Instructions
We use this/that/these/those to explain what we are talking about. We sometimes use them with nouns and we sometimes use them on their own.
We use this (singular) and these (plural) to talk about things close to us, and that (singular) and those (plural) to talk about things at some distance away from us.
What about this shirt for Oliver?
No, hold on, what about that one over there?
So this is the idea of here and that is the idea of there?
Yes, exactly.
Wow, that market looks amazing. (= there. I'm not in the market, it's at some distance away from me)
This market is amazing. (= here. I'm in the market)
What about time? How does time affect this or that?
A good question. We use that to show distance in time as well as distance in space.
This is a good film. (we're watching it now)
That was a good film. (we saw it at some time in the past)
Are this/these and that/those always used with nouns?
No, we can use them as pronouns, without nouns, when it's obvious what they refer to.
What do you think about these for your Uncle Bob? (pointing to trousers)
I've never seen Uncle Bob in trousers like those. (those trousers, but we don't need to repeat trousers)
Who was that?
So they are useful words in shops or cafes. If you don't know the word for something, you can just say, 'Can I see that?' or 'I'd like those, please' and point.
Yes, they're very useful words!
I think I've heard this and that refer to more general things too, not just specific things.
That's right. This and that can refer to what somebody has said or what has happened. This could be several things or ideas.
That's right. (everything you said)
This is work you know! (all the things I'm doing)
That was a great concert! (something that has just happened)
What about phone language? How do people use this and that?
When you explain who is talking you say, 'Hi, this is Dan.'
And to check who is speaking, you can say, 'Is that Jenny?'
Can I say 'This is me'?
No. If you're phoning someone you know very well, you'd say 'It's me.'
What about introducing people to each other? Do I use this or that?
When you're introducing one person to another person, you say, 'Juliette, this is Marc'.
OK, thanks. That's all for now!
Worksheets and downloads
Transcript
Discussion
Did you enjoy this Grammar Snack? Do you think Oliver will like that shirt? ;)
Comments
I enjoyed the grammar snack it is very useful for me in the furture. I do not think oliver will like that t-shirt it was way to colorful for him :D
Where is the video? I can´t see it
Hi sandymiguel,
I just checked the video and it's working fine here. Can you give us a bit more information and we'll investigate the problem. Which browser (Chrome, Internet Explorer, Firefox etc.) are you using? Are you on a phone, a tablet or a PC? When we have a bit more information we can check again for you.
Best wishes, Jo (LearnEnglish Teens Team)
I am from Tovuz.
I am an English teacher I got information about this-these;that-those.It is a topic about marketing.This-these;that-those are used an topic. I am planning to use this site I liked it.
Dear Fidantugay!
We are glad that you are planning to use our website! And thank you for your comments on LearnEnglish Teens. This website is specially for teenagers aged 13-17 years old and we must keep this strictly for teenagers to interact with each other. So if you are planning to use it with your class that would be excellent!
If you are studying English yourself then you are welcome to join our LearnEnglish page for adults and post comments there: www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish.
Best wishes, Tina (LearnEnglish Teens Team)
i don't enjoy the snack really but i think that Oliver will enjoy the shirt beacuse it's a shirt after all
This gramitic snack was excellent excellent and I think Olliver will be surprised, but do not forget, Sofie says: "I have surprise for you" Maybe Oliver called his mother before his sister and chose a gift for his sister ... Maybe he chose a strange gift, but I'm sure Oliver would like that shirt
Ahahah I think Olliver will suprised, But don't forget, Sofie says : " I have surprise for you '' Maybe Oliver called his mom before his sister and chose a present for his sister....Maybe he chose a strange present
I like this video!! It was fun!!! I think Oliver doesn't like this Tshirts.
Yes I love the Grammar Snacks. And I think Ollie doesen't like this T-shirt.
I think oliver is hate this shirt. Grammar video is very beautiful. EVERYONE THANKS
Certainly, he will not like this t-shirt. This video is funny :) i really like it. i don't want to be in case of him.
i think he will be like it because that shirt beatiful.
It halped a lot
yes I liked it
no I don't think he will like it
i like it
Obviously not.
Thanks for The Grammar Snack its of great help.
xx
I enjoyed this grammar snack. I think that Olive will not like this shirt because it is not his style.
I didn't see the video,but I reread this grammar, where can I found more difficult?I just want to learn something new,or revise something other...:-))Thanks in advance
Hi Natalyy! Did you know that every page has a language level shown just below the text? The level for this page is A1-A2, so if you want something more difficult, try B1-B2. You can search for those levels on our search page: http://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/content And if you don't know what level you are, look at this page: http://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/cef-levels
I hope that helps!
Jonathan (LearnEnglish Teens Team)
THANK YOU.
Yes I enjoyed
Yes,İ enjoyed.
Yes, I really enjoyed in this Grammar Snack. I think that Oliver will like that shirt. hah
Yes, I really enjoyed in this Grammar Snack. I think that Oliver will like that shirt. hah :)
I don't like that t-shirt with the flowers, in the video.
It ıs very good I love English .
IN TURKEY
is beuthifull
hello my name is josua
But anyway, Oliver will need the shirt one day when he will go on holidays in India.
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