English Grammar

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Grammar Focus

Demonstratives are words that point to specific things or people. They tell us if something is near or far, and if it is one thing (singular) or more than one (plural).

• This and these are used for things that are close to the speaker.
  • Example: This is my pen. (one thing near)
  • Example: These are my shoes. (more than one near)
• That and those are used for things that are far from the speaker.
  • Example: That is a big tree. (one thing far)
  • Example: Those are beautiful flowers. (more than one far)

Why This Grammar Matters for Listening and Speaking

Knowing how to use this, that, these, those helps you communicate clearly in everyday situations. Here’s why it’s important:

• Talking about objects or people near you:
  • “This is my phone.”
  • “These are my friends.”
• Referring to things farther away:
  • “That looks interesting.”
  • “Those are my books on the shelf.”
• Listening carefully: When you hear these words, you know if the speaker means something close or far, singular or plural.
• Common conversation phrases:
  • “Can you pass me that?”
  • “Do you like these shoes?”

Using demonstratives like this, that, these, and those helps you clearly show what you’re talking about, especially when pointing to objects or pictures. This makes your conversations easier to follow, whether you’re asking a native speaker, “Is this your bag?” or telling a non-native friend, “Those are my shoes.” Clear pointing words reduce confusion and help everyone understand your meaning right away.

Now, let’s practice your grammar skills with a game.

Use these questions to help you talk about things near and far. Try using this, that, these, and those to make your meaning clear. Practice with a partner or by yourself. Look around you and think about what you see!

Talk About Important Things Near You:
Look at one thing near you that you use every day. Why is this important to you? Use “This is…” to explain.
➤ For example: “This is my phone. I use it to talk to my family.”

Describe Something Far Away You Like or Don’t Like:
Choose something far from you (maybe outside or in a picture). What do you think about it? Use “That is…” or “Those are…” to describe.
➤ For example: “That is a big mountain. It looks beautiful.”

Compare Two Things: One Near and One Far:
Pick one thing close to you and one thing far away. Which do you like better? Use “This is…” and “That is…” to explain why.
➤ For example: “This is my water bottle. That is a car. I like my water bottle more.”

Talk About Favorite or Special Things Using Plural Demonstratives:
Choose a few things you like that are near you. Why do you like these? Use “These are…” to tell your reasons.
➤ For example: “These are my books. I like to read every day.”

Ask Questions About Things Near or Far to Learn More:
Practice asking about things you don’t know. Use “Is this…?” or “Are those…?” to find out.
➤ For example: “Is this your pen? What color is it?”
➤ “Are those your friends? What do you like to do together?”