more of your favorite English media.
- Demonstrative pronouns make speaking English easier. By using words like this and that instead of repeating the name of a noun, we sound more natural.
- Knowing demonstrative pronouns is essential to getting high scores on English proficiency tests.
What Is a Demonstrative Pronoun?
What Is a Pronoun?
First thing is first, what is a pronoun?
You may already know that a pronoun is a word that substitutes (replaces) a noun, or any other part of the sentence functioning as a noun.
Let’s use this sentence as an example:
This little boy is very clever.
This little boy is a noun phrase that’s the subject of the whole sentence. We can replace this little boy with the word he to get the sentence:
He is very clever.
In this sentence, the word he is a pronoun.
Let’s take a look at a few more examples with pronouns:
Mary and I go shopping every Tuesday. → We go shopping every Tuesday.
My dad wants to buy those shoes. → He wants to buy them (or those).
John went to Tom’s place to take care of the dog. → He went to Tom’s place to take care of it.
What Is a Demonstrative?
On the other hand, a demonstrative is a word we use to refer to objects or people, and their distance in space or time in relation to a speaker.
In other words, a demonstrative is a word we use to point or refer to things or people that can be near or far from us (in time or in space, as you will see later).
One example of a demonstrative can be seen in the sentence:
This car costs too much.
In this case, the word this is a demonstrative.
So, What Is a Demonstrative Pronoun?
Put all the information about pronouns and demonstratives together, and you get that a demonstrative pronoun is a word that replaces a noun phrase and indicates whether it is near or far in time or space.
The noun phrase may have been mentioned before, or be understood from context.
Whatever the case, the demonstrative pronoun takes the place of the noun phrase, which is known as the antecedent. An antecedent is a person or object being replaced by a pronoun.
Let’s look at some examples:
This is delicious.
As readers, we do not know what this means, but the person saying the sentence and the people around him will understand what he is talking about because he is eating it.
Let’s say that he is eating a cookie. Therefore, the word this refers to the cookie.
In this sentence, the cookie is the antecedent.
Here’s another example:
Please, put these in the fridge.
Let’s say the person speaking is holding bananas. They don’t need to say the word bananas because they are holding them. In other words, it is obvious that they are talking about bananas.
In this sentence, the word bananas is the antecedent because it’s what the pronoun these is referring to.
Finally, demonstrative pronouns also tell us about the number (singular or plural) of the noun, but they do not change with gender (masculine or feminine):
Do you want this? (This is singular and refers to a thing or a person that is close.)
Are those yours? (Those is plural and refers to things or people that are far.)
Demonstrative Pronouns vs. Demonstrative Adjectives
Demonstratives can be adjectives or pronouns.
This, that, these and those are actually the most common demonstrative pronouns, but they can also be used as demonstrative adjectives.
So how are demonstrative pronouns different from demonstrative adjectives?
This table sums it up:
Demonstrative Pronoun | Demonstrative Adjective |
---|---|
Replaces a noun | Modifies a noun |
Stands alone | Followed by a noun |
«I love this.» | «I love this bag.» |
There are only two rules you have to remember:
1. Demonstrative adjectives modify a noun, so there’s always a noun afterwards.
For example:
That pizza looks delicious.
Dad, can we get these puppies?
They were very happy all those years.
2. Demonstrative pronouns replace the noun and always stand alone.
In other words, they don’t have a noun following them:
That looks delicious.
Dad, can we get these?
Those were happy years.
Easy, isn’t it?
How to Use Demonstrative Pronouns
Normally, replacing a noun phrase with a demonstrative pronoun is not very challenging (difficult).
After so many years of teaching English, I have learned that the best way to see the main English demonstrative pronouns is by putting them in a table:
Singular | Plural | |
---|---|---|
Near | this | that |
Far | these | those |
The most important thing to take into account is the number of the noun:
- If the noun is singular, use either this or that.
- If the noun is plural, use either these or those.
The next step is to determine whether the noun is near or far from the speaker:
- If it is near, you will have to use this or these.
- If it is far, you will use that or those.
Here are some examples:
This is fantastic! (Singular, near)
Those were the days! (Plural, far)
That was very nice of you. (Singular, far)
I love these, but I will buy those. (Plural, near, then plural, far)
7 English Demonstrative Pronouns
Now that the basics are clear, let’s have a look at each pronoun separately.
Many learners do not know there are other demonstrative pronouns aside from this, that, these and those, but don’t worry, they are equally easy to master.
This
Our first pronoun is this. It refers to an antecedent that is both singular and close to the speaker:
This is amazing!
This is Mary and this is Julia.
John gave me this for you.
I’ll have this and this.
In all the examples, this can mean anything from a dress to a person. The use of this in these sentences tells us the antecedent is singular and close to the person talking.
That
The pronoun that refers to a singular antecedent, but in this case, it is far from the speaker, either in space or time:
That is a suspicious guy.
That was the week I met Sonia.
Do you really want to buy that?
This is Mary, and that over there is Michael.
These
The pronoun these is the plural counterpart (someone or something that has the same function) of this.
We use it when the antecedent is close to the speaker and plural:
These are beautiful. Thank you!
I’ll have these, please.
These are amazing. Where can I buy them?
These are troubled times.
Those
This pronoun refers to antecedents that are both far from the speaker and plural. It is the plural counterpart of that:
Those are big houses.
I have decided to buy those.
Those were so dirty I had to throw them away.
Those were the best years of my life.
Such
My students are always surprised when I tell them there are more than just four demonstrative pronouns.
One of these “surprising” pronouns is such.
Dictionaries define such as “someone or something of the kind that has been previously mentioned or is about to be mentioned.”
This definition can help us understand that such refers to nouns or noun phrases (antecedents), so it should not be a big surprise that it is a demonstrative pronoun.
Such is a special kind of pronoun, though.
It does not change with gender or number, and it can be used to refer to masculine, feminine, singular and plural antecedents:
Such was his determination that he did not sleep for three days.
We can’t do anything. Such is life.
Such were the rules, sorry!
Such are his ways. (This is how he does things.)
None
The demonstrative pronoun none is really a shortened form of not one, and it means exactly that: not one, not any.
Despite including the number one in it, none can be used with both singular and plural antecedents:
There is none left. (Referring to something singular and normally uncountable such as water, flour or ketchup.)
There are none left. (Referring to a plural antecedent such as books, glasses or apples.)
Here is a trick that may help you remember none easily: it is the only demonstrative pronoun that cannot be a demonstrative adjective.
This means a sentence where none is directly followed by a noun will always be incorrect.
For example, you would never say: “None university accepted him.” Instead, you would say: “No university accepted him.”
However, these sentences work:
None of the universities accepted him.
None of the kids were happy.
Neither
You have probably used neither many times when you wanted to say that you did not want any of two possible options. In these cases, nor usually appears in the sentence as well:
Neither John nor Mary was ready to go.
However, when neither functions as a demonstrative pronoun, it likes to do its job alone:
Neither of them is mine.
I will take neither. (I will not take any of these two.)
Neither will work properly after this. (Neither this one nor that one will work properly after this.)
Neither is also easy to remember because it is the only demonstrative pronoun that is always singular, which means that the verb will always be singular.
For example, this sentence is correct:
Neither of the answers is correct.
This sentence is incorrect:
Neither of the answers are correct.
Summary: All About Demonstrative Pronouns
English demonstrative pronouns are easy to understand and even easier to learn.
They are used in a very straightforward (simple) way, and while they can be used to refer to almost any noun phrase, you should remember there are a couple of rules they have to follow.
On the one hand, this and these are used for antecedents that are close to the speaker, while on the other hand, that and those are used for antecedents that are far from the speaker.
In addition, you should not forget that such, none and neither are also demonstrative pronouns. They may not be used as often as the previous four, but they are also very useful and important.
English Demonstrative Pronoun Exercises
Now that you have learned the demonstrative pronouns in English, why not practice them some?
Here you have five of my favorite English demonstrative pronouns exercise pages:
- Curso-Inglés: You will find two exercises on demonstrative pronouns at the end of the page, right after the grammar explanations.
- English Exercises: Here you have a fun exercise on demonstrative pronouns. Learn how to introduce The Simpsons’ main characters!
- Your Dictionary: On this site, you will find a short quiz to check what you have learned in this post. You will need to have a clear understanding of the difference between subject and object for this one.
- Perfect English Grammar: Here’s a challenge for you! There are 20 sentences in this exercise. Can you tell if this/that/these/those are adjectives or pronouns in each of them?
And that’s all for today, my friends!
Stay curious, and as always, happy learning!
На основании Вашего запроса эти примеры могут содержать грубую лексику.
На основании Вашего запроса эти примеры могут содержать разговорную лексику.
слово для обозначения
термин для обозначения
слово для определения
слова для обозначения
слово, чтобы сослаться
слово по отношению
But your child will use the same word to refer to different things.
Paracelsus (1493-1541) used the word to refer to a fine powder but also a volatile liquid.
Парацельс (1493-1541) использовал это слово для обозначения мелкого порошка, но также и летучей жидкости.
Macrobius used the word to refer the passages of ancient Rome’s theater or amphitheater and the way people seem to erupt from them to fill the empty seats.
Он использовал этот термин для обозначения пассажей театра или амфитеатра Древнего Рима и того, как люди толпой выходят из них, чтобы занять пустые места.
Like Europeans after 1815, we need a word to refer to the world as it is rather than the world as it aspires to be.
Как европейцам после 1815 г., нам нужно подобрать слово для определения реального мира, а не недостижимого идеала.
Some dialects of English use this word to refer to throw pillows as well.
В некоторых диалектах английского языка использовать это слово для обозначения бросить подушки, а также.
By 1891 Kipling was using the word to refer to a kind of garment (in the plural) as well as a fabric.
К 1891 году Киплинг использовал это слово для обозначения вида одежды (во множественном числе), а также ткани.
In recent decades, however, people from other countries have started working in this style, and the Japanese traditionally have used the word to refer to any cartoon or comic, regardless of where a person drew it or where he or she lives.
Однако в последние десятилетия люди из других стран начали работать в этом стиле, и японцы традиционно использовали это слово для обозначения какого-либо мультфильма или комикса, независимо от того, где человек рисовал его или где он или она живет.
Even here, I have equivocated with the word «perfect,» for I’ve used the word to refer to a diamond with no defects and to refer to a diamond with exquisite appearance.
Даже здесь я не согласился со словом «совершенный», потому что я использовал это слово для обозначения бриллианта без дефектов и для обозначения бриллианта с изысканным внешним видом.
Strauss-Kahn, the former head of the International Monetary Fund, admitted Thursday using the word to refer to women was «inappropriate.»
Как пишет Bloomberg, бывший глава Международного валютного фонда, признал в четверг, что использовать это слово для обозначения женщин было «неуместно».
The similar pattern is applied when using a derogative word to refer to somebody’s race or ethnicity.
Точно такой же шаблон применяется при использовании уничижительных слов в отношении чей-то национальности или расы.
For example, pathologists frequently use the word to refer to the secondary symptoms of a disease.
Например, патологоанатомы часто используют это слово, описывая вторичные симптомы определенной болезни.
The Roma themselves used the word to refer to their own association.
The Italians then used the word to refer to the dish in which what is now known as lasagna is made.
Итальянцами это слово использовались при ссылке на блюдо, известное теперь как лазанья.
The Italians then used the word to refer to the dish in which what is now known as lasagna is made.
Итальянцы затем использовали слово, чтобы сослаться на блюдо, которое в настоящее время известно как лазанья.
He also used the word to refer to righteousness, as in
Tolkien used the word to refer also to the land they occupied in the Vales of Anduin.
Толкин использовал это слово также и для обозначения земли, занимаемой этими людьми в Долине Андуина.
When people misuse this word to refer to their relationship with earthly things, it loses its meaning.
Когда люди, злоупотребив этим словом, называют им свое отношение к земному, оно теряет свой смысл
First, people use the word to refer to creativity in general — saying that someone has a great imagination, or no imagination at all.
Для обозначения творчества в целом, говоря, что у кого-то есть большое воображение или нет воображения вообще.
Secondly, people use the word to refer to mental imagery of some kind either picturing something in your head, like how your childhood bedroom looked, or hearing a song in your head to try to recall lyrics.
Чтобы сослаться на какие-то ментальные образы; либо представляя что-то в своей голове, например, как выглядела наша детская спальня, или мысленно напевать песню, чтобы попытаться вспомнить текст.
People in the Southern States use this word to refer to those from the Northern States.
Результатов: 36. Точных совпадений: 36. Затраченное время: 90 мс
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Индекс слова: 1-300, 301-600, 601-900
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Индекс фразы: 1-400, 401-800, 801-1200
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#1
Kure Atoll is the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands is now protected as a reserve because it contains most of America’s coral reefs. This was due to a decision made by the Clinton administion.
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Does this here refers to the fact that «Kure Atoll is the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands is now protected as a reserve» or does it refer to the fact that «Kure Atoll is the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands is now protected as a reserve because it contains most of America’s coral reefs»?
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#2
Kure Atoll
in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands,
is now protected as a reserve
because it contains most of America’s coral reefs.
This (the protection) was due to a decision made by the Clinton administion.
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#3
Hi Timla,
Thanks for your reply.
So in this case you are saying that the decision is «to protect the Islands» instead of «to protect the Islands because it contains most of America’s coral reefs»? In other words, «because it contains most of America’s coral reefs» is not a part of the decision made by the Clinton administration?
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#4
Hi Timla,
Thanks for your reply.
So in this case you are saying that the decision is «to protect the Islands» instead of «to protect the Islands because it contains most of America’s coral reefs»? Therefore,
«because it contains most of America’s coral reefs» is not a part of the decision made by the Clinton administration?
Kure Atoll, in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, (this is a fact)
is now protected (as a reserve — this part is not necessary)
because it contains most of America’s coral reefs. (The reason for the protection — can’t be changed by an administration).
This (the protection) was due to a decision made by the Clinton administration.
Anything can come after «protect»:
…is now protected as a reserve
because there are many short brunette females who vacation there.
This was due to a decision made by the Clinton administration.
…is now protected as a reserve
because you can make $109 million giving lectures there.
This was due to a decision made by the Clinton administration.
Last edited: May 9, 2008
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#5
Thanks you Tim. Anyway, I am still a bit confused. I agree that anything can come after «protect».
But how do we know that what comes after protect is not a part of a decision made by the Clinton administion? In other words, what if «because it contains most of America’s coral reefs» is the reason why the Clinton admisnistration made the decision?
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#6
Thanks you Tim. Anyway, I am still a bit confused. I agree that anything can come after «protect».
But how do we know that what comes after protect is not a part of a decision made by the Clinton administion? In other words, what if «because it contains most of America’s coral reefs» is the reason why the Clinton admisnistration made the decision?
Keep in mind that the analysis of this sentence is not a question of grammar, but of logic.
What is the only thing that you can «protect»?
Kure Atoll in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands,
(this is a fact, and cannot be changed «due to a decision» of the government)
is now protected as a reserve
(Protection as a reserve can be decided by a government)
because it contains most of America’s coral reefs.
(the fact that it contains most of the coral reefs cannot be decided by a government)
This (the protection) was due to a decision made by the Clinton administration.
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#7
To emphasise TimLA’s point that logic, not grammar, determines what «this» refers to in this example, here is a slightly different sentence.
Kure Atoll in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands is now protected as a reserve because it is the location of the retired presidents’ holiday resort. This was due to a decision made by the Clinton administration.
The Clinton administration’s decision could have been to protect the atoll as a reserve or to locate the resort on the atoll.
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#8
Thank you very much TimLA! Also, thanks to panjandrum for the additional example.
Demonstrative pronouns in English
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Demonstrative pronouns in English (demonstrative pronouns / demonstratives) indicate a person, object, or their signs. There are several demonstrative pronouns in English.
Single number The many number
this — this, this, this | these — these |
that — that, that, that | those — those |
such — such, similar | such — such like |
the same — the same | the same — the same |
it is | it is |
Now you know what demonstrative pronouns are in English. Next, we will consider the cases when each of them is used.
Demonstrative pronouns this and these
This is used with singular nouns, the pronoun these — with plural nouns. These pronouns should be used in the following cases:
- When we talk about people or things that are near us. Sometimes in sentences with this and these, the adverb here (here) is used, which also indicates the proximity of the subject to us.
- When a situation occurs in the present or future tense, we describe this situation using this / these.
- When we talk about the same thing several times and want to avoid repetition.
- When we introduce people or introduce ourselves in a telephone conversation.
This table is wooden. — This table wood. (the table is nearby, and we point to it)
These books belong to me. — These books belong to me. (several books are next to me)
this girl is here and she is waiting for you. — This girlhereand she is waiting for you.
We are going to meet this week… — We are going to meet at this week.
This month you are making a great progress. — V this month you are making tremendous progress.
I don’t want to discuss this but I have to. — I do not want it discuss, but I have to. (it is assumed that this event has already been called before, thus avoiding repetition)
Look at this! He seems to be looking for his money. — Look at it! He seems to be looking for his money. (the pronoun indicates the situation described in the second sentence)
This is the main goal in my life. — This is the main goal in my life.
Jim, These are my brothers, Tom and Carl. — Jim, it my brothers, Tom and Karl.
Hello! This is Kate speaking! Can I speak to Mary? — Hey. This is Kate. Can I talk to Mary?
Demonstrative pronouns that and those
The demonstrative that is used with singular nouns, the pronoun those with plural nouns. Let’s see when we can use the demonstrative pronouns that and those:
- When we talk about people or things that are far away from us. Sometimes the adverb there is used in sentences with the demonstrative pronouns that and those.
I don’t this piece of cake. Give me That one, please. — I don’t like this piece of cake. Give me that, please. (the piece of cake that the speaker liked is farther from him)
Source: https://engblog.ru/demonstrative-pronouns
Demonstratives this, that, these and those
Singular | Plural | ||
This — this, this, this | What color is this shirt? What color is this skirt? | These — these | Thesis buildings are new. |
That is that, that, that | I don’t know That girl. I don’t know this girl. | Those — those | Who broght Those cakes? Who brings em cakes? |
- This and these only indicate close objects or moments in time.
Let’s sit on These chairs, they are the closest.
Let’s sit on these chairs, they are the closest to us.
I’m too tired this weekend.
I am very tired this week.
If the pronoun this is used with the words government, city, country, etc., it means the country, city, place to which the speaker belongs. When translated, instead of the obscure Russian pronoun «this», you can name a city or a country.
This country is very interesting. — The person is in the UK
Great Britain is very interesting.
- That and those indicate objects that are distant in time or distance.
They can also be translated into Russian as «this», since the pronoun «that» is used much less often than that or those in English.
Let’s sit on Those chairs next to the stage. — Let’s sit on those chairs next to the stage.
Don’t got ill on Saturday. That day was the most difficult for him. — Don got sick on Saturday. That (this) day was the most difficult for him.
These pronouns can be put together with nouns and serve as a definition:
He owns this car. — He owns this car.
Or replace nouns and be used separately:
This is what John was searching for. “This is what John was looking for.
Pronoun such
Demonstrative pronouns in English include such — such. Its form does not change depending on the number, but the singular requires the use of the indefinite article if the noun is countable.
It is Such a boring book. — It’s such a boring book.
I don’t Such boring books. — I don’t like such boring books.
Pronoun same
Source: https://lingua-airlines.ru/kb-article/ukazatelnye-mestoimeniya-v-anglijskom-yazyke/
LESSON 17 English
Abstract of the 17th lesson in PDF format can be viewed, printed and downloaded at this link
Do you know what is the most frequently used word in English? This is the article the! There is also an article a/an, and in some cases the article should not be used at all.
The topic of the correct arrangement of articles, despite its apparent simplicity, remains one of the «stumbling blocks» even for those who have been studying English for a long time.
In this lesson we will try to understand why this interesting part of speech is needed, in which cases it is necessary to use articles and how to do it correctly.
The meaning and use of articles
In English before everyone noun, as a rule, the article is put. Of course, there are cases when the article is not used (the so-called Article zero). But in general, the rule remains in force — this part of speech goes along with the noun «in conjunction». If a noun is used with adjective, the article is placed before the adjective, and all article placement rules remain in effect.
This topic seems difficult to us because in the Russian language there is no such part of speech as the article. However, we still have words that seem to play his role. Let’s look at how the definite and indefinite articles differ, and with what words they can be replaced in Russian.
Use of the indefinite article ‘a / an’
Article a/an in English comes from the word one — «one«. The analogue of this article in Russian will be the word “one”, But not in the meaning of quantity, but in the meaning of“ one of many ”. For example: “I knew one doctor «.
If the article is followed by a word that begins with a consonant, we put the article a, if with a vowel — use an… If a noun is used with an adjective, the rule applies to the adjective preceded by the article. For example: to book (book), an actress (actress), a nice girl, an interesting film (interesting film).
Pay attention! This rule is determined by phonetics (pronunciation), not spelling. For example, the word an hour [auə] («Hour») begins with a consonant, but with a vowel, so we put the article an. The words a university
Source: http://en1632.com/d/1635634/d/lesson32_17_synopsis.html
Demonstrative pronouns in English: what does it mean?
In today’s English, demonstrative pronouns are those pronouns that denote a person or object located near or at a distance, as well as their signs.
There are several demonstrative English pronouns: this — this, this, this; That — that, that, that; Such — such, similar; same — the same. In pl. number of pronouns such and the same does not change, but the form of the pronouns this and that in plural. number changes to these and those.
The demonstrative pronouns
In unit. number number of
This (this, this, this) | These (these) |
That (that, that, that) | Those |
Let’s look at the possible uses of all demonstrative pronouns, as well as determine what they have in common, and what are the differences between them.
This is a rhino.
Pronouns this — these
This — these are used when we mean persons or objects that are at close range from us.
In sentences with this (this, singular) or These (these, plural) can be used here —here, so that there is no doubt that a certain object or person is in the vicinity of the speaker.
Pronoun this in singular form. numbers are used when an action or situation is implied that occurs in a given period of time, or that will occur in the near future: this year (this year), this month (this month), etc.
The demonstrative pronoun this usually used when talking on the phone or meeting another person:
Usually this / these are used when discussing objects or places that are near us.
Those bears are very funny!
Pronouns that — those
That — those are used when they mean things or persons located at a distance from the interlocutor, therefore the adverb «there — there» is sometimes used together with that.
In the case when a situation from the past is implied.
During a telephone conversation, when we specify who we are talking to.
look! Those are monkeys.
Pronouns the same and such
Rules for using demonstrative pronouns same (the same) and Such (such) are identical.
It is enough just to remember that in the case of using such with nouns (countable) in singular. number, it is correct to use it with an indefinite article, and with uncountable nouns or plural nouns after such an article is not needed.
Anchoring test
1 is my friend.
- a) There
- b) This
- c) These
2 are fish.
Source: https://crownenglishclub.ru/dlya-nachinayushhih/ukazatelnye-mestoimeniya-v-anglijskom-yazyke-kakoj-chto-oznachaet.html
This, That, These, Those — demonstrative pronouns in English
The demonstrative pronouns in English, they do not name a person or an object, but indicate 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 in the vicinity, like “this” in Russian. Pronoun That indicates an object, a person in the distance, like “that” or “that” in Russian. This plural is these, that the plural is those:
Single number The many number
Close | This | Thesis |
Far | That | Those |
This and that refer to noun determinants, words that clarify the meanings of nouns.
examples:
I hold the book in my hands, looking at the pictures.
I this book. — I like this book.
I don’t These pictures. — I do not like these Pictures.
At the bookstore, I point to the books on the shelf:
I That book. — I like and book.
I don’t Those books. — I do not like those books.
Pronoun That It is far from 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 other person mentioned in the conversation. There is no book nearby, it is only mentioned.
I That book. — I like this book.
This is That as pronouns-nouns
The pronouns this and that can act not as determinants of a noun, but in roles characteristic of the nouns themselves. For example:
As a subject:
This is what we wanted. — This is what we wanted.
That was a good show. — It was a good show.
As an add-on:
I don’t this. — I do not like this.
Can you see that? — You it see?
Demonstratives Such, Same
Demonstrative pronouns also include Such и same… Both pronouns do not have special plural forms.
1. Pronoun Such
The pronoun such means «such», «this type, kind». If such comes before a singular noun, the article “a an” is placed between them:
It was such a moment interesting movie. — It was such an interesting film.
beer? At such as time? — Beer? At this hour?
The pronoun such is often used in surprised exclamations — happy 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 the definite article the.
I have same jacket. — I have the same jacket.
they had same idea. — They had the same idea.
Source: https://langformula.ru/english-grammar/this-that/
Pronouns in English. Exercises for beginners
The «Pronouns» section is one of the most important sections of the grammar of any language and to start pronouns in English it is necessary already at the first level of study.
In this article, I publish exercises for beginners on the most important pronoun groups. References are given to theoretical material on the topic «Pronouns in English».
Pronoun exercises for beginners are arranged as the difficulty increases and contain only the most common vocabulary.
:
* * *
1. Personal pronouns. Exercises for beginners
Exercise 1. Select words from the list that can be replaced with “He”, “she”, “it”, “they”.
Children, a cat, animals, Mary, parents, Oleg, friends, a pen, books, a family, rain, a house, mice, February, summer, a river, Peter and Mike. a dog, windows, tuesday
* * *
Exercise 2. Replace the highlighted words with personal pronouns.
1. Nick is from Great Britain. 2. Iren is a student. 3. Bert and his brother live in London. four. Helen and me are good friends. 5. Are you and your sister twins? 6. The cat is drinking milk.
* * *
2. Demonstrative pronouns: this, these, that, those
Exercise 3. Build sentences by reference. Use the imperative of the verb cool and demonstrative pronouns this — this (this) and These -these.
Imperative verb stands in the first form (from a dictionary). look — look Look at — Look at
SAMPLE
- man / fat — Look at this man. He is fat. — Look at this man. He’s fat.
- hat / new — Look at these hats. They are new. — Look at these hats. They are new.
1.woman / thin2. sportsman / tall3. sportswoman / short4. children / noisy5. feet / clean6. hands / dirty7. dogs / spotty
8. cats / old
* * *
Exercise 4. Choose English Pronoun Equivalents this, these, that,Those.
1. What color are (those) pens? 2. (That) boy is my friend. 3. I want to read (that) book. 4. (Those) children are my friends. 5. What is (this)? 6. (This) table is round. 7. (These) cats are white.
8. (Those) flowers are roses.
* * *
Exercise 5. Make the sentences plural.
SAMPLE. This is a spider. — These are spiders.
1. This is a spider. 2. That is a snail. 3. This is a star. 4. This is a boy. 5. This is a baby. 6. That is a flower. 7. That is a shelf. 8. Is this a sofa? 9. Is this a bookcase? 10. Is this a man? 11. Is that a woman? 12. Is that a train? 13. Is that a plane? 14. Is the window open? 15. Is the door closed? 16. That is not a king. 17. That is not a queen. 18. That is not a bus. 19. This isn’t a mountain. 20. This isn’t a mouse.
* * *
Exercise 6. Translate sentences with turnover «It«Into English.
SAMPLE
- This is a child. — This is a child.
- These are kids. — These are children.
1. This is a hat. 2. It’s a car. 3. These are toys. 4. This is a pen.
5. These are pencils.
* * *
3. Personal and possessive pronouns
Exercise 7. Fill in the blanks with pronouns my, your, his, her, our, their.
REMEMBER: I would = I’d — I would like to
- I’d some ice in orange juice.
- We’d to have breakfast in.room.
- The children would to watch TV in. room.
- He’d some milk in .. cereal.
- She’d lemon in ..tea.
* * *
* * *
Exercise 8. Fill in the gaps with possessive pronouns.
Source: http://englishinn.ru/mestoimeniya-v-angliyskom-yazyike-uprazhneniya-dlya-nachinayushhih.html
The use of the pronoun both in English
Pronoun both in English can be used in different situations in different ways. Both translated as «both«,»both«, etc.
For example:
I want both books.
I want both books.
Both shirts are good.
Both shirts are good.
Following pronoun both possessive pronoun or definite article the often omitted.
For example:
You can take both shirts… (NOT both the shirts.) You can take both shirts.
He lost both parents when he was a child. (NOT both his parents)
He lost both parents when he was a child.
Both and both of
Before a noun with a determinative (for example: the, this, my, your, those, etc.), can be used as bothAnd both of… In American English, the more commonly used both of.
For example:
I want both of these books… = I want both these books.
I want both of these books.
Before the personal pronoun is used both of.
For example:
Both of them are good. They are both good. Both of us want to go. We both want to go.
If a pronoun is used as an object in a sentence, both can be used after it.
For example:
She has invited us both… She invited both of us.
She has sent you both her love.
She says hello to both of you.
Both and neither
In negative sentences instead of both is used neither.
For example:
Neither of them came. (NOT Both of them did not come.)
Both of them are not have come.
Place both in a sentence
When the pronoun both used to describe the subject in a sentence, it is used together with the predicate, and is placed after the auxiliary verb, but before the semantic verb. When there are two auxiliary verbs, both usually placed after the first one.
For example:
They are both good. They are both good.
We both want to go.
We both want to go.
We have both been invited.
We were both invited.
They have both gone home.
They both went home.
Note that in such cases, the same value can be passed using the construction both (of) + noun / pronoun.
For example:
Both of them are good. They are both good.
Both of us want to go.
We both want to go.
Both of us have been invited.
We were both invited.
Both of them have gone home.
They both went home.
Both and
Pay attention to the use both in this construction, which is a relational union. This construction translates as “both «,»and, and «.
For example:
She is both Beautiful and smart.
It as smart and beautiful.
She both sings and dances.
It и sings, и dancing.
Source: http://www.correctenglish.ru/mistakes/features/both/
Demonstrative pronouns. Demonstrative Pronouns
In English, there are four demonstrative pronouns (demonstrative pronouns): this (These), That (Those), Such и same.
Demonstrative pronouns indicate a person, an object or their signs and serve to distinguish them from other persons, objects, signs.
Demonstrative pronouns
Singular | this [ðis] this, this, thisThat [ðæt] that, that, that (sometimes this, this, this) |
Plural | These [ði: z] theseThose [ðəuz] those |
Pronouns such and the same categories do not have numbers | Such [sʌtʃ] such, suchsame [seim] the same, the same |
Demonstratives this, these, that, those
1. Demonstrative pronouns this / these indicate items that are near with the speaker. And pronouns that / those indicate items that removed from the speaker.
Examples: Take this plum. It looks very ripe. — Take this plum. She looks very ripe. (This refers to a plum that the speaker sees directly in front of him or holds in his hand)
That house is very beautiful. — The one (this) the house is very beautiful. (We are talking about a house located at some distance from the speaker)
2. Before the noun to which the demonstrative pronoun belongs this, these, that, those, the article is not used.
Examples: I have read That book twice. — I’ve read that book twice.
Those houses are rather new. — Those the houses are quite new.
3. In expressions of time, demonstrative pronouns this / these refer to moment of speech or to current time period. A that / those to the past moment or the future.
Examples: Louie, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship. — Louis, I think it the beginning of a wonderful friendship.
I remember that he woke up early That morning. — I remember that he woke up the early in the morning.
4. After pronouns this и That pronoun is often used one, in order not to repeat the previously mentioned noun twice.
Examples: Will you give me another cola? I don’t this one… — Give me another cola. I do not like this.
5. In the meaning of the demonstrative pronoun instead of That the pronoun is sometimes used it. It in this case translates as it.
Examples: What is That? — What it? (singular)
It is my cocktail dress. — This is my cocktail dress.
But!
What are These? — What is it? (plural)
They are my dresses. — These are my dresses.
6. Demonstrative pronouns That и this are often part of established expressions of the English language.
That’s right… — It’s right. Everything is correct. Exactly.
That’s a bit of all right… — Fine.
Not at all! That’s all right… “Please don’t be grateful.
this… — Thus.
before… — Thus.
To know better that that… — Be smarter.
Oh, hardly that… — No, not really. Not at all about that.
And all that… — Etc.
That’s why… — That’s why.
After that… — After that.
So that’s that… — That’s it.
Such and such things.
etc.
Demonstrative pronouns such and same
1. Demonstrative pronoun Such translated as such, such.
Examples: There are Such interesting people here! — There is such interesting people!
Why don’t all Chinese restaurants serve Such delicious food? — Why not all Chinese restaurants serve such a yummy?
2. Pronoun Such defines a noun. If it comes before a countable noun in the singular, then after Such the indefinite article is used.
Examples: It is such a moment honor to be nominated for this award. — It a honor to be nominated for this award.
3. Demonstrative pronoun same has the meaning the same, same… Front same the definite article is always used.
Examples: Don’t tell me same… — Do not tell me то же самое.
She bought same perfumes. — She bought the same perfume.
Source: http://englishstyle.net/grammar/pronoun/demonstrative-pronouns/
TOP 13 mistakes that prevent learning English grammar
: 14.11.2014
Is it easy for you to learn English grammar? In fact, every student periodically has some kind of learning difficulties. This is completely normal: you are improving your knowledge, which is why such moments arise. Today we will talk about what difficulties with grammar most often arise in the process of learning English and how to cope with them.
We advise you to watch the webinar of our methodologist Maria on the topic «Learning English from the mistakes of others.»
The main difficulties in learning English grammar and methods of getting rid of them
Do not be afraid of grammar: with our tips you will cope with all the difficulties. Russian students are often afraid of grammar in a foreign language. Let’s take a look at the most popular «hacks» and formulate some tips to help you cope with them.
1. Absence of the verb to be
Beginners often forget about the verb to be in an affirmative sentence. We are used to speaking Russian «I am free«,»She is at school now«And so on. Therefore, in English I just want to say»I free» instead of «I’m free«And»She at school now» instead of «She is at school now”. How to train yourself to use an auxiliary verb?
- Remember the main point: there is ALWAYS a verb in a sentence in English.
- Learn the most common uses of the verb to be, it is used:
- when you need to tell WHO you or another person (for example, by name or profession): “My name is Sam«;
- when you need to tell WHERE you or someone is: “He is at the hospital«;
- when you need to tell WHAT you or another person (quality): “You are beautiful«.
2. The absence of the auxiliary verb do / does
The next mistake is the absence of the auxiliary verb do / does in a negative or interrogative sentence in the present simple tense.
We are speaking «She does not go to school«, That’s why I just want to say»She didn’t go to school» instead of «She doesn’t go to school«.
And the sentence “Do you know Jim?«I want to translate»You know Jim?«, And the correct option is»Do you know Jim?”. How not to forget about the verb?
- Remember an easy rule: in general questions and negative sentences, there is ALWAYS an auxiliary verb (an exception if there is a modal verb in the sentence), even if it was not in the affirmative sentence.
- Another «foundation» of English grammar is word order: in the general question, the auxiliary (or modal) verb ALWAYS comes first, followed by the subject (subject) and only after that the predicate (action), for example: “Does she go to school?”(“She goes to school?») — in the first place is the auxiliary verb — does, then the subject — she (she), then the predicate — go (walks).
3. Wrong word order in an affirmative sentence
The great Russian language allows us to speak and “I love English«, And»I love English«, And»I love english«. And this most beloved English language does not spoil us with such a variety of options. Therefore, instead of “Love I English«We have to make do with the unoriginal and the only correct»I love english«.
- In this case, you need to forever remember the scheme for constructing a sentence in English: subject — predicate — the rest of the sentence. Therefore, if you are translating a sentence from Russian into English, first determine WHAT is the subject and WHAT is the predicate.
- Grammar and translation exercises are a great opportunity to hone your English sentence construction skills. Do these exercises as often as possible.
4. Lack of -s / -es
It is also often forgotten about -s / -es in verbs used after pronouns and nouns in the third person and the singular (he, she, it, Tom, car, park, cat, etc.) in the present simple tense (Present Simple ).
It’s not just those who recently started learning English grammar make this mistake: colloquially, we are so focused on WHAT to say that we sometimes forget HOW to say. Example: we say “I play chess» and «She plays chess».
We translate as “I play chess«, I just want to say similarly»She play chess«, Instead of the correct option»She plays chess”. How not to lose the ending?
- First, take your time to speak. As a rule, students remember very well to add the ending -s / -es, but they are in such a hurry to express their idea that they forget about it. You will still have time to acquire fluency, but grammatical errors need to be corrected as they appear.
- Secondly, we recommend installing the Polyglot application (iOS, Android) on your tablet or smartphone. It is free and does not require an Internet connection. Of course, you won’t be able to learn English in 16 hours, as the authors of the program of the same name promise. But you will hone your skills in using the Simple tenses and the ending -s / -es will be pronounced automatically.
5. Incorrect use of demonstrative pronouns
Another common mistake is the misuse of the demonstrative pronouns that (that, that, that), this (this, this, this), these (these), those (those). The only reason why we admit confusion is ignorance of these words and their rare use in speech.
- The advice will be simple and reliable: you just need to remember what this and these say about objects that are next to us, in close proximity to the speaker. And that and those we are talking about distant objects. This and that speak of things in the singular, and these and those in the plural.
- Practice on the surrounding objects, accustom yourself to say these words so that when talking with an English-speaking interlocutor, you no longer think about which pronoun to speak, but pronounce the right word automatically.
6. Absence of articles
They are not in Russian, so it seems that the cunning Englishmen invented them on purpose, so that we puzzled over when to say a dog, and when the dog. Even at levels like Pre-Intermediate or Intermediate, students forget about articles. They often explain this by the fact that “I don’t want to put it here”, “the instinct of the language did not suggest”.
Some people consider articles to be a trifle, an optional part of speech. This is a misconception: a native speaker will, of course, understand what you are talking about, but he will have to guess if there is a specific subject or something in common.
In addition, if you miss the article, some words (for example, hand or fly) from nouns can turn into verbs, which is completely unacceptable.
- To make it easier to learn the use of articles, you can memorize simple associations. The article a / an comes from the English numeral one, which is why it is placed only before a countable noun (one that can be counted) in the singular. Some philologists suggest associating it with the word any, that is, a / an means «any, any» subject. The article the evolved from the word that, so it means a specific object that is well known to the interlocutors.
- To check how well you have learned the rules, take the tests on the use of articles in English, presented in our blog.
For information on how to use articles correctly in English, see the video.
7. Incorrect use of words any / some, a few / little, many / much
It would seem that these pairs of words are similar. But if we want to ask “How much tea do you drink?«, offer «How many teas do you drink?«Will be incorrect, but it would be correct to say»How much tea do you drink?
Source: https://englex.ru/13-most-common-grammar-mistakes/
Demonstrative pronouns in English. Use of demonstrative pronouns in English
There are not so many demonstrative pronouns in the English language, but they play an important role, indicating the subject of conversation. Already in grade 3, students are taught to actively use these elements and understand the difference between them. Since demonstrative pronouns are very common in colloquial speech, you need to know the rules for their use.
Introduction to demonstrative pronouns
The task of this class of pronouns is to indicate an object, a person, or their signs. In Russian, the following pronouns correspond to them: this (this, this, these), that (that, that, those), such (such, such, such), the same.
Demonstrative pronoun table in English
These pronouns change in numbers, with the exception of such, the same… Let’s consider separately the use cases of these words.
Features this, that, these, those
These pronouns are used when the speaker’s goal is not only to indicate the object in question, but also to show how far the object is in relation to the interlocutor. The following table makes it clear when to use each of these pronouns.
So, if the narrator points to one close object, we use this, if there is an indication of many objects, then these are set. Pay attention to the following suggestions:
- This is my new T-shirt.
- These boots are very dirty.
In both versions, it is said about objects that are in the speaker’s field of vision.
Accordingly, we will talk about physically distant objects, using that for one object and those for several. For example:
- I would to buy that parrot (I would like to buy that parrot).
- We don’t know those guys (We don’t know those guys).
In addition, these pronouns can indicate the temporal proximity of events. In this case, this and these are used in relation to the present time, and that and those — to the past or future.
Those days were nice.
The use of demonstrative pronouns in relation to people is considered appropriate only for acquaintance. In other situations, this shows a dismissive attitude towards the person under discussion.
Demonstrative pronoun such
The role of this pronoun is to indicate the quality of the object or the object itself. It can be translated into Russian as «such» or «similar». Moreover, if after such there is an object in the singular, be sure to put an indefinite article! Naturally, it will not be in the plural.
- Such a silly outfit!
- I have never seen such amazing creatures.
Pronoun the same
As for the pronoun the same, which translates as «similar», «the same», it is always used with the definite article the. In this case, it does not matter in what number the subsequent part of the speech is. Here’s an example:
We with friends have the same interests.
Along with the pronoun this (this), you can use it, the difference will be only in logical stress — highlighting a certain word in intonation.
Take a look at the following examples:
- THIS is my classmate (This particular person, and not someone else, is my classmate).
- It is my CLASSMATE (This person is my classmate, not my brother or best friend).
When using several demonstrative pronouns in a choice situation, in order not to repeat the corresponding noun, the second time it is replaced by one or ones (for plural):
- He has chosen this coat, not that one.
Source: https://ik-ptz.ru/fizika/ukazatelnye-mestoimeniya-angl-upotreblenie-ukazatelnyh-mestoimenii-v.html
When it is written these and when those. Using this, that, these, and those: rules and examples. When the pronoun that is used
This, that, these, those are demonstrative or demonstrative pronouns in English. Typically, this, that, these, and those are used to refer to a specific object, creature, or phenomenon. When should you refer to these pronouns? What is the difference between them? Read more in the article.
Fundamental rules
So, the rule about this, that, these and those testifies: in English speech, these words can play the role of not only pronouns, but also determinatives. Consider the following table.
It’s also worth noting that these is the plural form of this and those are the plural form of that.
Thus, this and that should be used with singular nouns, and these and those should be used with plural nouns.
Using the pronouns this, that, these and those: rule
The first thing to remember is that we use this and that with uncountable nouns as well as singular nouns.
Try to repeat this exercise every morning and evening.What does this music make you think.I’ve never been to that part of France.Can I have some of that juice, please?
- Try to repeat this exercise every morning and evening.
- What does this music make you think about?
- I have never been to this part of France.
- Can I have some of this juice, please?
The English rule of thumb about this, that, these and those indicates that these and those should only be used with plural nouns:
You can use any one of these computers.
- You can use any of these computers.
- I need to paint those windows.
Interestingly, according to the rules of the English language, this, that, these and those are used in the context of time.
Demonstrative pronouns and tense
So, for example, we often use this with words describing the time and date (morning, afternoon, evening, week, month, year).
In this case, it is important to refer to the time in which the speaker speaks directly, or the time that comes. For example:
I’ll be with you some time this evening.Johan seemed very happy this afternoon.Ian is in Germany all this week.
- I’ll be with you tonight.
- Johan seemed very happy this afternoon.
- Jan is in Germany this week.
This, that, these, those is the rule of using further pronouns.
This, that, these, those — pronouns
We use the above words as pronouns, referring to things or phenomena:
Put the butter, chocolate and sugar in a saucepan. Heat this over a low flame until it melts.
Add butter, chocolate, and sugar to the saucepan. Heat it (this / container with the mixture) over low heat until the food is melted.
What color are those? Black or dark blue. I can’t see.
What color are they? Black or blue. I do not understand.
You can use this and that if you want to point to a person:
Linda, this is my mother, Anne. Is that your brother over there?
- Linda, this is my mother, Ann.
- Is that your brother over there?
Demonstrative pronouns are often used in telephone conversations.
Hello, is that Ken Orm? This is Jane Bromham here.
Hi, is this Ken Orme? This is Jane Bromham calling.
Use cases for this and these, that and those
In many ways, the selection of the correct pronoun is determined by the physical proximity of the object / person / phenomenon to the speaker. Those and these, this, that and the spelling rules are presented in the following examples:
Translation: Should I use this knife?
Source: https://my-kross.ru/porody/kogda-pishetsya-these-a-kogda-those-ispolzovanie-this-that-these-i-those/
From what I learned so far, I know that I should use «those(or that)» when I refer to something previously stated.
For example:
1. There are a lot of angry employees in front of …
THOSE people are in fact….
2. Martin decided to join… In my opinion, THAT’s a very good idea… (the fact that Martin decided to join…)
However, I’ve seen many similar cases in which «this»and «these» have been used instead of «that»and those». Why? Probably there’s somthing I don’t understand. Is there any difference between AE and BE usage? Or perhaps the rule is not very rigid…?
Thanks.
Hi Marco,
this v that & these v those
v — versus
this is near, that is far
these are near, those are far
This problem is easy compared to that problem we studied yesterday.
These animals we see here at the zoo look like those animals we saw in the wild last year.
Hope that helps.
MountainHiker
In my opinion, that’s a good idea. In my opinion, this is a good idea.
Both are correct. You’re right; the rule is not very rigid. There are many ways to refer back to a previous idea. It’s a matter of personal style. Most people, perhaps 95%, would say «that». Very few people choose «this» for the general case. However, if the speaker feels especially connected to the idea or the idea is somehow very important to the current state of affairs, «this» may be used to show the closer connection. (I don’t think this reflects any difference between AmEng and BrEng.)
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