✅ This
Singular. Use for one object near you.
Example: “This apple is red.”
✅ These
Plural. Use for multiple objects near you.
Example: “These apples are red.”
Confusion often arises when speaking or writing quickly, but the distinction between this and these is actually quite rigid in English grammar. Both words act as “pointers,” directing attention to something specific. The core difference lies entirely in numbers. If you are holding one item, you use this. If you are holding two or more, you switch to these.
Getting this right is crucial because it affects the verb you choose next. A mistake here causes a ripple effect, making the whole sentence sound awkward. Let’s break down the rules, the grammar behind them, and the specific contexts where people often slip up.
The Golden Rule of Proximity
Both “This” and “These” are used for things that are physically close to you (within reach) or happening in the present time.
The Core Difference: Singular vs. Plural
Think of this as a solitary spotlight. It focuses on a single entity. Conversely, these is a floodlight, covering a group of items. When you are pointing at something close enough to touch, your choice depends strictly on how many items are there.
This (Singular)
Used with singular nouns.
- ✅ This car is fast.
- ✅ I like this picture.
- ✅ Is this your pen?
These (Plural)
Used with plural nouns.
- ✅ These cars are fast.
- ✅ I like these pictures.
- ✅ Are these your pens?
Matching the Verb: “Is” vs. “Are”
The most common error isn’t just choosing the wrong word; it’s failing to match the verb that follows. Because this is singular, it usually pairs with singular verbs like is or has. Since these is plural, it pairs with plural verbs like are or have.
You can memorize this simple equation:
This + Is | These + Are
| Demonstrative | Verb Pair | Correct Sentence Example |
|---|---|---|
| This | Is / Has / Was | This is a difficult problem. |
| These | Are / Have / Were | These are difficult problems. |
❌ This are my friends. (Incorrect)
✅ These are my friends. (Correct)
Using “This” and “These” with Time
We do not only use these words for physical objects. We also use them to talk about time. The rule of proximity applies here too: we use them for time periods that are happening right now or are very close to the present.
This is used for specific blocks of time usually including the current moment:
- I am busy this week. (The week we are currently in)
- This morning was beautiful. (The morning of today)
These is often used for vague or plural time periods in the present:
- These days, people use smartphones for everything. (Current era)
- I have been tired these past few weeks. (Plural weeks)
Telephone and Introductions
English has a unique quirk when you introduce people or identify yourself on the phone. Even though you are a person (singular), the usage changes slightly depending on context.
1. On the Phone
When you answer the phone, you never say “I am [Name].” You use this.
📞 “Hello, this is Sarah speaking.”
If you are asking who is on the other end, you ask:
📞 “Who is this?” or “Is this Mark?”
2. Introducing Others
When introducing people to one another, use this for one person and these for groups.
- “John, this is my brother, Mike.”
- “John, these are my parents.”
Demonstrative Adjectives vs. Pronouns
You might hear grammarians talk about adjectives and pronouns. While the terminology sounds technical, the practical usage is straightforward. Both words can function as either.
As an Adjective: The word sits directly before a noun to describe it.
- This book is heavy. (Points to a specific book)
- These shoes are tight. (Points to specific shoes)
As a Pronoun: The word stands alone, replacing the noun entirely.
- This is heavy. (We know we are talking about the book)
- These are tight. (We know we are talking about the shoes)
Is it “This one” or “These ones”?
We often add the word “one” to make a choice clearer.
Singular: “I don’t like that shirt, I prefer this one.”
Plural: “I don’t like those shoes, I prefer these ones.” (Note: In formal US English, simply saying “I prefer these” is often preferred over “these ones,” but both are widely understood).
Summary of Differences
To ensure you always choose the right word, review this quick comparison chart. It breaks down the grammatical function and the count.
| Feature | This | These |
|---|---|---|
| Count | Singular (1) | Plural (2+) |
| Distance | Near / Here | Near / Here |
| Verb Agreement | Is / Has / Was | Are / Have / Were |
| Example | This is new. | These are new. |
When you are writing, if you are unsure which one to use, simply look at the noun you are talking about. Is there an “s” at the end (books, days, ideas)? If so, you likely need these. If the noun is singular (book, day, idea), stick with this.
