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Beginner 📝 Grammar
This, that, these, those
These four words point to things.
1What is it?
These four words point to things. This and that are for one thing; these and those are for more than one. This / these = near you. That / those = far from you.
2Why do we use it?
You need them to show, ask and name things around you: This is my book. What is that? Those are my shoes.
3The simple rule
Near + one → this. Far + one → that. Near + many → these. Far + many → those.
4Formula
this / that + one · these / those + many
5Easy examples
This is a chair.Near, one
That is a bus.Far, one
These are apples.Near, many
Those are birds.Far, many
6Everyday examples
This is my friend Rahul.Introducing someone
Can I have that one, please?In a shop, pointing
These shoes are too small.
Who are those people?
7Kerala and India examples
This is my house. That is my uncle’s house.
These mangoes are from our tree.
Those boats are going to Kumarakom.
Is this the bus to Kazhakootam?
8Common mistakes
This are my books.
These are my books.
Why: Many things → these.
Those is my car.
That is my car.
Why: One thing → that.
This book here is very good, that one is bad.
This one is very good; that one isn’t.
Why: Fine, but drop “here” — this already means near.
9Practice quiz
Question 1 of 4Multiple choice
___ is my phone. (in my hand)
10Speaking challenge
Speaking challenge
Look around. Point and say 8 sentences: This is a… These are… That is a… Those are…
0:30
Say it out loud. Nobody is listening — that’s the point. Mistakes are allowed.