Demonstratives: This, That, These, and Those: correct answers
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Demonstrative words help us point out specific items based on their distance from the speaker and their quantity. For example, you use "this" for a single item close to you ("this textbook") and "those" for multiple items further away ("those dolls over there").
In this challenge, you will practice choosing the correct demonstrative pronoun or adjective across a variety of imaginative scenarios. You will determine whether objects are near or far, and singular or plural, while helping a wizard go shopping, spotting a UFO while stargazing, navigating a time traveler's adventures, and sorting out a messy roommate's bedroom.
You'll work through 11 questions featuring a mix of single-choice, multi-choice, drop-down, and drag-and-drop formats.
Try the quiz to check your knowledge!
Correct answers
Question 1
The correct answers are Take these potatoes here and put them with those carrots over there. and Take this potato here and put it with that carrot over there.
This/These go with objects near you (indicated by the word "here").
That/Those go with objects far from you (indicated by the phrase "over there").
The incorrect options either mismatch the near/far words (using "those" for "here") or mismatch singular/plural grammar ("these potato").
Question 2
Help the confused time-traveler complain about modern technology by matching the correct words to the blanks.
"I can't figure out how to use this glowing rectangle in my hand, but the man drinking coffee at that table by the window seems to be talking to his!"
"I can't figure out how to use this glowing rectangle in my hand..."
We use this for a singular object (a smartphone/rectangle) that is very close to the speaker ("in my hand").
"...but the man drinking coffee at that table by the window seems to be talking to his!"
We use that for a singular object or location (a table) that is further away from the speaker ("by the window").
Question 3
Complete the shopper's monologue by choosing the right words for each gap.
"I really like these weird sunglasses I'm holding, but look at those creepy dolls on the top shelf across the room!"
"I really like these weird sunglasses I'm holding..."
We use these for plural items (sunglasses) that are physically close to the speaker ("I'm holding").
"...but look at those creepy dolls on the top shelf across the room!"
We use those for plural items (dolls) that are distant from the speaker ("across the room").
Question 4
Help the terrified babysitter identify the creepy objects across the room.
"Do you see _____ porcelain dolls staring at us from the top shelf over there?" whispered Mark, slowly backing out of the room.
The correct answer is those.
We use "those" to refer to plural objects that are far away from the speaker in space (like dolls on a top shelf across the room). "These" would be used if the dolls were right next to him!
Question 5
Help the frantic baker organize the kitchen by choosing the correct words for each blank.
"Can you hand me that bowl over there on the counter? And please take these burnt cookies right here out of my sight!"
"Can you hand me that bowl over there on the counter?"
We use that for a singular object (bowl) that is far away from the speaker ("over there").
"And please take these burnt cookies right here out of my sight!"
We use these for plural objects (cookies) that are close to the speaker ("right here").
Question 6
I promise you, this shirt I am wearing right now is completely clean.
We use this for a singular object that is very close to the speaker (a shirt they are currently wearing).
However, I wouldn't touch those socks over there in the dark corner...
We use those for plural objects ("socks") that are at a distance from the speaker ("over there in the dark corner").
Question 7
The correct answers are I think I will buy these wands. and I think I will buy this wand.
Use this for a single object that is near you.
Use these for multiple objects that are near you.
"These wand" and "this wands" mix up singular and plural forms, so they are incorrect!
Question 8
Finish the brave roommate's sentence as he offers his latest culinary invention.
"Would you care to try one of _____?" asked Leo, proudly holding out a tray of cupcakes that smelled faintly of garlic and despair.
The correct answer is these.
"These" acts as a pronoun here, referring to plural items that are physically close to the speaker (the cupcakes on the tray he is currently holding).
Question 9
Complete the exhausted college student's complaint about her backpack weight.
"I don't know why the professor assigned _____ massive textbook," groaned Sarah, dropping the 10-pound book directly onto her desk with a loud thud.
The correct answer is this.
"This" is used for a singular object that is physically close to the speaker (like a book she was just holding and dropped on her own desk). "That" would be used if the book were far away.
Question 10
Look at these freshly baked croissants right here in my hands!
We use these for plural nouns ("croissants") that are close to the speaker ("in my hands").
On the other hand, you should completely ignore that terrible bakery across the street—their bread is always stale!
We use that for singular nouns ("bakery") that are far away from the speaker ("across the street").
Question 11
The correct answers are Look at that glowing spaceship! and Look at those glowing spaceships!
Use that for a single object that is far away (like a spaceship in the sky!).
Use those for multiple objects that are far away.
You cannot pair a singular demonstrative ("that" or "this") with a plural noun ("spaceships").