Demonstratives are essential components of the English language that allow us to specify and distinguish objects, people, or ideas in relation to the speaker's position. At the A2 Intermediate level, understanding and using demonstratives such as "this," "that," "these," and "those" can greatly enhance your communication skills. Let's delve into how these words function, their uses, and some practical examples to solidify your understanding.
Firstly, let's define the demonstratives:
- This: Used to refer to a singular noun that is close to the speaker.
- That: Used to refer to a singular noun that is far from the speaker.
- These: Used for plural nouns that are close to the speaker.
- Those: Used for plural nouns that are far from the speaker.
The choice between these words depends on both the number (singular or plural) and the proximity (near or far) of the noun being referred to.
Usage of "This" and "These"
"This" and "these" are used to indicate objects or people that are physically near the speaker. They can also be used to introduce or highlight something in the immediate context or present time.
Examples:
- This book is very interesting. (The book is near the speaker.)
- Can you pass me this pen? (The pen is within reach.)
- These cookies are delicious. (The cookies are close and can be touched.)
- I love these shoes. (The shoes are nearby.)
In conversations, "this" and "these" can also refer to ideas or experiences that are current or ongoing:
- This is a wonderful opportunity. (Referring to a current situation.)
- I'm enjoying these moments with my family. (Referring to the present period.)
Usage of "That" and "Those"
"That" and "those" are used to point out objects or people that are at a distance from the speaker, either physically or metaphorically. They can also refer to something that is not part of the immediate context or is in the past or future.
Examples:
- That mountain is beautiful. (The mountain is far from the speaker.)
- Do you remember that day at the beach? (Referring to a past event.)
- Those houses look expensive. (The houses are not near the speaker.)
- What are those people doing over there? (The people are at a distance.)
Similarly, "that" and "those" can refer to ideas or experiences that are not current or are more abstract:
- That was a great movie we saw last week. (Referring to a past experience.)
- I'm not sure about those decisions we made. (Referring to past decisions.)
Demonstratives in Questions
Demonstratives can also be used in questions to seek clarification or to draw attention to specific items or ideas:
- What is this? (Asking about a nearby object.)
- Who are those people? (Inquiring about people at a distance.)
- Is that your car? (Confirming the identity of a distant object.)
- Are these your keys? (Verifying ownership of nearby items.)
Using Demonstratives with Time
Demonstratives can also indicate time, helping to distinguish between present, past, and future contexts:
- This week has been very busy. (Referring to the current week.)
- I will start my new job this Monday. (Referring to the upcoming Monday.)
- We visited them that summer. (Referring to a specific past summer.)
- We plan to travel those days next year. (Referring to specific days in the future.)
Common Mistakes and Tips
Even at the intermediate level, learners might confuse when to use each demonstrative. Here are some tips to avoid common mistakes:
- Always consider the distance: Use "this" and "these" for things near you, and "that" and "those" for things farther away.
- Remember the number: "This" and "that" are for singular nouns, while "these" and "those" are for plural nouns.
- Practice with real objects: Physically point to objects around you and describe them using the correct demonstrative.
- Use visual aids: Draw or use pictures to practice distinguishing between "this," "that," "these," and "those."
By consistently practicing the use of demonstratives in everyday conversations, you will become more adept at expressing yourself clearly and accurately. Remember, the key is to observe the context and apply the appropriate demonstrative based on proximity and number. Over time, using these words will become second nature, enhancing your overall fluency in English.
In conclusion, mastering demonstratives is a crucial step in advancing your English skills. They not only help in specifying objects and ideas but also in making your speech more precise and engaging. As you continue to practice and incorporate these words into your vocabulary, you'll find that your ability to communicate effectively in English will significantly improve.
