This That These Those Quiz, Test Your Grammar Skills and Improve Your Writing. Mastering the correct use of this, that, these, and those enhances clarity and precision in your writing. These demonstrative pronouns and adjectives help specify people, objects, or ideas based on their distance from the speaker, both physically and conceptually. The This That These Those Quiz challenges your understanding of these essential words, helping you avoid common grammar mistakes while sharpening your communication skills.
What Are This, That, These, and Those?
Demonstrative pronouns and adjectives—this, that, these, and those—indicate specific nouns in relation to the speaker. Their correct use depends on whether the noun is singular or plural and whether it’s near or far.
This
“This” refers to a singular noun that is close to the speaker, either physically or conceptually. It draws attention to something immediate:
- This book is interesting. (A book near the speaker.)
- I like this idea. (An idea currently being discussed.)
That
“That” points to a singular noun farther from the speaker:
- That house belongs to my friend. (A house farther away.)
- Did you hear that noise? (A sound not immediately near.)
These
“These” is the plural form of “this”, used for multiple nearby objects:
- These apples are fresh. (Apples close to the speaker.)
- I love these pictures. (Pictures currently being shown.)
Those
“Those” is the plural form of “that”, referring to multiple distant items:
- Those shoes look expensive. (Shoes farther from the speaker.)
- I remember those days. (Days in the past.)
Common Challenges and Mistakes
Many learners confuse these words, especially when switching between singular and plural or near and far. Here are some frequent mistakes and how to avoid them:
- Incorrect: This apples are delicious.
- Correct: These apples are delicious.
- Incorrect: I like those book.
- Correct: I like that book.
- Incorrect: Look at this over there.
- Correct: Look at that over there.
Understanding the relationship between the speaker and the object ensures correct usage every time.
Tips for Mastering These Words
To remember the difference, follow these simple strategies:
- Near = This/These: Use “this” for one item and “these” for many when something is close.
- Far = That/Those: Use “that” for one item and “those” for many when something is farther away.
- Check Singular vs. Plural: Pair “this” and “that” with singular nouns, while “these” and “those” pair with plurals.
Take the This That These Those Quiz Now!
Are you ready to put your skills to the test? The This That These Those Quiz offers an engaging way to strengthen your understanding of these essential demonstratives. Identify common mistakes, reinforce correct usage, and build confidence in your writing. Start the quiz now and master these crucial grammar rules once and for all!
This That These Those – FAQ
This refers to something that is near in time or space, while that refers to something more distant. For example, this book might be one that you are holding, whereas that book could be one across the room.
Yes, this and these can describe abstract ideas or concepts. For example, this feeling refers to a current emotion, while these thoughts might describe the ideas you’re considering right now.
Use that and those when you want to indicate distance or refer back to something previously mentioned. That idea might refer to a notion discussed earlier, and those days could evoke a time gone by.
While the general rules are straightforward, context can sometimes blur the lines. In casual conversation, people might interchange these words for emphasis or stylistic reasons. However, sticking to these guidelines ensures clarity and precision in communication.