Demonstratives show distance and number. Use this for something near and singular, that for something far and singular, these for near and plural, and those for far and plural, as in this is a book or those are cars.
Grammar Rule
Think about distance (near/far) and number (one/many) to choose the right word.
Demonstratives: Distance and Number
| Word | Distance & number | Example |
|---|---|---|
| this | near, singular | This is a book. This is my cat. |
| that | far, singular | That is a car. |
| these | near, plural | These are books. |
| those | far, plural | Those are cars. |
Remember: use is with this/that, and are with these/those.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below using the correct demonstrative. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
Demonstratives – This, That, These, Those
No necesitas registrarte para empezar. Al finalizar verás tu calificación de inmediato, y si quieres podrás agregar tu nombre para personalizar y descargar tu resultado.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do you use this?
Use this for something near and singular, as in this is a book.
When do you use those?
Use those for something far and plural, as in those are cars.
Do demonstratives depend on distance or number alone?
They depend on both together, distance (near or far) and number (one or many).
Which verb goes with this and that?
Use is with this and that, and are with these and those.