Determines and Pronouns

this/that/these/those

This group of words refers to specific items or people, with their usage depending on the distance from the speaker and the number of items:

• "this" refers to a singular item close to the speaker.
  • Example: This book is interesting.
  • Example: This cake tastes good.
• "these" refers to multiple items close to the speaker.
  • Example: These shoes are new.
  • Example: These apples are fresh.
• "that" refers to a singular item farther from the speaker.
  • Example: That house is big.
  • Example: That shirt looks great.
• "those" refers to multiple items farther from the speaker.
  • Example: Those birds are noisy.
  • Example: Those cars are fast.

every and all

"every" and "all" are used to refer to the whole group or all members of a group:

• "every" refers to each member of a group individually.
  • Example: Every student passed the test.
  • Example: Every morning, I go for a walk.
• "all" refers to the entire group collectively.
  • Example: All students passed the test.
  • Example: All the books on the shelf are mine.

all, most, some, any, no/none

These words express different quantities or proportions of a group:

• "all" refers to the entire group.
  • Example: All children like to play.
  • Example: All the cookies were eaten.
• "most" refers to the majority of a group.
  • Example: Most people enjoy watching movies.
  • Example: Most of the work is done.
• "some" refers to an unspecified number or portion of a group.
  • Example: Some students didn't finish the assignment.
  • Example: Some apples are rotten.
• "any" is used in negative sentences or questions to indicate the possibility or presence of something.
  • Example: I don't have any money.
  • Example: Do you have any siblings?
• "no/none" indicates the absence of something.
  • Example: No one came to the party.
  • Example: None of the students failed the exam.

(a) little, (a) few

These words express small quantities:

• "(a) little" is used with uncountable nouns to indicate a small amount.
  • Example: I have little time to finish this task.
  • Example: She drinks a little coffee in the morning.
• "(a) few" is used with countable nouns to indicate a small number.
  • Example: I have a few friends in this city.
  • Example: He reads a few pages every day.

Try the quiz to figure out if you are comfortable with these!