Demonstrative THIS — When and How to Use It
Quick Answer
Use this for one thing that is near you — close enough to touch or point to without stretching. “This book” is the book in your hand.
Example: This is my phone. (The phone is here, in my hand.)
THIS in Action — See the Pattern
Read these three sentences. Look at how this works:
- This is my pen. (The pen is right here.)
- I like this shirt. (The shirt I am wearing or holding.)
- This coffee is hot. (The coffee in front of me.)
When to Use THIS
Use this when one thing is near you — in your hand, on your desk, in front of you. If you can almost touch it without moving, it is “this.”
- Holding something: “This is my key.”
- Pointing at something close: “This chair is broken.”
- Talking about now: “This morning was busy.”
- Introducing one person nearby: “This is my sister, Sara.”
Easy way to remember: This = one + here. One thing, close to you. If it is far, you need a different word (we will learn that next).
The Rule in One Line: Use this for one thing that is near you.
Real-Life Examples With THIS
Here are examples you might say or hear in everyday life:
- This is my phone. (The phone in my hand.)
- Can you fix this chair? (The chair right next to me.)
- This tea is delicious. (The tea I am drinking.)
- This is my brother, Adam. (Introducing one person standing next to me.)
- This book is interesting. (The book I am holding or reading.)
You are doing great. Now let’s look at the mistakes many learners make.
Three Mistakes to Avoid With THIS
The most common mistake with “this” is using it for things that are far away or for more than one thing. Don’t worry — even people who have studied English for years sometimes mix this up.
Using this for something far away
✗ This car over there is very fast.
✓ That car over there is very fast.
Using this for plural
✗ This shoes are too small.
✓ These shoes are too small.
Saying these when you mean one thing
✗ These is my pen.
✓ This is my pen.
How to remember: Picture something in your hand. One thing. Close to you. That is this.
Common “this” sentences: this book, this phone, this morning, this man, this is mine.
Test Yourself: THIS
Choose the correct answer for each sentence. Click Check to see if you are right.
1. _______ is my phone. (in my hand)
2. _______ chair is comfortable. (right next to me)
3. _______ is my friend, Maria. (standing here)
4. I like _______ song. (the one playing now)
5. _______ tea is too hot. (in my cup)
Keep Going — You Are Building Something
You just learned this — the most useful word for pointing at something one centimetre from your nose.
But what if the thing is across the room? Or across the street? You cannot say “this” anymore. There is one short word that flips the meaning the moment something is too far to touch.
Next lesson: Demonstrative THAT — When and How to Use It
My name is Khamis Maiouf. I am the creator of the English Teacher Site, dedicated to providing valuable resources and insights for students around the world. With a passion for education and a commitment to helping students enhance their skills, I aim to make English teaching more effective and enjoyable for both educators and students.
