This typically points to something just introduced or actively developed, as in house prices rose, this has made buying harder, while that often refers to a completed idea, sometimes with distance. These and those perform the same function for plural ideas or lists, and the referent must be clear from context.
Grammar Rule
This typically points to something just introduced or actively developed. That often refers to an idea already completed, sometimes with distance. These and those perform the same function for plural ideas or lists. The referent must be recoverable and clear from context, and singular/plural forms must match the number of ideas being summarised.
This, These, That, Those as Cohesive Devices: Rules and Examples
| Word | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| This | refers to something just introduced | House prices rose. This has made buying harder. |
| That | refers to a completed idea, with distance | She claimed the results were flawed. That is difficult to verify. |
| These / Those | plural referent, list of points | Costs rose, deadlines slipped. These problems forced restructuring. |
Remember: Make sure the reader can clearly identify what this/that/these/those refers to, and match singular/plural forms to the number of ideas being summarised.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below using this, these, that, and those correctly as cohesive devices. 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.
C2-47 This, These, That, Those as Cohesive Devices
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does this typically point to?
Something just introduced or actively developed, as in house prices rose, this has made buying harder.
What does that often refer to?
A completed idea, sometimes with distance.
What do these and those refer to?
Plural ideas or a list of points.
What must match when using these cohesive devices?
The singular or plural form must match the number of ideas being summarised, and the referent must be clear from context.