A1 — Beginner+50 XP available

Interactive Grammar: Demonstrative Determiners

Use this, that, these, and those to indicate nearness, distance, and reference to previously mentioned items.

Grammar Explanation · Authentic Examples · Practice Exercises

Lesson progressNot started

Duration

~36 min

Exercises

Level

Beginner

Overview

Use this, that, these, and those to indicate nearness, distance, and reference to previously mentioned items.

Near vs Far

thisthis + singular near noun: this book, this idea
thesethese + plural near noun: these books, these ideas
thatthat + singular far noun: that building, that time
thosethose + plural far noun: those people, those days

Discourse Reference

this: introduces or refers forward → This is the problem:…
that: refers back to something already mentioned → That was a mistake.
Near in time: this week, this morning (current)
Far in time: that summer, those years (past/remote)

Common Mistakes

❌ These informations → ✅ This information (uncountable)
❌ That chair here → ✅ This chair (near = this)
❌ Those advice → ✅ That advice (advice = uncountable)

When to use

Pointing near

This coffee is excellent.

Pointing far

Look at that mountain over there.

Discourse ref

This brings me to my next point.

Time reference

Those were simpler times.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this lesson on determiners cover?

Use this, that, these, and those to indicate nearness, distance, and reference to previously mentioned items.

Which CEFR level is this lesson designed for?

This lesson is designed for Beginner (A1) learners and forms part of the Determiners section on Grammartier.

What is the best approach for studying this grammar topic?

Start with the definition, then study the examples carefully to understand how the pattern works in context. Practise identifying the structure in authentic sentences before producing your own — this recognition-first approach builds a strong foundation for accurate, confident use.