Mastering 'This', 'That', And 'Those': A Fun Worksheet

7 min read 11-16-2024

Mastering 'This', 'That', and 'Those': A Fun Worksheet

Understanding the use of 'this,' 'that,' and 'those' is essential for anyone looking to improve their English skills. These demonstrative pronouns help to indicate specific items or people in relation to their proximity to the speaker. In this article, we will explore the distinctions between these words and present engaging exercises to help you master their usage.

What Are 'This', 'That', and 'Those'?

Before diving into worksheets and exercises, it’s important to understand the roles that 'this,' 'that,' and 'those' play in English:

This: Refers to a singular noun that is close to the speaker.
- Example: This is my favorite book. 📚
That: Refers to a singular noun that is farther away from the speaker.
- Example: That is the house I grew up in. 🏡
Those: Refers to plural nouns that are farther away from the speaker.
- Example: Those are my friends over there. 👥

Understanding Proximity

A helpful way to remember these words is to think about proximity:

This is used for objects or people that are near you (singular).
That is for objects or people that are farther away (singular).
Those is for groups that are farther away (plural).

Quick Reference Table

Here’s a quick reference table to help solidify the differences:

<table> <tr> <th>Pronoun</th> <th>Number</th> <th>Distance</th> <th>Example</th> </tr> <tr> <td>This</td> <td>Singular</td> <td>Close</td> <td>This is a cat. 🐱</td> </tr> <tr> <td>That</td> <td>Singular</td> <td>Far</td> <td>That is a dog. 🐶</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Those</td> <td>Plural</td> <td>Far</td> <td>Those are birds in the sky. 🐦</td> </tr> </table>

Fun Worksheet Activities

Now, let's get to the fun part! Here are some engaging exercises you can do to practice using 'this,' 'that,' and 'those'.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with 'this,' 'that,' or 'those':

_____ is my favorite movie.
Can you see _____ car over there?
_____ are the cookies I baked yesterday.
I want to buy _____ dress in the window.
Look at _____ birds on the tree.

Exercise 2: Matching Game

Match the sentences with the correct pronouns:

_____ is the best pizza I’ve ever had.
I can’t believe _____ is happening!
Can you pass me _____ pen over there?
_____ are my favorite shoes.

Options:

a. that
b. this
c. those
d. those

Exercise 3: Sentence Creation

Create sentences using the following prompts. Use 'this,' 'that,' or 'those' as appropriate.

(a book you are holding) _____
(a car parked across the street) _____
(a group of friends) _____
(a flower in your hand) _____

Important Notes

"Remember, the key to mastering 'this,' 'that,' and 'those' is practice. The more you use these words in context, the more natural they will feel!"

Tips for Mastering 'This,' 'That,' and 'Those'

Practice Regularly: Use these words in your daily conversations or writing. The more you use them, the better you will become at knowing when to use each one.
Visual Aids: When learning, try to associate items with their pronouns. For example, hold an object close and say, "This is my pen," and then point to something across the room and say, "That is my computer."
Read and Listen: Engage with content in English. Pay attention to how native speakers use 'this,' 'that,' and 'those.'
Create Flashcards: Use flashcards with pictures and phrases to quiz yourself or have someone else quiz you.

Further Practice and Resources

Online Quizzes: There are many free resources available online to take quizzes that specifically focus on using 'this,' 'that,' and 'those.'
Group Activities: If you are studying with others, organize fun games where you describe objects using these pronouns.

Conclusion

Mastering 'this,' 'that,' and 'those' can be a fun and interactive process. With consistent practice and engaging exercises, you'll find yourself using these demonstrative pronouns with confidence in no time! 🎉 Embrace the challenge, have fun, and don't hesitate to make mistakes along the way. Happy learning!