When to use the word them and those

You may have heard parents tell their little kids that “Them” is for people and “These” and “Those” are for things. Is it that simple, though?

We don’t think so. The use of “Them”, “There” and “Those” seems more complicated than that, and we want to know all about it.

“Them” is an object pronoun, that is used to indicate who’s receiving an action from a verb, in a sentence. “These” and “Those” are the plural of “This” and “That”, demonstrative pronouns used to point out things that we want to show other people and make sure they’re seen.

Them vs. These Those

Take a look at the examples below:

  • I ordered some cakes for her birthday. Could you pick them up?
  • Could you take those cakes to the car for me, please?
  • Are these decorations available for sale?

Let’s think for a moment about the differences in the examples above. In the first sentence, the subject needs to pick up some cakes and asks for help. In that scenario, the cakes will be picked up – they’re the object of the sentence. Consequently, “Them” is appropriate.

In the second sentence, the subject asks for assistance taking the cakes to the car. The cakes were a bit further away. In other words, it was more than one cake (plural) and they were at a distance – therefore, in this case, “Those” is appropriate.

In the third sentence, imagine the buyer sees some decorations on this way out and asks if they’re available. It’s more than one decoration (plural) and they seem closer to the person who’s asking – in this case, “These” is the correct word to use.

Can I Use “Them” Instead of “Those”?

Sometimes, “Them” and “Those” can interchange. But they aren’t synonyms and that doesn’t happen all the time. If your listener knows what you’re talking about, “Them” and “Those” may work equally fine. Also, some people use “Them” in place of “Those” as slang, which is incorrect and should be avoided.

Take a look at the examples below, that will illustrate those two possibilities:

  • Do you see the shoes on the shelf? I want them.
  • Do you see the shoes on the shelf? I want those.
  • I want those shoes that are on the shelf, please.
  • I want them shoes that are on the shelf, please. (incorrect)

The first set of sentences shows an instance where “Them” and “Those” could interchange. Some shoes are on a shelf, and the speaker could say “I want them” or “I want those” and be equally understood.

The second set, however, shows “Them” used as slang, as part of a dialect. The grammatically correct sentence is the first one, which says “I want those shoes”.

The use of “I want them shoes” is grammatically incorrect and you shouldn’t use it – even if you see a local somewhere apply it to their speeches. The fact that some people somewhere might use “Them” as slang to replace “Those” doesn’t make it right.

Them

“Them” is an object pronoun. It can also be the accusative form of “They” (third-person plural), and should be used when somebody is doing an action to “They”: that’s when “Them” fits perfectly. “Them” always receives an action, and never performs it.

Let’s go over some examples that illustrate that:

  1. Did any of them make it to the party?
  2. There were 10 singers present, but only 2 of them were women.
  3. You should ask them if they need any help.
  4. Look at them, playing together. It’s so cute.
  5. Please, tell them I won’t be able to make it today, so we must reschedule.

These

“These” is the plural of “This”. It’s a demonstrative pronoun, and you can think of it (as well as use it) just like you’d use “This” when you’re indicating a single object. You should use this word to show things to other people, whenever the things are plural and near.

Here are some examples:

  1. These sneakers fit you perfectly. Will you buy them?
  2. These pillows you have are so soft!
  3. I don’t fit in with these people and I’m not comfortable. Can we go?
  4. It’s time to replace these guitar strings.
  5. These books seem so heavy! Do you need help?

Those

“Those” is the plural of “That”. It’s a demonstrative pronoun, which should be used to show things to other people, whenever the things are plural and at a distance. Think of “Those” as you’d think (and use) “That”, but for multiple items.

Let’s take a look at some examples:

  1. Those girls standing over there are very pretty.
  2. Those cars in the parade looked crazy.
  3. Do you have any of those barbecue chips I like?
  4. Those heels look great on you.
  5. Are those paintings on the wall yours?

Which Is Used the Most?

“Them”, “These” and “Those” aren’t quite used the same, so it’s hard to compare them. However, we remain curious to find out which of those words is used more often. Let’s take a look at the graph from Google Ngram Viewer below, and see.

Them vs. These Those usage

The trend seems to be the same both in the US and the UK. “Them” is the word used most often when compared with “These” and “Those”. We think that it makes sense when we isolate the words because “Them” has broader use.

“These” and “Those” have the same function, but they indicate things at different distances: “These” is for what’s near, while “Those” is for what’s farther away. If we added the use of “These” and “Those”, we’d notice that the pair is used more than “Them” alone.

One of Them or One of Those?

Both “One of Them” and “One of Those” are grammatically correct phrases. Use “One of Them” to set aside one item of the group affected by the verb’s action. And use “One of Those” to put the spotlight on one of the items in the group you’re pointing out.

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Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.

Mr Bones


  • #1

Hello. I know that, more than once, when reading, I’ve come across the use of the pronoun them instead of those. I can provide you with two very different examples, from BE and AE.

She says, ‘That’s one of them anoraky things, isn’t it? They’ve
gone out now, those. If you want to look like a man about town you
want to get one of those continental quilts.’ (A chip in the tea, Allan Bennett).

I guess he run pretty wild durin’ the time he was on the road for them Carterville people, and besides that, he’d had a couple little affairs of the heart right here in town (Haircut, Ring Lardner).

Could you comment on it? I’d like to know who uses it. Are you likely to hear it often if you go to UK or US? Does it mean a lack of education or it is just colloquial?

Thank you very much. Mr Bones.

  • Kelly B


    • #2

    In the US it would be perceived as showing a lack of education, I think.

    volky


    • #3

    Them is used to refer to the object of a clause. In other words, it usually represents the group of people or things that have ‘experienced’ the action described by the verb, and refers back to two or more people or things that were mentioned earlier:

    I’ve bought some apples. I’ll put them on the table.

    Them can be used as both a direct object pronoun as shown in the example above, or an indirect object pronoun. An indirect object refers to a third participant in the action described by the verb, often someone who receives something as a result of it. eg:

    The kids were really excited. Jack gave them presents.

    In the second sentence above, them is the indirect object and presents is the direct object. Like other indirect objects, them can be introduced by a preposition and placed after a direct object, e.g.:

    Jack gave presents to them.

    Them is also sometimes used instead of the object pronouns him or her to refer to an individual person whose sex is not known or mentioned:

    If someone phones, tell them I’m not here.

    Them is not a replacement for those.

    Incorrect: I like them apples.
    Correct: I like those apples.

    THE DEMONSTRATIVES THIS, THAT, THESE, THOSE

    The demonstratives this, that, these, those ,show where an object or person is in relation to the speaker.

    This (singular)and these (plural) refer to an object or person near the speaker. That (singular) and those (plural) refer to an object or person further away.

    Cosas cercas

    This — singular (este)

    These — plural (estos)

    Cosas lejanas

    That — singular (ese)

    Those — plural (esos)

    french4beth


    • #4

    This would be an example of Southern American English dialect, but it sounds uneducated and rural (very colloquial).

    Using them as a demonstrative adjective replacing those — «See them birds?»

    Here’s more on the Southern AmE dialect: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_American_English

    I can’t imagine hearing this in British English!

    Mr Bones


    • #5

    Thank you, french, for your interesting example and the link, which I’ll look into carefuly. The first example I put, however, is British. I’d like to hear what Brits say about this them-those thing.

    The second example I used it is from a short story set in Illinois, I think. They mention Carterville as the nearest place.

    Thank you, Bones.

    • #6

    This here, these here, that there, them there are nonstandard for this, these, that, or those. I hear such things — even among the educated.

    Yôn

    Senior Member


    • #7

    Yep. I hear and use those phrases, save for «them there,» quite often :p.

    It’s sort of reduntant, like: «my friend, he said…» That’s also something that we do around where I live.

    My English teachers always fault me for it :p.

    Anyway, it is wrong, so you shouldn’t do it.

    Jon

    • #8

    I prefer the word «nonstandard.»

    • #9

    How about the following:

    1) I see some apples in the basket. Can you give me those?

    2) —//— Can you give them (or these) to me?

    Which one sounds more natural? If neither is incorrect, is there any difference between them (or those? :))?

    Another example:

    3) All that I have ever done for Mike and Jane was a voluntary gesture for those (or them? or these?), so I won’t ask anything in return.

    Silver_Biscuit


    • #10

    It is very common in British English! It’s non-standard and dialectical, but can be found all over the country. Even if it is mostly connected with Northern accents, it’s a very common feature of speech in my native South West. It doesn’t make you sound uneducated at all if it’s used in speech and not written English. At least over here, nobody would bat an eyelid, unless maybe you were in a job interview or meeting the Queen.
    «It’s one of them anoraky things» sounds completely natural to me. I would say it myself and I don’t have a very strong regional way of saying things at all. I would probably even follow it with in’t it rather than isn’t it.
    I often use ‘them’ to mean ‘those ones’, e.g. ‘I like them with the stripes’. I wouldn’t write it (unless I was writing dialogue for a play, like Mr. Bennett there) but I would say it without thinking. And I don’t think it’s ‘wrong’ to say something like that, or displays ‘lack of education’. It’s just altering your language use for different modes and situations. I love regional dialects. Vive la difference.

    Last edited: Nov 17, 2009

    Silver_Biscuit


    • #11

    Andrey05 — It sounds kind of unnatural to start with ‘I see some apples in the basket.’ If you can see them, presumably the person you’re addressing can as well, so I would say ‘Can I have those apples?’ if I was asking permission to help myself to the apples.
    If I was asking the person to give me the apples, I would say ‘Can you pass me those apples?’ If I was absolutely certain that the answer would be yes I would probably truncate to ‘Pass me those apples?» — a technical imperative but with a questioning tone.
    I would be about 50% likely to replace those with them, but that is not ‘good’ English. If it was just one apple, my speech would probably become even less grammatically correct, ‘Chuck us an apple?’ ‘Giss an apple?’ But I wouldn’t talk like that to someone who was learning English as a second language (that would just be mean) or someone I wasn’t comfortable with.

    With Mike and Jane you have already said ‘all that I have ever done for Mike and Jane‘ so to finish them clause with for them (which would be the right word choice) would be redundant.

    • #12

    Thanks, Silver_Biscuit, I see my examples were not perfect, what I meant to ask was if there’s any difference in using ‘them’ vs ‘those’ or ‘these’ when referring to previously mentioned objects or people. Will the following rephrasings do any better:

    1) The apples in the basket look so nice. Can you give me those? /e.g. in a fruit shop/

    2) —//— Can you give them (or these / those) to me? May I have those / them / these?

    3) Microsoft had let go of some excellent programmers last month, what do you think of contracting them / those / these?

    4) We’ve randomly selected five pupils in the class. They / these / those will be asked to fill out the questionnaire.

    Could you tell me which choices are definitely wrong, definittely correct and which (if any) — correct but sound unnatural?

    Last edited: Nov 17, 2009

    Silver_Biscuit


    • #13

    1. The apples in the basket look so nice. Can you give me those? — correct, but sounds odd.
    2. Can you give them to me? — correct, but sounds odd.
    May I have them? — correct, sounds fine, but I would probably say Can I have them?

    3. Microsoft let go some excellent programmers last month, what do you think of contracting them? — correct usage, sounds fine, except that ‘contracting’ makes it sound like they’re a disease, I would probably use to hire. But then I’ve never hired or contracted a programmer (or anyone), so I could be wrong.

    4. We’ve randomly selected five pupils in this class. They will be asked to fill out the questionnaire. — correct usage, sounds fine

    • #14

    So you’re on the side of ‘them’ rather than ‘those’. Is that generally so, or can you think of an example when you’d rather use ‘those’ and not ‘them’ in a similar meaning of referring to something mentioned previously?

    Would you also rather use ‘them’ in my reply to another tread http://forum.wordreference.com/showpost.php?p=8063020&postcount=6 ?
    («Which of those / them / these was meant is unclear.»)

    Last edited: Nov 18, 2009

    akelas


    • #15

    [Note: This question and the following posts have been added to a previous thread discussing the same topic. DonnyB — moderator]
    Hello,

    sometimes I hear or even read the word «them» to refer to something or a group of people, instead of using they, those, these. I don’t even know how to explain or approach my question, I can only write some examples phrases that I’ve heard.
    -Them kids are crazy! (instead of these/those kids)
    -Them logs are really heavy and pesky to carry.
    — Where them girls at? (I know it doesn’t qualify as a proper examples, being a David Gueta song)

    Is this usage of «them» correct?

    Thank you.

    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 15, 2020

    akelas


    DonnyB


    • #17

    I agree with Silver Biscuit (post #10): in BE, it is pretty common (albeit non-standard or incorrect according to how you look at it).

    When I was working behind the bar at the local pub in the late 1970s, we had a barmaid there who used to do this all the time. I’m not sure whether it is particularly regional — it may be — but I certainly hear it quite a lot round where I live.

    akelas


    • #18

    Thank you all for your contributions.

    ‘Them’ is an object pronoun for the 3rd person in the plural (occasionally used for singular as well).

    ‘Those’ is a pronoun or determiner used as plural version of ‘that’. It is used to identify people and/or things that are not close at hand but are heard, observed, or in any other way acknowledged by the speaker.

    So, in your first example, Nolan’s movies are the object. So, you use ‘them’ as the pronoun.

    I like Nolan’s movies.

    I like them.

    If Nolan’s movies were the subject, you would use ‘they’.

    Nolan’s movies are great.

    They are great.

    In your second example,

    they are either not close to them at the moment of speaking —

    I really like those new shoes (you bought). <points at them>

    or they are acknowledging the existence of the new shoes —

    I really like those new shoes (you bought yesterday).


    Download Article


    Download Article

    These and those are both pronouns, words that substitute for other nouns in a sentence. Knowing when to use each pronoun can be tricky, however. If you’re confused about when to use these and those, read on to find out the difference between them.

    1. Image titled Use These and Those Step 1

      1

      Understand the function of pronouns. These and those are both pronouns, words that refer to or substitute for other nouns in the sentence. They draw attention to something specific. Because a pronoun takes the place of another noun, using the correct one helps your reader understand what the referent of the pronoun is (i.e., what noun it took the place of).[1]

      • These and those are plural pronouns: they refer to or replace plural nouns.
    2. Image titled Use These and Those Step 2

      2

      Understand pronoun agreement. «Agreement» means that the pronoun takes the same number as the noun it replaces. If the noun is singular, you would use this or that. If the noun is plural, you would use these or those.[2]

      • American English considers collective nouns, or nouns that refer to a large group of things that cannot be counted individually (such as milk or data), as singular nouns. Use this or that rather that these or those for collective nouns. For example: «This milk has spilled all over the floor!»
      • British English differs from American English in using collective nouns. British English refers to some collective nouns such as crowd or data as plural, so it is appropriate to use these or those in British English. For example: «These data don’t match the graphs you gave me.»

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    3. Image titled Use These and Those Step 3

      3

      Understand the function of these. These is the plural form of this. You will use it to refer to or replace a plural noun.[3]

      • Singular: This book (a single book) on the shelf next to me belongs to Rajeev.
      • Plural: These books (several books) on the shelf next to me belong to Rajeev. [Note that the verb belong has also been made to agree in number.]
      • Singular: Look at this bracelet (a single bracelet) on my wrist!
      • Plural: Look at these bracelets (many bracelets) on my wrist!
      • Singular: Who put this cupcake (a single cupcake) in the refrigerator?
      • Plural: Who put these cupcakes (some cupcakes) in the refrigerator?
    4. Image titled Use These and Those Step 4

      4

      Understand the function of those. Those is the plural form of that. You will use it to refer to or replace a plural noun.[4]

      • Singular: That mountain (a mountain) looks really small from here.
      • Plural: Those mountains (several mountains) look really small from here. [Note that the verb look has also been made to agree in number.]
      • Singular: Could you hand me that box (a box) on the other side of the room?
      • Plural: Could you hand me those boxes (a few boxes) on the other side of the room?
      • Singular: Why hasn’t that scientist (a scientist) at NASA found extraterrestrial life?
      • Plural: Why haven’t those scientists (many scientists) at NASA found extraterrestrial life? [Note that the verb have has also been made to agree in number.]
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    1. Image titled Use These and Those Step 5

      1

      Use these to replace nouns that are nearby in space and time. If the noun you are referring to is near to you, either physically or figuratively, you can replace it with these.

      • I’m holding three chocolate bars. Do you want all of these? (These replaces chocolate bars.)
      • Would you like to borrow some books? Here, take these. (These replaces books.)
      • These are so beautiful! Thank you for the flowers. (These replaces flowers.)
    2. Image titled Use These and Those Step 6

      2

      Use these to refer to something that is physically nearby. This and these are both used to refer to something that is closer to the speaker. You can use these to draw particular attention to items.[5]

      • These books on the shelf belong to Rajeev. [The books are near the speaker.]
      • Look at all these bracelets on my wrist! [The bracelets are on the speaker’s wrist, so they’re nearby.]
      • Who put these cupcakes in the refrigerator? [Presumably, the speaker is close to the cupcakes.]
    3. Image titled Use These and Those Step 7

      3

      Use these to describe when something is figuratively nearby. This and these are also used to express figurative distances, particularly distances having to do with time. Use these when something is happening in the present, has happened in the recent past, or will happen in the near future.[6]

      • These shows I’ve been watching are absolutely extraordinary. [The shows have been watched in the recent past.]
      • Have you seen these letters to the editor in today’s news? [The letters have been published in today’s newspaper.]
      • Why don’t you take these books with you when you go? [The books will be taken by the other person in the near future.]
    4. Image titled Use These and Those Step 8

      4

      Use these to introduce people to others. If you are introducing more than one person to someone else, you can use these to begin your sentence.[7]

      • For example: «These are my classmates, Sean and Adrienne.»
      • However, in English we do not use these to refer directly to people: «These are Sean and Adrienne» is incorrect. Instead, you would say «This is Sean and this is Adrienne.»
      • If introducing yourself, as when answering the phone, use this: «Hello, this is Chang.»
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    1. Image titled Use These and Those Step 9

      1

      Use «those» to replace nouns that are farther away in space and time. If the noun you are referring to is far from you, either physically or figuratively, you can replace it with those

      • That man over there is holding three chocolate bars. Do you want all of those? (Those replaces chocolate bars.)
      • Would you like to borrow some books ? Take those over there on the shelf. (Those replaces books.)
      • Those were so beautiful! Thank you for the flowers you gave me yesterday. (Those replaces flowers.)
    2. Image titled Use These and Those Step 10

      2

      Use those when something is physically far away (relatively speaking). That and those are both used to refer to something that is farther away from the speaker. This distance can be literal or more figurative. Using those can draw attention or emphasis to the noun you’re discussing.[8]

      • Those mountains look really small from here. [The mountains are far away from the speaker.]
      • Could you hand me those boxes on the other side of the room? [The boxes are on the other side of the room.]
      • Why haven’t those scientists at NASA found extraterrestrial life? [The speaker may be emphasizing that they don’t feel connected to the NASA scientists.]
    3. Image titled Use These and Those Step 11

      3

      Use those to describe when something is figuratively more distant. That and those are used to express figurative distances too, particularly distances having to do with time. Use those when something has happened in the relatively distant past or will happen in the relatively distant future.[9]

      • Those shows I watched last week were absolutely extraordinary. [The shows were watched some time ago.]
      • Did you see those letters to the editor in yesterday’s news? [The letters were published in the past.]
      • Why do all those politicians fight so much? [The speaker may be emphasizing a feeling of personal distance from the politicians.]
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    Usage Chart

    Add New Question

    • Question

      Should I use ‘this/that’ or ‘these/those’ for a pair of shoes or jeans, and why?

      Community Answer

      Use the ‘this/that’ when you refer to shoes or jeans as a ‘pair;’ but you should use ‘these/those’ when you just say ‘shoes’ or ‘jeans.’ The word ‘pair’ is treated as singular and ‘shoes’ or ‘jeans’ as plural.

    • Question

      Can I say»this/these is/are the news»?

      Donagan

      News is considered a singular entity. «This is the news.»

    • Question

      «Those are three pretty girls» or «Those three are pretty girls» — which is correct?

      Community Answer

      They are both grammatically correct, but the first one is more natural and more likely to be used.

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    • If you can count the number of objects you’re talking about (like pencils, sheep, or people) use these’ or those.[10]

    • If you can’t count the number of objects you’re talking about (like milk, software, or rain), use this or that.

    Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

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    About This Article

    Article SummaryX

    If you’re not sure how to use the words “these” and “those” correctly, try to remember that “these” refers to multiple objects which are nearby in space and time, while “those” refers to objects which are far away. For example, you might say, «I loved those cookies you made yesterday,» or you could say «These books are making my backpack really heavy!» To learn more about the functions of pronouns from our English reviewer, read on!

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    This and that в английском языке

    В английской речи и в художественных текстах часто встречаются слова that и this. Разница между ними, безусловно, существует, но какая — для многих остается загадкой.

    Сегодня мы рассмотрим не только употребление this и that, но и грамотное использование местоимений these и those. Разница между этими парами довольно существенна, и, понимая ее, вы никогда больше не будете путать между собой слова that, this, those и these.

    This or that: правило употребления

    This и that — это указательные местоимения.

    This переводится как этот/эта/это.
    That, соответственно, как тот/та/то.

    И то, и другое местоимение указывает на ОДИН предмет (или лицо), разница между this и that состоит в том, что объекты, которые мы обозначаем этими местоимениями, находятся на разном расстоянии от говорящего.

    This обозначает то, что находится рядом, неподалеку, близко.
    That — то, что расположено вдалеке, удаленно от говорящего.

    Например,
    This cat is mine. Эта кошка — моя.
    That cat is yours. Та кошка твоя.

    “Кошка” — это слово в единственном числе. Выбор this или that зависит именно от того, ГДЕ конкретно находится эта кошка. Та, что лежит возле моих ног — this cat. Та, что далеко от меня — that cat.

    Когда мы говорим об удаленности объекта, речь идет не только о пространстве (физическое местоположение объекта — далеко или близко от говорящего), но и о времени.

    Например:
    That was awesome! I had a wonderful time!
    Это было великолепно! Я чудесно провел время!

    Действие имело место в прошлом, рассказчик сейчас вспоминает о приятно проведенном времени и употребляет местоимение that. Обратите внимание, на русский мы скорее всего переведем that как “это”, а не как “то” — в силу особенностей стилистики русского языка. Для нас разница между “этот” и “тот” в данном контексте незначительна. Но она принципиальна для английского языка. Употребить this в этом случае будет ошибкой.

    Таким образом, рассказывая об отдаленных по времени событиях (действиях в прошлом), мы используем местоимение that.

    This и that в живой речи

    Часто путают this и that в диалогах, например, в телефонном разговоре.

    Если вы представляетесь в беседе, используйте this:
    — Hello. This is Mary.

    Если вы задаете вопрос, уточняете, кто с вами говорит, используйте that:
    — Is that Julia?

    Сравните:

    — Is that George?
    — No, this is Mike.

    These и those: разница и употребление

    Помимо this и that часто можно встретить еще одну пару указательных местоимений: these-those. Правило их употребления звучит так: если предметов много, а не один, мы меняем this на these, а that на those.

    These — эти
    Those — те

    These cats are mine. Эти кошки — мои.
    Those cats are yours. Те кошки — твои.

    Как видно, оба местоимения those, these указывают на множество объектов (кошек несколько). В чем между ними разница? These и those, так же, как и пара this–that, обозначают предметы, которые находятся на разном расстоянии от говорящего.

    These — предметы близко (эти)
    Those — предметы далеко (те)

    Таким образом, выбирая подходящее местоимение, мы всегда смотрим только на два аспекта:

    1. Количество предметов/лиц (сколько — один или много)
    2. Их удаленность от говорящего (здесь или там)

    thisthat1

    Пара this–these используется в случае, если предмет/предметы — рядом с говорящим. Пара that–those употребляется, если объект или объекты далеко от говорящего.

    Произносим правильно: these or this

    Вы наверняка сталкивались с тем, что в живой речи трудно услышать разницу между these и this. Поэтому их часто путают и в речи, и на письме. Оба местоимения произносятся похоже, и в разговоре не всегда можно уловить, что же все-таки прозвучало — these или this. Как произносить these и this правильно:

    This произносится кратко, при этом s на конце звучит как “с”, глухо.
    А вот these произносится с долгим звуком “и” (как в русском «НИИ»), а на конце звучит “з”, а не “с”.

    Если вы сами будете правильно произносить эти местоимения, то и в чужой речи услышите между ними разницу.

    Как правильно употреблять this, that, these, those в предложении

    Указательные местоимения this/that/these/those могут употребляться вместе с существительным либо без него. Взгляните:

    Без существительного:
    This is your last chance to see him.
    Это твой последний шанс повидаться с ним.

    С существительным:
    This meeting is your last chance to see him.
    Это собрание — твой последний шанс повидаться с ним.

    Если указательные местоимения стоят в начале предложения, и после них нет определяющего существительного, то, как правило, далее следует глагол to be в форме единственного или множественного числа:

    This is / These are/ That is/ Those are

    This is a cat. — Это кошка.
    These are butterflies. — Это бабочки.
    That is a train. — Это поезд.
    Those are cucumbers. — Это огурцы.

    И this, и that выполняют здесь функцию подлежащего и переводятся как “это”.

    Указательные местоимения без существительных могут появляться в различных частях предложения:

    Which trousers would you choose, these or those?
    Какие брюки ты бы выбрал, эти или те?

    What is that?
    Что это там?

    Если указательное местоимение предшествует существительному, его функция — указать на конкретный объект:

    This cat has drunk our milk. — Эта кошка выпила наше молоко.
    В данном случае местоимение this уточняет, что именно эта кошка, а не какая-то другая, выпила все молоко.

    Любое из четырех указательных местоимений может сопровождаться существительным:

    This flower smells great. — Этот цветок пахнет великолепно.
    That man is very angry. — Тот человек очень злой.
    These tickets cost too much. —Эти билеты стоят слишком дорого.
    Those presents are from my friend. — Те подарки — от моих друзей.

    Каверзный вопрос “Что это?”

    Когда вы задаете вопрос “Что это?”, вы можете столкнуться с трудностью. Ведь, произнесенный по-русски, вопрос “Что это?” одинаково звучит, сколько бы объектов ни было и где бы они ни находились. Взгляните:

    thisthat2

    Из-за того, что по-русски вопрос во всех четырех ситуациях звучит одинаково, многие путаются, как же правильно спрашивать по-английски: “Что это?”.

    Ориентируйтесь на удаленность объекта и количество объектов. Определили? Теперь выбирайте подходящее местоимение и соответствующую форму глагола to be.

    Указательные местоимения и one

    Иногда после указательных местоимений можно встретить слово one. А то и ones. Что это такое?

    Случается, что для сохранения красоты речи нужно избежать повторения существительного. Например:

    This T-shirt is too expensive. That T-shirt is cheaper.
    Эта футболка слишком дорогая. Та футболка дешевле.

    Повторение слова “футболка” здесь не оправдано. Зачем? В русской речи мы скорее сказали бы так: “Эта футболка слишком дорогая. Та — дешевле”. Каждому понятно, что “та” = “та футболка”.

    В английском языке происходит нечто похожее. Так же, как и в русском, мы избавляемся от дубля слова T-shirt. Но если в русском языке можно оставить местоимение “та” в гордом одиночестве, то в английском мы должны подобрать для существительного заменитель. Эту функцию берет на себя слово one. Взгляните:

    This T-shirt is too expensive. That one is cheaper.
    Эта футболка слишком дорогая. Та дешевле.

    Так как речь идет об одном предмете, мы использовали указательное местоимение в единственном числе — that. После местоимений that/this правило предписывает использовать слово one.

    Если же мы говорим о множестве предметов и используем местоимения these и those, то в качестве замены существительного мы будем использовать ones.

    These glasses are awful! Pass me those ones, please.
    Эти очки ужасные. Передай мне те, пожалуйста.

    Распространенная ошибка: не надо пытаться переводить one и ones. Ни как “один”, ни как “одни”, ни как-либо еще. В данном случае one/ones — это кирпичик, который позволяет грамотно строить предложение с точки зрения структуры, на русский язык ни one, ни ones в подобных предложениях не переводятся.

    Теперь вы знаете, когда нужно использовать указательные местоимения this, that, these, those и можете грамотно строить свою речь. Читайте другие статьи Puzzle English и совершенствуйте свой английский!

    Demonstrative pronouns in English

    когда ставится this that these those

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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:

    1. 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.
    2. 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.

    3. When a situation occurs in the present or future tense, we describe this situation using this / these.
    4. 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.

    5. When we talk about the same thing several times and want to avoid repetition.
    6. 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.

    7. When we introduce people or introduce ourselves in a telephone conversation.
    8. 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:

    1. 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.
    2. 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

    когда ставится this that these those

    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?

    когда ставится this that these those

    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.

    1. a) There
    2. b) This
    3. 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

    1. man / fat — Look at this man. He is fat. — Look at this man. He’s fat.
    2. 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

    1. I’d some ice in orange juice.
    2. We’d to have breakfast in.room.
    3. The children would to watch TV in. room.
    4. He’d some milk in .. cereal.
    5. 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:
      1. when you need to tell WHO you or another person (for example, by name or profession): “My name is Sam«;
      2. when you need to tell WHERE you or someone is: “He is at the hospital«;
      3. 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/

    By: | Updated: Nov-12, 2021

    The contents of the Difference.guru website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this site (“Content”) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or legal advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website!

    “I will have these/those delivered tomorrow.”

    Whether you use “these” or “those,” this sentence would still be grammatically correct. However, it is important to note that the two words are used differently and are not interchangeable. So what’s the difference between the two? This article will discuss the difference between “these” and “those.”

    Contents

    • 1 Summary Table
    • 2 Descriptions
    • 3 These vs Those
    • 4 These, those as determiners
    • 5 These, those as pronouns
    • 6 These and those: uses to refer physical closeness
    • 7 These and those: uses to refer emotional distance
    • 8 These and those: uses to refer shared knowledge
    • 9 Substitution with those
    • 10 Writing tips
    • 11 Example sentences – Best Day of My Life

    Summary Table

    These Those
    Plural form of “this” Plural form of “that”
    Used when the speaker is talking about things or persons near him Used when the speaker is talking about things or persons far from him
    Used to talk about things the speaker feels positive about Used when the speaker is talking about things that he does not approve of
    Used to introduce people in real life and in a narrative Used to refer to the second group of things or persons (when there are two groups of objects next to each other) the speaker is talking about

    Descriptions

    writing in a notepad

    The word these is the plural of “this.” It is used:

    • When the object (people or things) is plural and is near the speaker physically; for example: These are my new calligraphy pens. (The speaker is holding the pens.)
    • To introduce people to other people; for example: Hi, Dad. These are my new teammates, Ronnie, Betty, and Kevin.
    • When talking about things that the speaker feels positive about or the things that are emotionally close to the speaker; for example: I love these mats made of recycled plastic!
    • When talking about something that recently happened or to introduce a person or thing in a narrative; for example: Yesterday, these so-called insurance representatives forced me to sign some fraudulent documents.

    On the other hand, the word those is the plural of “that.” It is used:

    • When the object (people or things) is plural and is away from the speaker; for example: Look at those hot air balloons! They are so far up in the air they look so tiny!
    • When the speaker is talking about are two groups of things next to each other, the second group can be referred to as “those” although both groups are the near the speaker; for example: These Danish cookies are all mine, and those cheap candies are yours.
    • When talking about things that the speaker does not approve of or things that the speaker does not feel positive about; for example: Ugh! I saw her designs yesterday. Gosh, I hate those awful leatherette blouses!

    These vs Those

    What, then, is the difference between these and those?

    “These” is the plural form of “this” whereas “those” is the plural form of “that.”

    The biggest difference between the two is that “these” is used when the speaker talking about things or persons near him or things that he feels positive about. “Those” is used when the speaker is talking about things or persons far from him or things that he does not approve of.

    Additionally, “these” is used when introducing people to other people. It is also used to introduce persons or things in a narrative. On the other hand, “those” can also be used to refer to the second group of persons or things (when the speaker is talking about two groups) the speaker is talking about even if both groups are near him.

    To easily remember this, keep in mind that: “these are here, those are there.”

    These, those as determiners

    If you were to look at the sentence structure of English, you would notice that it uses words like “these” and “those” as determiners. For example: There are two types of these , they are hard and soft .

    A “determiner” is a category consisting of nouns that are directly modified by one or more other nouns. Determiners include pronouns, numerals, demonstratives determiners, adjectives, and other category members. For example:

    (1) These = these are those people = these are the people who will come here.

    (2) Those = those are those guys who did this = those are the guys who did this thing.

    Note: In each case, the noun in question is either directly modified by another noun or indirectly modified by another noun through an intervening preposition or adverb. If a determiner modifies a noun directly, then it must appear in a phrase which includes the noun.

    If a determiner modifies a noun indirectly, then it may appear in a phrase which does not include the noun. As can be seen from (1) and (2), the first word is modified by the second word, which is itself modified by another noun.

    These, those as pronouns

    These is a pronoun used to refer to persons or things already mentioned in the preceding clause. They is used to refer to persons or things not mentioned before. In addition, they is used as a plural noun. In English, this form of the pronoun is more common than the other forms.

    Example:

    Those are the only people I have met from my village in Pakistan.

    Those are nice houses that we have seen today.

    The villagers who live around here know how important it is for children to get their basic education. These students whose parents work very hard for their education deserve all our support.

    These and those: uses to refer physical closeness

    In english grammar, we use these to refer to people and things that are close to the speakers.

    Example:

    Do these books belong to the students?

    (It’s happening right now and the speaker is pointing to the books).

    Why are these snacks here?

    In contrast, english speakers use those to address things and people that are more distant from the speaker and sometimes closer to the listener.

    Example:

    How much are those socks?

    Can you help to get those glasses?

    Could you help me to throw wash those dishes? I am late for meeting.

    These and those: uses to refer emotional distance

    In both American English and British English, we use these and those to refer to emotional distance. We use those to address the existing emotional distance. However, these are used to address positive feelings about the things or people the speakers talk about.

    Example:

    I don’t like the food. It has those unsavory blend of spices.

    I love these pretty flowers that you buy for your mother.

    I like these new books that my mom just got from her friends.

    These and those: uses to refer shared knowledge

    These and those are sometimes used to address the shared information between two speakers.

    Example:

    You know those students in class A? They just won another science competition.

    Those shops next to our college currently offer 50% discounts.

    I doubt that those climate change prevention programs they proposed will make any differences.

    The teacher gave tips about countable and uncountable nouns earlier. Do you remember those specific things about how to determine nouns easily?

    Substitution with those

    In academic writing, we can use those to substitute the ones.

    Examples:

    The recent posts on our school’s linguistics blog talked about 10 tips for learning english easily. The methods suggested are those captivating to students.

    Those in “those captivating” is used to replace the ones captivating.

    Writing tips

    The form these or those has a negative connotation and it should be avoided for esl learners in both formal writing and informal conversations. In formal writing, these can be replaced by who, whom or whose if it can be avoided without affecting the meaning of the sentence.

    Instead of using this form of pronoun in your sentences, you can use he/she/it or some other similar pronouns which do not have a negative connotation and which sound natural when referring to people who are not mentioned before in your sentences by using this form of pronoun.

    Example sentences – Best Day of My Life

    Human life is filled with different experiences, both good and bad. These experiences are called life moments. There are some people who are able to say what is the best day of their life, but others are not able to do so. Why do some people have good memories while others don’t? What makes a day memorable?

    For the last week, I have been experiencing the most wonderful time of my life. I have never felt so happy in my entire life. I have never felt anything like these before.

    When was the best day of your life? It’s not the day you were born, or even those days you fell in love. It’s not the moment you took those first steps, or the day you saw those rainbows. It’s not even when you learned to talk in English language.

    It’s the day that mattered most to you. It was the day that changed everything about who you are, and how it made you feel about yourself and those around you.

    It was a time when your world shifted from being only about yourself to being about someone else as well — a person who matters more than anything else in this world. And that person was also yours.

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