When do I use ‘this’?
The word ‘this’ is used with a singular noun when referring to an object that is close to the speaker.
• This bus is parked very close to my car.
• Is this Jenna’s cat?
• This is not Casey’s book.
When do I use ‘that’?
The word ’that’ is used with singular nouns when referring to an object or person that is far from the speaker.
• That cat across the street is very cute.
• Is that Lucy’s horse across the paddock?
• That is not Luke’s house.
When do I use ‘these’?
The word ‘these’ is used with plural nouns when referring to an object that is close to the speaker.
• These cars are parked very close to my driveway.
• Are these Jenna’s cats?
• These are not Casey’s books.
When I do use ‘those’?
The word ‘those’ is used with plural nouns when referring to an object or person that is far from the speaker.
• I really like those cats.
• Are those Jenna’s friends?
• Those are not Casey’s sisters.
Remember that these pronouns may stand alone, but they must refer to a noun. ‘This is the most recent.’ is meaningless unless the reader knows what ‘this’ refers to.
