Use
This: to talk about one thing which is near
This fruit is an apple.
These: to talk about two or more things which are near
These are the books I borrowed.
That: to talk about one thing which is far
Is that your house on corner of the street?
Those: to talk about two or more things which are far
What are those birds over there?
Use This, That, These and Those:
- Before a be-verb.
This is my mother. / Those are my friends.
- Before a noun:
That painting looks beautiful! / These cupcakes are delicious!
Interrogative
Is this / that his teacher?
Are these / those their notebooks?
Contraction
IS can be contracted after that.
That is my car. => That’s my car.
But not after this.
This’s my car. => This is my car.
ARE after These / Those can’t be contracted.
Common Mistakes
A verb must always be used in sentences with this, that, these and those.
This amazing show. => This is an amazing show. / This show is amazing.