Adjectives

Learn how to use adjectives to describe things in English.

Special Lesson Activities for This Grammar Point

This, That, These, and Those as Pronouns

Point 1: The words this, that, these, and those can be a determiner before a noun, or a pronoun for nouns.
  1. I like this soup.
    1. I like this.
  2. That plan sounds fun.
    1. That sounds fun.
  3. These shirts are on sale.
    1. These are on sale.
  4. Those pants look good on you.
    1. Those look good on you.

Point 2: We use this, that, these, and those when introducing people, places, or things.
  1. This is my wife.
  2. That is my desk over there.
  3. These are grandchildren.
  4. Those are my old golf clubs.
Point 3: The words this, that, these, and those can be subject pronouns.
  1. This is fun.
  2. That is crazy.
  3. These are delicious.
  4. Those are really old.
Point 4: The words this, that, these, and those can be object pronouns.
  1. I just bought this.
  2. Don't do that!
  3. Where did you get these?
  4. Please put those away.
Point 5: The words this and that are similar to 'it' because they can refer to a situation. They are called a dummy subject.
  1. This is fun.
  2. That is cool.
  3. That is sad.
  4. That is not true.
Point 6: The words this, that, these, and those are used based on number and location.
  1. This is my wife. (one, near)
  2. That is my brother over there. (one, not near)
  3. These are grandchildren. (more than one, near)
  4. Those are my old books. (more than one, not near)
Point 7:  After using this, that, these, and those to introduce something, we use subject and object pronouns to refer to them.
  1. Do you like these?
    1. Yes, I like them. They are cool.
  2. What is this?
    1. It's a coffee maker. I use it a lot.
  3. Who is this?
    1. That is my brother. He is a doctor. You know him.
Answer the following questions about the interview.

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