Demonstrative pronouns

When you try to point at someone or something that is close or far from you, what are the words you use? You don’t know? Check the next explanation to find out.

this those these

In English as in Spanish we use certain pronouns to indicate an object is near or far from us. Check the next information so you can identify them.

Demonstrative adjectives

We use this, that, these and those with nouns to show proximity.

Near Far
Singular This
That
Plural These
Those

We use this to refer to a thing (singular) that is near.

For example:

This shirt is gray.

this those these

This dress is blue.

this those these

We use these to refer to things (plural) which are near.

For example:

These shirts are of different colors: blue, orange, green and pink.

this those these

These dresses are polka dot.

this those these

We use that to refer to a thing (singular) which is far from us.

For example:

That scarf is clean.

this those these

That belt is brown.

this those these

We use those to refer to things (plural) that are far from us.

For example:

Those jeans are old.

this those these

Those sandals are striped.

this those these
Writing Exercise

Look at the images then complete the sentences. Use this, that, these or those.

Observa las imágenes y completa las oraciones utilizando this, that, these o those.

this those these

1. white sweater is very nice. I love it!

This

this those these

2. gloves are my favorite. They are pink, my favorite color.

These

this those these

3. jeans are old fashioned. I don’t like them

Those

this those these

4. sweaters are on sale.

Those

this those these

5. scarf is beautiful. It has my favorite colors.

This

this those these

6. A: Look mom! coat is on sale and I look great on it. I want it, please.

B: Sure.

This

this those these

7. I really like pink shoes. I will buy them.

These

this those these

8. A: Look, jacket is on sale!

B: And it’s the last one.

A: Let’s buy it!

That

Complete all the gaps to get feedback.
Multiple choice exercise

Read the comic. Then choose the correct option to complete the sentences with this, these, that or those.

Lee la historieta y después escoge la palabra que completa las oraciones. Selecciona this, these, that o those.