What you'll learn
By the end of this lesson, you'll be able to point out people and things near or far using this, that, these, and those.
When do I use it?
Use demonstratives to point at things. "This" and "these" are for things close to you; "that" and "those" for things further away. Match the number: singular (this/that) or plural (these/those).
How do I form it?
This is my phone. (near, one thing) These are my keys. (near, more than one) That is your house. (far, one thing) Those are the mountains. (far, more than one)
Common mistakes for Spanish speakers
Keep the number in sync. "This cars are fast" is wrong — near + plural needs "these cars". And the verb must match: "These is my friends" is wrong, use "These are my friends." Spanish "ese" and "aquel" both translate to "that", which is fine in English — just keep the plural forms clear.
If you can touch it, it's "this" or "these". If you have to point further away, it's "that" or "those".
Practice
Multiple Choice
A1Look at the birds in that tree over there (far away). Which word do you use?
Fill in the Blank
A1are my keys on the table.
Hint: Plural and far (on the table) → 'those'.
Find the Error
A1Word Order
A1Put the words in the correct order to point at a far car
Practice Speaking
Apply what you've learned in a real conversation with AI feedback.
Level: A1