When is this used and when are these. How to use this, that, these, those, it, there. Demonstrative pronouns that and those

The demonstrative pronouns this (this), that (that, this) in a sentence can act as a determiner, subject, object, used as a noun determiner or independently:

Definition
We'll stay here, at this place. - We will stay here, in this place.

Subject
Those are the lorries that carry our brothers to the mines. “These are the trucks that take our brothers to the mines.

Addition
Put that down. - Put this on.

There is an important semantic difference between this and that. This is used when talking about people and objects that are physically close to the speaker, and about situations corresponding to the moment of speaking. This is correlated with here - here and now - now. That is used when talking about people, objects and situations remote from the speaker in time or space. That is correlated with – there – there and then – then. Compare:

Get this cat off my shoulder. - Take this cat off my shoulder.
Get that cat off the piano. - Get that cat off the piano.
That was nice. - That was great.
This will be interesting. - It will be interesting.

Please note that in Russian the difference between this and that is not conveyed.

When speaking on the telephone, the British use this to name themselves, and that to ask who is calling:
Hello. This is Elizabeth. Is that Ruth? - Hello. This is Elizabeth. Is this Ruth?

When this and that are used without a noun, they usually denote things:

This costs more than that. - This one costs more than that one.
But not: This says he’s tired. “This one says he’s tired.”

However, in sentences that identify a person, this and that can be used to refer to people:

That looks like Mrs. Walker. - Looks like it's Mrs. Walker.
This is Elizabeth. - This is Elizabeth.

Informally, this and that are often used with adjectives or adverbs as intensifiers. For example:

I didn’t realize it was going to be that hot. – I didn’t think it would be so hot.
If your boy-friend is that clever, why isn’t he rich? – If your friend is so smart, why isn’t he rich?

Not all that is used in the sense of “not very”, “not so much”, “not so much”. For example:

But was the party? – Not all that good. - How was the party? - Not that good.

Such structures cannot be used before a subordinate clause. You can't say:

It was that cold that I couldn’t feel my fingers. “It was so cold that I couldn’t feel my fingers.”

If the noun in the function of the nominal part of the predicate is in the plural, then the demonstrative pronoun in the function of the subject also takes the form of the plural, but is translated into Russian by the pronoun “this”:

These are the books I told you about. - These are the books I told you about.

The pronoun that can be used to avoid repetition of the preceding singular noun:

The butter we import is less expensive than that (which) we produce ourselves. – The oil we buy abroad is cheaper than the oil we produce ourselves.

In such constructions, that can only replace inanimate nouns. The pronouns these and those can replace both inanimate and animate plural nouns. At the same time, these / those are translated into Russian by the noun they replace, sometimes by a personal pronoun, or not translated at all:

These flowers are better than those which we planted last year. – These flowers are better than those (flowers) that we planted last year.
All bodies consist of molecules and these of atoms. – All bodies are made of molecules, and molecules are made of atoms.
Then he bought a reader, some exercise-books… and hid these at the bottom of his trunk. “Then he bought a textbook, several notebooks... and hid them at the bottom of his suitcase.

Sometimes the pronoun those can have a general meaning:

He admires those who succeed. “He admires those who get their way.”

Those are often used with the participle:

Those taking part in the competition are requested to come onto the stage. – Those who take part in the competition are asked to go on stage.
He never approved of those chosen by other people. “He never approved of those chosen by others.”

Complex grammatical tenses do not raise as many questions as small words in English. I often notice that many people make mistakes in the use of the words it, this, that, because they do not know exactly which one to use and choose at random.

Let's sort it out in order. First, let's look at what meanings and functions these words initially have.

It is a personal pronoun ( , it is used to avoid repeating the names of inanimate objects.

This and that are demonstrative pronouns (). They are used when pointing to a specific object within sight. We use this when we point to something close; that - if something is far away. Let's look at several situations that you may encounter in communication.

Example 1

You point to an object that is close and name it:

This is a chair. - This is a chair.

You point to an object that is far away and name it:

That is a chair. - That's a chair.

If you have already named the object and pointed to it, then you need to say it:

This/ that is a chair. It is a comfortable chair. - This/that chair. This is a comfortable chair.

Example 2

It’s clear with objects, but sometimes the words this, that, it are used to describe more complex ideas and entire situations. It, as a rule, refers to one thing, and this and that - to a whole situation, more complex. Moreover, this is a situation in the present tense, and that is in the past.

Let's look at an example.

You are at a concert of your favorite band. You like the performance (present situation) and you say:

When you call a friend after a concert and describe everything you saw (the situation in the past), you say:

That was great!

If you simply say that you liked the concert, you say:

Example 3

Since all three words we are talking about today are most often translated into Russian as “this,” confusion arises: in which situation to choose which one.

Let's look at a few typical situations in life when it is important for you to remember the right choice of words.

If you introduce people, introduce someone to someone, then you say this (as if you are pointing to the person):

When talking on the phone, when introducing yourself, say this:

Hello. This is Maria. - Hello. This is Maria.

To understand who is on the other end of the line, in a telephone conversation the British are more likely to say that , and Americans - this :

Hello! Is that Mark? (British version)

Hello! Is this Mark? (American version)

You knock on the door. From behind the door they may ask:

And in response you will say:

It's me. - It's me.

Example 4

When talking about the use of the words in question in the context of several sentences or in writing, it usually refers to the last noun in the previous sentence, and this can refer to entire sentences, ideas or parts of text:

We left the car under a tree and saw small shop. It was closed. - We left the car under a tree and saw a small store. It was closed. ( It- not a car or a tree, but the last noun in the sentence - a store)

More and more people are driving cars in the city. This leads to air pollution and traffic congestion the centre. - More and more people drive cars in the city. This leads to air pollution and traffic congestion in the center. ( This- the whole situation as a whole)

That is used in a similar way, but using that, the speaker distances himself from the situation or its individual aspects:

People in villages have several children who live with their parents after they get married. That is a conservative idea of ​​family life. - People in villages usually have several children who live with their parents after they get married. This is a conservative approach to family life.

Example 5

What word should you use with the verb know when you want to say “I know this”?

When someone gives you information with which you are already familiar, it is enough to simply say I know.

By adding the words it/ this/ that you add a little emotion:

It was the secretary left the door open. - It was the secretary who left the door open.

I knew it! - I knew it. I knew it! (my suspicions were confirmed)

I knew this/that. - I knew that anyway. (I am not surprised)

Regarding the use of it, this, that in different situations, the speakers themselves often cannot explain why one should choose this or that, because there are no clearly formulated rules. To understand when it is better to use which word, you need to read and listen a lot, that is, “pass” the speech through yourself, with all the examples of use. If you are lost in the entire volume of materials and rules in English, you cannot find explanations for incomprehensible points and cannot organize your work, then we are happy to help you.

Take action, submit, meet with your teacher and start regular classes. After all, it is much more effective when a professional assistant motivates you, directs your attention to the nuances and examples of using words, helps you practice them in speech and improve your speaking skills.

English now. What, how and why.

Using this, that, these, those

These words are used in different situations with some differences in shades of meaning. In addition, that serves to introduce subordinate clauses. In general, some of the examples below should just be remembered; they may come in handy.
But first, I advise you to return to the previous article “th, demonstrative pronouns and the definite article” to practice again: repeating after the speaker, say the “little” words several times: this, that, these, those.

So first of all, the words this, that, these, those needed when talking about what is near and far (with or without a noun)

Near and far, here and there

with a noun (as a modifier)

For example, in zoo:
Look at these birds! They are so beautiful! - Look at these birds! They are so beautiful.

Those bears are climbing a tree. — Bears climb a tree.

This monkey is drinking straight from the bottle! - This monkey drinks straight from the bottle!

Do you like that bear? - Do you like that bear?

I'd like to have this ice-cream — I would like to eat this ice cream.

without a noun(as a pronoun)

For example, in the shop:
Which shoes do you like most? These or those? —Which shoes do you like best? These or those?

This is dill and that is parsley. - This is dill, and there is parsley.

dill and parsley

But that is not all!
You introduce your friends:

— Linda this is Ann. - Linda, meet me. This is Ann.
- Hello, Ann. Pleased to meet you. - Hello Anya. Pleased to meet you.
— Hello, Linda. Pleased to meet you, too. - Hello, Linda. I'm glad to meet you too.

Anna calls Linda on the phone:

— Hello, this is Ann. Is that Linda? - This is Anna. Am I talking to Linda?

that - an indication of known information

about what just happened; from what someone just said

That was a really nice meal. - Thank you very much. — It was very tasty (It was very tasty food). Thank you very much.
To be, or not to be: that is the question - To be or not to be - that is the question
That‘s it - that’s right, that’s right; we did it

that of - instead of repeating a noun

Determination of mass of Jupiter and that of some other planets — Determination of the mass of Jupiter and some other planets
Based on my research and that of others, . — Based on my research and the research of others (scientists), .
Industrial farming damages your health and that of the planet. — Industrial farming is harmful to your health and the health of the planet
What are the differences between American conservatism and that of other countries? —What are the differences between American conservatism and the conservatism of other countries?
On this forum you will find my videos and those of my friends - On this forum you will find my videos and the videos of my friends.

that to introduce subordinate clauses

He that comes first to the hill, may sit where he will. - The one who comes to the hill first sits wherever he wants.
It's a bold mouse that nestles in the cat's ear. — The mouse that nestled in the cat’s ear was brave.
All's well that ends well. - All is well that ends well.
.
And that is not all. This list can and should be continued!

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Pronouns this / these, that / those

Pronouns this(this one) and that(that) have plural forms, respectively: these(these) and those(those). If these pronouns in a sentence serve as the subject, then when grammatically analyzing the sentence you need to look for the predicate in the corresponding number. In this case these usually translated - They.

These elements are called metals. These elements are called metals.
These are like in…. They similar in that...

Pronouns that / those are also used as substitute words for those nouns that were used earlier. The main sign of such use is the presence of a preposition (usually of) or participle after that / those.

The climate of Great Britain is much like that of the Baltic republics. Climate Great Britain is very similar to climate Baltic republics.

Word that can also be a relative pronoun or conjunction with meaning "what/which/that", if it comes before a subordinate clause.

Copernicus proved that the Earth goes round the Sun. Copernicus proved that the Earth revolves around the Sun.

This that these those and their use.

It's no secret that this/that/these/those They are very similar to each other both in appearance and in sound, many people confuse them and therefore do not like them. This article is dedicated to the “four” words, which, on the one hand, are studied at the very beginning level, and on the other hand, are the cause of many mistakes later if they are not given enough attention.

This/that/these/those refer to objects or indicate an object.

How to choose the right word? First of all we look How many objects (one/more than one) and Where are they located(close/far). Close - at arm's length, you can reach them, far - you cannot reach them with your hand.

In accordance with this, we select:

this/this

[ðiːz]

that/that

In English words this/that/these/those have a dual function. They can be demonstrative pronouns and determiners. There are some differences in usage depending on the function.

Demonstrative pronouns(Demonstrative Pronouns) are used without a noun and are most often found at the beginning of a sentence, because it is at the beginning that we draw the listeners’ attention to some subject/subjects.

Words as determinants(Determiners) are always used with nouns, answer the question “Which / Which?” and help determine which particular subject (which particular subjects) are meant:

In the first case, the word this acts as a pronoun and means “this object.” In the second sentence, the word this is a determiner, describes the word flower and indicates that the beautiful flower is “this” and not that one.

That is a dog. - That's a dog. (That object, that animal, the word that - demonstrative pronoun)

That dog is big. - That dog is big. (It is the dog that the speaker is pointing at. The word that is the determiner).

These are pencils. – These (these objects) are pencils. (These is a demonstrative pronoun)

These pencils are sharp. - These pencils are sharp. (These is a qualifier because it indicates which pencils)

Those are fruit trees. - Those (those trees) are fruit trees. (Those is a demonstrative pronoun. Points to objects, draws our attention to them.)

Those fruit trees are young. - Those fruit trees. (Those is a qualifier, as it makes it clear which trees are meant.)

Why do we often forget to use plural demonstrative pronouns and replace them with singular pronouns? When constructing a sentence, we are guided by internal translation from Russian into English, so we make mistakes. Demonstrative pronouns in Russian this And these have the same translation “this”, and that And those“that” is translated into Russian.

This is my book. – This my book.
These are my books. – This my books.

That is our house. – That our house.
Those are our houses. – That our houses.

Therefore, when constructing an English sentence, you will have to “think in English”, and if you have to point to several objects, then think about them not “this/that”, but “these objects” or “those objects”. This way you will definitely remember to use words these And those.

As qualifiers, words can refer to both people and objects:

But as demonstrative pronouns, when they are used without a noun and replace it, we use this/that/these/those only regarding objects:

However, it is acceptable to use when present anyone:

This is my sister Kate. - This is my sister Kate.

Who is that? I don't know him. - Who is this? I do not know him.

It has already been mentioned that we use this/ these if the subject of discussion is close to the speaker, that/those - if it is far away. In this case, we mean not only the physical distance to the object, but also the “distance” to it in time.

This/these in the present, in the near future that are about to appear or begin:

I like this play. – I like this play.

This summer is very hot. – This summer is very hot.

This is an announcement from the authorities. – This is an announcement from the authorities.

Look at this. - Look at it.

I like this city. - I like this city.

That/that refer to objects and events in past(which have just ended or refer to the more distant past) or indicate that something is coming to completion. Please note that the translation into Russian may vary:

I liked that play. – I liked that play.

That summer is very hot. – That (last) summer was very hot.

That was an announcement from the authorities. – It was an announcement from the authorities.

I looked at that. – I looked at it.

We liked that city. – We liked this/that city.

That's all. - This is all.

That's it. Thank you for your listening. - That's all. Thank you for listening.

In a telephone conversation this used by the speaker when introducing yourself, A that- to clarify personality of the interlocutor:

The interesting thing is that this/that/these/those are used when talking about something, famous to all interlocutors:

And she shows that picture of her. – And then she shows this photograph of herself.

It was one of those cold and rainy evenings in London. “It was one of those cold and rainy London evenings.”

Are you sick and tired of those dirty towels? – Are you sick and tired of these dirty towels?

That nagging pain will disappear if you take this pill. – This aching pain will disappear if you take this pill.

And one more fun fact about the words this/that/these/those: this And these are used in relation to what we are positive about, with approval, interest, and that/that used to show negative attitude, disapproval:

He told me about this new girlfriend of his. – He told me about his new girlfriend.

I don’t want to know about that new girlfriend of his. “I don’t want to know anything about this new friend of his.”

That's it! And finally, a few funny pictures:

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Rules for using this these

How demonstrative pronouns are used in spoken English.
Demonstrative pronouns:
this, this, these these - this
that, that, that - that
those - those
this is it
such, such - such
the same (s), the same (same) - the same
That/that. This/these.

1. This (these)index fingers pronouns English colloquial use:
to indicate an object located close to the speaker.
This old woman is Mr. White's secretary.
This elderly woman is Mr. White's secretary.
to describe situations relating to the future or present time.
We are sorry but Dr. White is out at this moment.
We're sorry, but Dr. White is not available at the moment.
I'm seeing Tom this Sunday.
I'm meeting Tom this Sunday.
in a situation where you introduce people to each other or introduce yourself over the phone.
Kate, this is Liz and these are my friends Bob and Ted.
Katya, this is Lisa, and these are my friends Bob and Ted.

2. Those/that are used:

To indicate an object or person located at a certain distance from the speaker.
Look at those new beautiful buses over there! they are his!
Look at those beautiful new buses over there! They are his!
to describe situations related to the past.
That month spent at the seaside was the best in my life!
That month spent on the sea coast was the best of my life.
when talking on the phone, to clarify who you are talking to.
"Hello! This is Lilia Smith. Who is that, please?”
"Hello. My name is Lilia Smith. Who, tell me, am I talking to?

3. these/ this, those/that are used as pronouns and independently without a noun behind it.
Let's have a talk over this. Let's discuss this.
These peaches are riper than those in the basket.
These peaches are riper than the ones in the basket.

4. If the pronouns these /those are used in an interrogative sentence, then in the answers they are replaced by they.
Are these papers yours? Are these your papers?
Yes, they are. Yes.

It
It is also used as a demonstrative pronoun.
It is a candle. This is a candle.

5. When answering special and general questions containing this or that, the pronoun it is used
Is that a butterfly over there? Is that a butterfly over there?
Yes, it is. Yes.
What is this? What is this?
It is a beetle. It's a beetle.
It or There?

How to use It correctly:

1) in sentences with It +be + adjective + to infinitive, highlighting the adjective, or it + be + adjective (+ that)
It is useless to know how it works without manual.
It's useless to know how it works without instructions.
It was coincident (that) Zinaida met her future husband in Paris.
What a coincidence that Zinaida met her future husband in Paris.

2) When we talk about the weather It has been foggy today.
Today it was foggy.
It has been snowing here since 2 o’clock.
It has been snowing since 2 o'clock.

3) When we ask for the exact time -What is the time?
What time is it now?
-It is 23.30 sharp.
Exactly twenty three thirty.

4) When we describe places (terrains)
It is always calm and beautiful here at the lake.
Here by the lake it is always quiet and beautiful.

5) When we use phrases like it is becoming/ it is going to.
It is going to be boring at Rubik’s party.
Rubek's party promises to be boring.
It is becoming less and less interesting film to watch on TV. There are less and less interesting movies to watch on TV.

Used when there is a combination: there + be (is, are, will be, have/has/had been, was, were):

1) When we say that something exists somewhere (is, exists, is located)
There is wooden old church in my village.
In my village there is an old wooden church.

2) When we indicate the presence of something, someone
I ‘m sure there was some people at the restaurant.
I'm sure there were several people outside the restaurant.

3) When we indicate that something is happening or will happen in the future
There was a wedding here 3 hours ago.
There was a wedding here 3 hours ago.

If there is an enumeration in the sentence, then in the phrases there is / are be consistent in number with the first noun.
There was his aunt, two cousins ​​and Granny at my last birthday party. My birthday party last year was attended by his uncle, two cousins ​​and grandmother.

Demonstrative pronouns This, that, these, those

Today I would like to talk about This, that, these, those There are often cases when students, even with a very good knowledge of English grammar, get confused with demonstrative pronouns: this, that, these, those- this is a common mistake, but don’t think that you don’t need to pay attention to it. This error often appears when you translate sentences with pronouns from Russian into English. These four words can be classified according to 2 criteria: distance And quantity. Let's consider the distance. Take a look at the plate below. You will see that pronouns this And these can be used if the conversation turns to personalities or things that are close to the speaker. Let's take an example, this newspaper (this newspaper), these newspapers (these newspapers). T hat And those– Can be used when talking about something or someone located far away, far away from the one who speaks. Eg, that book (that book), those book s (those books). Let's talk about numbers (sg. - the singular - singular number, pl. - plural - plural). The pronouns this and that are used with singular nouns - this pear(this pear) that pear(that pear), and these and those - in the plural - these pears(these pears) those pears(those pears).

Particular attention should be paid to the pronunciation of the demonstrative pronouns this and these. These two sounds are very similar. Now repeat several times to feel the difference between [??s] (“s”) and [?i:z] (like the “and” in the word “needles”).

Do not forget that after these and those you must use the noun in the plural by adding the ending -s or -es ( these shops s those bench es).

Demonstrative pronouns in English

Demonstrative pronouns are pronouns that help the speaker “point” to object(s) in space without giving a detailed description of them. There are not so many such pronouns, but they all play an extremely important role, since they occur quite often in speech. Let's look at them in pairs and separately.

This vs. That

Pronoun this used in the meaning "this / this / this" and indicates a single object located close to the speaker in space and time (i.e. close by now).

Do you like this car?

Do you like this car?

This is my friend Chris.

This is my friend, Chris.

Pronoun that used in the meaning "that/that/that" and points to one object located far from the speaker in space and/or time (i.e. in the distance and/or in the past).

How do you like that car at the opposite side of the street?

How do you like that car across the street?

-
Who was the man we met in the street?

-
That was my friend Chris.

-Who was the man we met on the street?

- That was my friend, Chris.

It is worth noting that when we are talking about events from the past, then that is used:

-
I’m sorry, I forgot to phone you.

-
Sorry, I forgot to call you.

That was a really nice meal. Thank you very much.

It was truly a wonderful meal (dinner). Thanks a lot.

This pronoun is also used when the speaker makes a reference to what has just been said:

-
You are a doctor, aren’t you?

-
Yes, that's right.

- You are a doctor, aren’t you?

-
Matthew has got a new job.

-
Has he? I didn't know that.

- Matthew has a new job.

- Is it true? I did not know it.

And now you can notice that for the Russian language it is not so important which pronoun we use in speech - “that” or “that”. The latter is used in speech quite often and may well replace the pronoun “that” in many sentences.

That bag was very expensive.

That (This) the bag was very expensive.

However, despite the fact that in Russian the difference between these demonstrative pronouns is not given much importance, in English the difference between this and this that very significant, and confusion in their use can lead to serious errors. Therefore, when using demonstrative pronouns in your speech, be sure to monitor the location of the object relative to the speaker in space and time.

Both pronouns can be used in a sentence either before a noun or without a noun:

with a noun

This hotel is expensive but it’s very nice.

This hotel is expensive, but it is very beautiful.

Who is that girl?

Who lives in that house?

Who lives in that house?

Excuse me, is this seat free?

Sorry, is this place free?

without a noun

This is a nice hotel but it’s very expensive.

This is a beautiful hotel, but it is very expensive.

Excuse me, is this your bag?

Excuse me, is this your bag?

Who is that?

That is my daughter Kate.

This (there) is my daughter Kate.

A curious phenomenon in the English language is the choice of pronouns. this or that in a telephone conversation. If a person introduces himself, applies this, and if he asks the interlocutor who is calling – that:

Hello, this is Martin.

Hello, this is Martin.

Is that Susan?

Is this Susan? (Susan, is that you?)

These vs. Those

As you can see, the pronouns discussed in detail above are responsible for indicating an object in the singular, while pronouns are responsible for the plural in the answer these and those.

Demonstrative pronoun these used to denote several objects that are close to the speaker in space and time. This is a kind of plural form of the pronoun this.

Do you like th e se cars?

Do you like these cars?

These are my friends Amy and Chris.

These are my friends, Emmy and Chris.

Don't confuse pronouns this and this these by their sound. Please note that this [ð ɪs] pronounced with a short vowel sound and a voiceless final consonant, whereas these [ðiːz] pronounced with a long vowel and a voiced final consonant. This is a clear example of the fact that longitude and voicing in English have a meaningful function.

Demonstrative pronoun thоse used to denote a group of objects located far from the speaker in space and/or time. This is also a kind of plural form for the pronoun that.

What is your opinion about those cars at the end of the street?

What do you think about those cars at the end of the street?

-
Who were the men we met at the bus stop?

-
Those were my friends Adam and Chris.

- Who were the men we met at the bus stop?

- Those were my friends, Adam and Chris.

For simplicity and convenience of remembering the differences in the use of the four pronouns this/that/these/those, you can use the following table:

singular

plural

close (and now)

far away (and/or long ago)

English versions of the question: "What is this?" and answers to it

Indeed, in Russian there is only one question, but it will be translated into English in four different ways depending on the situation:

1) we are talking about one object that is close to the speaker - in this case, the question uses the demonstrative pronoun this and the singular verb form is:

This is a map. (the map is within reach of the speakers, close to them)

2) the speaker also asks a question about one object, but in this case the object is far from him in space (or in time) - in this situation the question will contain the demonstrative pronoun that and the predicate is:

That is my new computer.

This is my new computer. (obviously the computer is far from the speakers)

3) if the speaker is interested in several objects that are close to him, then the demonstrative pronoun these is used in the question, and the predicate takes the form are:

These are my maps of Cambridge.

These are my Cambridge maps. (the cards, judging by the question and answer, are close or even in the hands of the speaker)

4) when several objects about which the speaker wants to receive information are located at a distance from him, the demonstrative pronoun those and the plural verb form are are used:

Those are the new pictures I have put on the wall.

These are new paintings that I hung on the wall.

We have considered this situation only in relation to the question “What is this?” and answers to it, which, as you can see, are formulated based on the question itself. However, the same principle is valid for other similar questions, subject to some modifications, for example: “Who is it?”, “What was that?” and so on.

Pronoun it

The pronoun it is not only a personal pronoun with the meaning “it”, which serves to replace neuter nouns, but also a demonstrative pronoun with the meaning “it”:

It is my best friend Marc. I have told you about him.

This is my best friend Mark. I told you about him.

In this meaning it is close in meaning to the pronoun this. Sometimes they are even interchangeable, but there are some differences in their use.

Differences between it and this

can be used both before nouns and verbs:

This man is my uncle. / This man is my uncle.

This is my uncle. / This is my uncle.

not used before nouns, only before verbs:

It is funny but true. / It's funny but true.

places special emphasis on the novelty of the presented object/phenomenon:

This is our new boss. / This is our new boss.

used to make a reference to an object or situation that has already been discussed recently:

Do you remember I told you we had got a new boss? It is Mr. Clark. / Remember I told you that we have a new boss? This is Mr Clark.

places special emphasis on the position of the object:

This is the book I’m reading at the moment. / Here is the book I am reading at the moment.

does not indicate the location of the object

It's your fault. / It is your fault.

Pronoun such

The Russian analogue of this demonstrative pronoun is the word "such". It serves the purpose of indicating a characteristic of an object. It is worth noting that if such is used before a singular countable noun, then after such should be consumed indefinite article a/an. If the noun is used in the plural form or is uncountable, then the need for an article disappears:

I have always dreamed of such a big house.

I have always dreamed of such a big house.

Do people really need such big houses?

Do people really need such big houses?

I don't like such strong and bitter coffee.

I don't like such strong and bitter coffee.

Pronoun the same

To indicate a certain repetition of the characteristics of an object, the pronoun is used the same. Its Russian analogues, depending on the situation with gender, number and case of the subsequent noun in a Russian sentence, will be the expressions “the same (same) / the same / the same / the same / the same” and so on.

I need the same shoes as my sister has.

I need the same shoes like my sister.

Match the words with the same meaning.

Match the words with each other the same value.

Demonstrative pronouns are very common in English speech, which is why it is so important to understand and remember them well. This article is designed to help you in this exciting process. We hope that it helped you in mastering demonstrative pronouns.

Features of the use of pronouns this, that, these, those

Demonstrative pronouns this, that, these, those refer to an object or objects located nearby or at some distance from the speaker.

Pronoun this is translated into Russian as “this, this, this” and indicates the relative proximity of an object or person in time or space:

These translated means “these” and is similar to the pronoun this, but used with plural nouns:

Pronoun that- “that, that, that,” on the contrary, indicates the relative distance of an object or person:

Besides, that can be used as a conjunction (“that”), which attaches a subordinate clause to the main clause:

Also that may refer to objects, persons or events just mentioned in context:

Those(“those”) is the plural form of the pronoun that:

In some cases you can use turnover that of (those of), which helps avoid repetition:

We should not forget that pronouns this, that, these, those can indicate proximity or distance not only in distance, but also in time:

To practice your skills in using the pronouns discussed, we suggest taking a test on our website: This, these, that, those.

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Demonstrative pronouns indicate a person or thing, or their characteristics. The demonstrative pronouns this and that have plural forms.

Demonstrative pronouns also include number-invariant pronouns such and same.

In addition, it can be used as a demonstrative pronoun pronounit This .

Pronouns this (these) are used when indicating objects (persons) located close speaker, and pronouns that (those) used to indicate objects (persons) more distant From him. In the Russian language there is no strict rule on this matter and the Russian pronoun this (this, these) can also refer to more distant objects or points in time.

In a sentence they can be:

1 Protrude as an adjective , being a determiner of the noun, which excludes the use of the article, and if the noun has other definitions, pronouns are placed in front of them:

In Russian the word " That" is less common, so the pronoun that can be translated as That, And How this:

IN time expressions this (these) is used to indicate current time period (present, recent past) or future, A that (those) refers to past:

Pronoun this with the word countrya country used in relation to the country in which the speaker is located at the time of speech. In other cases it is used that country, which can be translated into Russian as that country or this country.

2 Replace nouns , performing the functions of subject or object in a sentence.

What's this ? - This is my pencil.What This? - This my pencil.

Who is this ? - This is Mary. Andthis is John. Who This? - This- Mary, huh? This- John.

Use this (these) is associated with an indication of a person, object, event, action, close by place or time, and that (those) decree on a face, object, etc., remote in place and time, or related to the result of an action.

IN subject roles:

Combinations this is And that's can translate into Russian and in words Here :

Pronoun choice: this, that or it often depends only on the will of the author of the statement, and they should be translated into Russian in accordance with the meaning:

IN complement roles:

If we are talking about abstract concepts, then the pronoun is used more often that, For example:

in emotionally charged statements:

in harsh and decisive statements:

in stable phrases:

This (these) And that (those) are used in comparison and choice sentences. To avoid repetition of a previously mentioned noun, they sometimes use one, sometimes it is omitted:

In plural person, after these And those pronoun ones usually not used:

Note: But if the demonstrative pronoun is followed by an adjective, then use after it one or ones Necessarily:

Pronoun it has already been discussed in the section “Personal Pronouns”. It can perform indicative role in a sentence (instead of pronouns this And that), corresponding to the Russian pronoun This . Usually, in cases where we are talking about real physical bodies and concrete concepts, only this/that.

What is this (or that)? WhatThis ?

It 's ( or It is) a dictionary. = This is a dictionary. This dictionary.

Used predominantly in a sentence in the definition function (as a pronoun-adjective) with the meaning: such, such, similar. Before countable noun the only one numbers are used with the indefinite article a(an), which is put after the pronoun:

Countable nouns in plural number of uses after the pronoun such without article. Uncountable creatures often without an article.

Pronoun same always used with the definite article the.

A) Can be used as pronoun-adjective with singular and plural nouns:

b) Or how pronoun-noun with meaning: same thing, same thing.

Used in set expressions; when responding to congratulations and wishes, etc.

• What is the difference between pronouns this and it in English.
• Features of use this and it in an English sentence.
• Difference this and it with examples of use.

Anyone learning English using an audio course VoxBook, which is based on fiction without simplifying the text, should be interested in what cases are used this and it, and how they differ in sentences similar to the following:

This is a pen.
It is a pen.

This is a demonstrative pronoun and is translated: this, this, this.
It is a personal pronoun and is translated: he, she, it, his, her, him, her.
In some cases the pronoun it is indicative in nature, and is translated in the same way as this in a word: This.

Let's look at the difference between it and this in English:

In the VoxBook audio course, sentences with the words this and it are often found. The article examines only some of these examples. After studying the audio course, you will be able to translate, correctly pronounce and use this and it, as well as other phrases in any text or conversation.

Interlinear translation of the audio course will greatly speed up the memorization of new words. Competent and correct speech by native speakers who voiced the VoxBook audio course guarantees that you will receive perfect pronunciation.

Thanks to the VoxBook audio course, you will achieve wonderful, outstanding results in learning English, even those that seem impossible to you. All this is due to the fact that you were simply curious, installing the VoxBook audio course on your computer, and having installed the audio course, you were smart enough to understand what it promises you in the future.

Difference between this and it - examples of use.

1. This introduces the concept into conversation It continues the conversation about the previously introduced concept. It replaces the introduced concept and is used to avoid repeating the word.

   This is a road. This is the road. (Introduces the concept into the conversation)
   It is a good road. This is a good road. (continues)
   ....
   Look at this tree. Look at this tree. (Introduces the concept into the conversation)
   It is full of fruit. It is full of fruits. (continues)
   ....
   This is a nice house. This is a good house. (Introduces the concept into the conversation)
   It is neat add clean. He is neat and clean. (continues)
   

   "I will lay down some money for him, from my own purse [I'll shell out some money for him, from my own wallet]"; but her father told her [but her father told her] : "This will not do, for it must be something of his own [this “will not do” = will not do, for it must be something of his own] ."

   (English Fairy Tales - "Whittington And His Cat")

   (First time this, next time it.)

2. Unlike the word it, this can be used as a definition and can appear immediately before a noun.
   For example:
   

   is good. This book is good.
   But..., that is, it cannot be placed immediately before book. While this is possible, compare:

   Is a good thing. This book is good.
   is a good. This is a good book.
   

3. Pronoun it can be used in intensifying sentences as a formal subject, as an intensifying and is usually translated by the words exactly, this, just.
   

   Answer to the question Who's there? when knocking on the door: It's me, Jon! Me. / It's me, John.
   Answer during roll call: It "s me (I) I am. / Here. / Present.
   

   Home came the giant [a giant came home] , and a great big tree in his hand [and a great big tree in his hand], and he took down the sack [and he “took down” = lowered the bag], and began to batter it [and started hitting him]. His wife cried [the wife screamed], " It's me, man[it's me, husband] "; but the dog barked [but the dog barked] and the cat mewed [and the cat meowed] , and he did not know his wife's voice [and he didn't recognize his wife's voice] .

   (English Fairy Tales - "Molly Whuppie")

4. Another significant difference is that the pronoun it used in impersonal sentences as a formal subject that is not translated. For example:
   

   It's five past twelve. The time is five minutes past twelve.
   It is two o'clock. Two hours.
   It's rains. It's raining.
   It is cold. Cold.
   It is warm. Warm.
   It's hot. Hot.
   It's winter. Winter.
   It is spring. Spring.
   It is getting dark. It's getting dark.
   It was interesting to read this article. It was interesting to read this article.
   

Take a look at an example of an impersonal sentence from the VoxBook audio course and its translation. The audio course uses word-by-word translation, so the word It is translated, but placed in quotation marks, which means “translation of the word as it is.” Such a translation must either be omitted, as in the example below, or replaced with a translation after the equal sign, as in the examples above.

One day the rose-tree flowered [one day “rose-tree”= the rose bloomed: one day - once; once upon a time;] . It was spring ["it" was spring] and there among the flowers was a white bird [and there was a white bird among the flowers]; and it sang, and sang [and she sang and sang], and sang like an angel out of heaven [and sang like an angel from heaven]. Away it flew [she flew away]...

(English Fairy Tales - "The Rose Tree")

Conclusions:

1.	This- introduces a new one, and it- a well-known fact in discussion.
2.	This- used if you need to point to a specific object in the field of view or highlight this object against the background of other objects
3.	Pronouns this- indicating a person, object, event or action close in place or close in time.
4.	This- used as a definition and stands before a noun.
5.	Pronoun it- usually refers to an inanimate thing, or is used in relation to a person, thing, idea, taken in the abstract.
6.	It- can be a substitute word for a previously mentioned noun and act as a subject or object.
7.	It- used in impersonal sentences as a formal subject, not translated into Russian.
8.	It- used in intensifying sentences as a subject.

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