Demonstrative Pronouns

Learn how to use demonstratives - this, that, these, those - in English as pronouns.
Sound Grammar

Demonstrative Pronouns

Watch four conversations using the grammar on elllo.org.

Answer the following grammar questions.

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 that replaces the noun.
  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: 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 my 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 can be like it when talking about a situation. This is 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.

✔️ This and these: close to the speaker
✔️ That and those: far from the speaker
  1. This is my wife. (one, near)
  2. That is my brother over there. (one, not near)
  3. These are my grandchildren. (more than one, near)
  4. Those are my old books. (more than one, not near)
Point 7: After using this, that, these, or those to introduce something, we can use other pronouns to talk about 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.

More Lessons


Demonstratives - Grammar Tutorial Video for A1 English Learners
A1-11 This, That, These, Those
Is this your book? Yes, that is my book.

Adjectives - Grammar Tutorial Video for A1 English Learners
A1-12 Adjectives (2)
My mom is very hard-working.

Months - Grammar Tutorial Video for A1 English Learners
A1-13 Months
June to September is winter in New Zealand.

Ordinals - Grammar Tutorial Video for A1 English Learners
A1-14 Ordinals
The books are on the fifth floor.

Telling Time - Grammar Tutorial Video for A1 English Learners
A1-15 Telling Time
It starts at 6 o'clock.

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