Lesson 7: Demonstratives ("this", "that", "these", "those")

Welcome back! When my students are working in a local café or giving a bicycle tour, pointing out specific things to guests is essential.

We use words like 'this' or 'those' depending on two rules: how close the object is to us, and whether there is just one item or many. Let's practice "pointing" with English words!

warning Common Mistake

Many languages use the same word for "this" regardless of how many items there are. In English, you must change the word from "This" to "These" if you are holding more than one thing!

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Interactive Vocabulary

1 Item / Near

This

Used to point to one thing that is close to you (you can touch it).

Example: This iced coffee in my hand is delicious.

1 Item / Far

That

Used to point to one thing that is far away from you (you have to point).

Example: Look at that beautiful temple on the mountain.

2+ Items / Near

These

Used to point to two or more things that are close to you.

Example: These fresh mangoes on my table are very sweet.

2+ Items / Far

Those

Used to point to two or more things that are far away from you.

Example: Those tourists across the street are looking for a tuk-tuk.

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Knowledge Check

local_cafe Ordering at a Café

You are holding the menu in your hands and pointing to one picture of a drink. What do you say? "I want ____ drink."

(Hint: The menu is in your hands, and you are choosing one item.)

directions_walk Guiding a Tour

You are standing on a mountain looking at the lake. You point to several distant fishing boats. What do you say? "Look at ____ boats!"

(Hint: The boats are far away, and there are many of them.)

storefront Market Shopping

You are touching three beautiful silk scarves right in front of you. You ask the seller: "How much are ____ scarves?"

(Hint: The scarves are right in front of you, and there is more than one.)

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Study Resources

Lesson Summary & Review

Let's review the key concepts covered in the interactive module above to ensure you are ready to use demonstratives correctly.

Near (Close to you)

• This: Used for one item that is close to you. (Example: "This coffee is hot.")
• These: Used for two or more items that are close to you. (Example: "These coffees are hot.")

Far (Away from you)

• That: Used for one item that is far away. (Example: "That mountain is tall.")
• Those: Used for two or more items that are far away. (Example: "Those mountains are tall.")