Leçon d’anglais – Démonstratifs anglais THIS THAT THESE THOSE

Demonstrative Pronouns (demonstrative adjectives)

Principle notion:

1. this or these refer to something particular that is close to you in time or space; this is singular and these is plural.
2. that or those refer to something particular that is further away to you in time or space; that is singular and those plural.

Exemples:

• I take this pencil  (not the other one) because it is my favorite one.  I can write better with it. (It is in front of me, and I can take it in my hand without having leave my place where I am  in order to get it).
•  take that pencil (over there on the other table), because I cannot find a pencil on my table.
• We may see a downward correction towards the end of this week.  (the week we are in right now)
• Last month we organized a Solidarity Week for students in need at our school. The parents who attended were thanked for their help during that week. (not the week now, but a month ago)
• these pencils (several pencils close to me)
• those pencils (several pencils further away from me, I may need to go and fetch them)
• During these difficult times, we need to be careful about how much money we spend. (the period now)
• It is often during those times of change that the importance of having networks of social relations becomes more apparent. (not the time now, but the time in general)

Comparing and choosing – This or that?

• This picture is cheerful and light, but that one is gloomy and dark.
• Wich dress do you prefer? This one or that one?

Abstract use and derivatives

that can be used in a pejorative (negative) sens (creating a deliberate distance (dislike) to a person or a ting):

• Not that fellow again! He has already been talking for hours.

Demonstratives as referring point

that refers back to something:

• I missed the bus. That is the reason why I am late.

this refers to something to follow:

• This is the reason why I am late: I missed the bus.

Sometimes the use of both are possible, whereby the stress on a specific reason may be achieved by using this rather than that. The latter (that) would just “neutrally” refer back to something already mentioned:

• • I moved into a flat, where I have a house just right in front of it and everyone can look what I am doing. I felt watched. This / That is the reason why I put curtains at my windows. (this gives more emphasis, close link)

that / those refer to something in general:

• The solutions to the world’s water problems are clear: water must be used more efficiently, and the supply of water must be increased in those regions where drinking water is scarce, in order to meet the needs of the people.* (all regions in general that are concerned, no specific region is referred to)

this / these refer to something in particular (something already mentioned or referred to):

• The drinking water supply in the regions of Basra, Al Najaf, Al Hillah and central Iraq, including Baghdad must be restored. These regions suffer from shortage of drinking water.

* Quelle: Sarasin.ch

(c) Frank Mörschner, March 2021