STEVEN, WHO IS THAT?

 Understanding the usage of "that" and "this" in English is important for expressing ideas clearly. Here's a guide to help you navigate the usage of these demonstrative pronouns:

1. Demonstrative Pronouns:

"This" is used to refer to something that is close in space or time.

Example: This book is interesting. (Referring to a book nearby)

"That" is used to refer to something that is more distant in space or time.

Example: I want to buy that car. (Referring to a car farther away)

2. Demonstrative Adjectives:

"This" and "that" can also function as demonstrative adjectives when used before a noun.

Example: I like this song. (Referring to a specific song)

Example: I don't like that movie. (Referring to a specific movie)

3. Time References:

"This" is often used for events or situations that are happening or about to happen.

Example: I can't believe this is happening.

"That" is used for events or situations that have already occurred or are in the past.

Example: I remember that day vividly.

4. Expressing Ideas:

"This" is commonly used to introduce an idea or topic.

Example: Let's talk about this new project.

"That" is used to refer back to an idea or topic that has already been mentioned.

Example: We discussed that issue yesterday.

5. Making Distinctions:

"This" is often used to make a distinction when presenting options.

Example: I prefer this option over the other.

"That" is used when referring to a specific option mentioned earlier or in the past.

Example: We can choose that approach we discussed last time.

6. Emphasis:

Using "this" can emphasize something in the present or the immediate context.

Example: I want this exact pen, not another one.

"That" can be used to emphasize something in the past or to create a sense of distance.

Example: I can't believe you said that to me.

Remember, the choice between "this" and "that" depends on the context of the conversation or writing, emphasizing either proximity or distance. It's always helpful to consider the relative location in space or time when deciding which one to use. 

Like "this" and "that," "these" and "those" are demonstrative pronouns and adjectives that help indicate the proximity or distance of objects or ideas in space or time. Here's how to use "these" and "those":

1. Demonstrative Pronouns:

"These" is used to refer to things that are close in space or time.

Example: I love these flowers. (Referring to flowers nearby)

"Those" is used to refer to things that are more distant in space or time.

Example: I can't reach those books on the top shelf. (Referring to books farther away)

2. Demonstrative Adjectives:

"These" and "those" can also function as demonstrative adjectives when used before a noun.

Example: I want to buy these shoes. (Referring to specific shoes nearby)

Example: I don't like those dresses. (Referring to specific dresses farther away)

3. Making Distinctions:

"These" is often used to make a distinction when presenting options that are close.

Example: I prefer these colors for the logo.

"Those" is used when referring to specific options that are more distant.

Example: I'll choose those books on the other side of the store.

4. Grouping Items:

"These" can be used to refer to items that are part of a group or set.

Example: I'll take these three cupcakes. (Pointing to specific cupcakes in a group)

"Those" can be used for items that are part of a different or more distant group.

Example: I don't like those over there; I prefer the ones on this side.

5. Time References:

"These" can be used for events or situations happening now or in the near future.

Example: I'm looking forward to these upcoming events.

"Those" can be used for events or situations that have already happened or are in the past.

Example: I still remember those days we spent together.

6. Emphasis:

Using "these" can emphasize something in the present or the immediate context.

Example: I need these tools right now.

"Those" can be used to emphasize something in the past or create a sense of distance.

Example: I can't believe you did those things last year.

Just like with "this" and "that," choosing between "these" and "those" depends on the context and the relative location of the objects or ideas in space or time.

"This," "that," "these," and "those" are demonstrative pronouns and adjectives in English that help indicate the relative proximity or distance of objects or ideas in space or time. Here's a breakdown of the differences between them:

This:

Demonstrative Pronoun (singular): Used to refer to a singular item or idea that is close in space or time.

Example: I like this book. (Referring to a book nearby)

Demonstrative Adjective (singular): Used before a noun to specify a particular item or idea that is close.

Example: I want this dress. (Referring to a specific dress nearby)

That:

Demonstrative Pronoun (singular): Used to refer to a singular item or idea that is more distant in space or time.

Example: I want to buy that car. (Referring to a car farther away)

Demonstrative Adjective (singular): Used before a noun to specify a particular item or idea that is more distant.

Example: I don't like that movie. (Referring to a specific movie farther away)

These:

Demonstrative Pronoun (plural): Used to refer to multiple items or ideas that are close in space or time.

Example: I love these flowers. (Referring to flowers nearby)

Demonstrative Adjective (plural): Used before a noun to specify multiple items or ideas that are close.

Example: I want to buy these shoes. (Referring to specific shoes nearby)

Those:

Demonstrative Pronoun (plural): Used to refer to multiple items or ideas that are more distant in space or time.

Example: I can't reach those books on the top shelf. (Referring to books farther away)

Demonstrative Adjective (plural): Used before a noun to specify multiple items or ideas that are more distant.

Example: I don't like those dresses. (Referring to specific dresses farther away)

In summary, the key differences lie in whether they are singular or plural and whether they refer to things that are close or distant. "This" and "these" are used for things that are close, while "that" and "those" are used for things that are more distant. Whether they are used as pronouns or adjectives depends on whether they stand alone or modify a noun.