This, that, these, those

This/these= here, that/those= there

Download full-size image from Pinterest

This, these (here)

We use this and these for things that are here (near). This is singular and these is plural.

• This is my new watch. 
• These are my sisters Anna and Jenny. 

That, those (there)

We use that and those for things that are there (not near). That is singular and those is plural.

• That man is very strange. 
• I need those boxes over there. 

With a noun or without a noun

We can use this, that, these, those with a noun (this box, that car, etc.) or without a noun.

• This watch is very expensive. 
• I like that woman in the park. 
• Who is that? (= that person)
• ‘What are those?’ ‘They are old pictures.’

This is John (introductions and on the phone)

We use this is when we introduce people and on the telephone.

• Hi, this is Tim. (Tim on the telephone)
• Laura: ‘Hi, Sara. This is my friend Paul.’ Sara: ‘Hi, Paul. Nice to meet you.’