Knowing how to correctly use the plural form of the demonstrative pronoun “this” is essential for clear, accurate English communication. Whether you are speaking or writing, choosing the right demonstrative helps your listener or reader understand exactly what you are referring to—one thing nearby, or many things nearby. Mastering this pluralization improves your grammar, avoids misunderstandings, and polishes your English skills.
This comprehensive guide covers everything from the basics of demonstrative pronouns to advanced nuances in plural usage. We will explain what the plural of this is, how and when to use it, common mistakes to avoid, and provide extensive examples and practice exercises. This article is perfect for ESL learners, students, teachers, writers, editors, or anyone aiming to improve their understanding and use of English demonstratives.
You will learn the definitions, grammar rules, sentence structures, typical errors, and advanced details about pluralizing this. There are over 50 categorized examples, numerous tables comparing forms and uses, detailed explanations, exercises with answer keys, and a thorough FAQ. Let’s get started on mastering the plural of “this”!
Table of Contents
- 3. Definition Section: What Is the Plural of “This”?
- 4. Structural Breakdown: How “This” Changes to “These”
- 5. Types or Categories of Usage
- 6. Examples Section: Plural of “This” in Action
- 7. Usage Rules for the Plural of “This”
- 8. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- 9. Practice Exercises
- 10. Advanced Topics
- 11. FAQ Section
- 12. Conclusion
3. Definition Section: What Is the Plural of “This”?
3.1. What is a Demonstrative Pronoun?
Demonstrative pronouns are words that point to specific people, objects, or ideas in a sentence. They show whether the noun is singular or plural, and whether it is near or far from the speaker.
In English, the four main demonstrative pronouns are:
- this (singular, near)
- that (singular, far)
- these (plural, near)
- those (plural, far)
Examples:
- This is my book. (one book close to me)
- Those are my friends. (several friends far away from me)
3.2. Singular vs. Plural Demonstrative Pronouns
English distinguishes between singular and plural demonstratives:
- Singular: this (near), that (far)
- Plural: these (near), those (far)
This is used for a single object close to the speaker:
This apple is sweet.
These is used for multiple objects close to the speaker:
These apples are sweet.
3.3. The Plural of “This”
The correct plural form of “this” is “these”.
Grammatically, “these” is a plural demonstrative pronoun and can also act as a demonstrative adjective (also called a determiner) modifying a plural noun.
It refers to multiple people, objects, or ideas that are close to the speaker either physically or conceptually.
Examples:
- These are fast cars. (pronoun)
- These shoes are comfortable. (demonstrative adjective)
3.4. Usage Contexts
“These” serves two main purposes:
- Pronoun: replaces a plural noun. These are delicious.
- Demonstrative adjective: appears before a plural noun. These cookies are delicious.
| Singular Near | Plural Near | Singular Far | Plural Far |
|---|---|---|---|
| this | these | that | those |
4. Structural Breakdown: How “This” Changes to “These”
4.1. Basic Pluralization Pattern
Unlike regular nouns where pluralization often involves adding -s or -es, “this” changes form entirely:
- Singular: this /ðɪs/
- Plural: these /ðiːz/
The vowel changes from /ɪ/ (short “i” sound) to /iː/ (long “ee” sound), and an “e” is added in spelling.
Listening tip: Practice distinguishing /ðɪs/ and /ðiːz/ by listening to native speakers or pronunciation tools online.
4.2. Position in Sentence
“These” can be used:
- Before plural nouns: These apples are sweet.
- As an independent pronoun: These are sweet.
| Singular Example | Plural Example |
|---|---|
| This is my pen. | These are my pens. |
| I like this cookie. | I like these cookies. |
| This student is smart. | These students are smart. |
| This problem is hard. | These problems are hard. |
4.3. Agreement with Verbs
Since “these” is plural, it requires plural verbs:
- Singular: This is easy.
- Plural: These are easy.
Always ensure subject-verb agreement when using demonstratives.
4.4. Pronunciation and Spelling Notes
- Spelling: “this” → “these” (add ‘e’ and change ‘i’ to ‘e’)
- Pronunciation: /ðɪs/ (short) vs. /ðiːz/ (long ‘ee’)
- Common mistake: Pronouncing “these” as /ðɪs/ — be sure to elongate the vowel sound
- Tip: Think of “these” rhyming with “cheese” (/tʃiːz/)
5. Types or Categories of Usage
5.1. Demonstrative Pronouns
Used alone to replace plural nouns:
- These are delicious.
- These look expensive.
5.2. Demonstrative Determiners (Adjectives)
Placed before plural nouns to specify which ones:
- These shoes fit perfectly.
- These students need help.
5.3. Formal and Informal Contexts
- Spoken English: Often accompanied by pointing or gestures. These are my friends. (pointing at friends nearby)
- Written English: Used for clarity or emphasis. These documents must be signed.
5.4. Abstract vs. Concrete Referents
- Concrete: These chairs are broken.
- Abstract: These ideas are revolutionary.
5.5. Temporal vs. Spatial Use
- Spatial (place): These people here are waiting.
- Temporal (time): These past few weeks have been busy.
6. Examples Section: Plural of “This” in Action
6.1. Simple Noun Phrases
- These cats are playful.
- These houses are old.
- These cars are expensive.
- These letters are important.
- These cookies are delicious.
6.2. Extended Noun Phrases
- These beautiful paintings are expensive.
- These old wooden chairs need repair.
- These interesting articles are worth reading.
- These three large boxes are heavy.
- These colorful summer dresses are on sale.
6.3. As Pronouns (No Noun Following)
- These are delicious.
- I like these.
- Are these yours?
- These belong to Sarah.
- These seem broken.
6.4. Abstract Nouns
- These feelings are new to me.
- These ideas could change everything.
- These emotions are difficult to control.
- These problems require attention.
- These opportunities are rare.
6.5. Questions and Answers
- Q: What are these?
- A: These are my keys.
- Q: Are these your glasses?
- A: Yes, these are mine.
- Q: Who are these people?
- A: These are my colleagues.
6.6. Negative Sentences
- These aren’t my shoes.
- These aren’t ready yet.
- These aren’t expensive.
- These aren’t yours.
- These don’t work.
6.7. Contrast with Singular
| Singular | Plural |
|---|---|
| This cat is cute. | These cats are cute. |
| This problem is simple. | These problems are simple. |
| This idea is interesting. | These ideas are interesting. |
| This car is fast. | These cars are fast. |
| This question is easy. | These questions are easy. |
6.8. Idiomatic Expressions
- All these years I never knew.
- These days people use smartphones.
- These kinds of problems are common.
- During these times we must be careful.
- These sorts of events happen often.
6.9. Formal vs. Informal Examples
- Formal: These documents must be signed.
- Formal: These results will be published soon.
- Informal: These are awesome!
- Informal: These look amazing!
- Informal: These are my new shoes.
6.10. Table 4: 50 Examples of “these” in sentences
| Context | Examples |
|---|---|
| People |
|
| Objects |
|
| Ideas/Abstract |
|
| Time |
|
| Questions |
|
| Negatives |
|
7. Usage Rules for the Plural of “This”
7.1. When to Use “These”
- Referring to more than one person, object, or idea that is close (physically or conceptually)
- Always with plural nouns: These shoes
- With plural verbs: These are
- In questions or statements about multiple nearby things
7.2. When Not to Use “These”
- Do not use with singular nouns: Incorrect: These book
- When referring to distant plural things, use those
- For singular far objects, use that
7.3. Subject-Verb Agreement
“These” pairs with plural verbs like “are,” “were,” “have,” “do,” etc. Never use singular verbs like “is,” “was,” “has,” “does.”
| Correct | Incorrect |
|---|---|
| These are my friends. | These is my friends. |
| These have arrived. | These has arrived. |
| These do not work. | These does not work. |
| These were broken. | These was broken. |
7.4. Common Exceptions and Variations
- In some dialects or informal speech, people might say them instead of those or these (non-standard): Them shoes are cool.
- Sometimes, these can refer to uncountable plural concepts: These waters are dangerous.
- But in standard English, use “these” only with countable plural nouns or plural ideas.
7.5. Special Contexts
- Emphasis: Look at these!
- Uncountable plural ideas: These waters (multiple bodies of water)
- With gestures: These (pointing to multiple objects nearby)
8. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
8.1. Using “This” with Plural Nouns
- Incorrect: This apples are fresh.
- Correct: These apples are fresh.
8.2. Using “These” with Singular Nouns
- Incorrect: These book is interesting.
- Correct: This book is interesting.
8.3. Subject-Verb Disagreement
- Incorrect: These is my friends.
- Correct: These are my friends.
8.4. Confusing “These” with “Those”
- Incorrect: These people over there.
- Correct: Those people over there.
- Incorrect: I like those cookies (on the table beside you).
- Correct: I like these cookies (near you).
8.5. Pronunciation Errors
- Saying /ðɪs/ for both singular and plural.
- Correct plural pronunciation: /ðiːz/
8.6. Table 6: Incorrect vs. Correct Usage Examples
| Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|
| This shoes are dirty. | These shoes are dirty. |
| These car is new. | This car is new. |
| These is my books. | These are my books. |
| These apple tastes good. | This apple tastes good. |
| This are my friends. | These are my friends. |
| These house is big. | This house is big. |
9. Practice Exercises
9.1. Fill-in-the-Blank
| Sentence | Answer |
|---|---|
| ___ are my new shoes. | These |
| ___ is my favorite shirt. | This |
| ___ cookies are delicious. | These |
| ___ are my classmates. | These |
| ___ book belongs to John. | This |
9.2. Error Correction
Identify and correct the mistakes.
- Mistake: These book are old. → Correction: These books are old.
- Mistake: This cars are fast. → Correction: These cars are fast.
- Mistake: These is my friends. → Correction: These are my friends.
- Mistake: These house is big. → Correction: This house is big.
- Mistake: This apples are sweet. → Correction: These apples are sweet.
9.3. Identification
Choose if this or these fits best:
- ____ students are intelligent. (Answer: These)
- ____ phone is new. (Answer: This)
- ____ are my parents. (Answer: These)
- ____ problem is difficult. (Answer: This)
- ____ flowers are beautiful. (Answer: These)
9.4. Sentence Construction
Change each singular sentence to plural:
- This dog is cute. → These dogs are cute.
- This child is happy. → These children are happy.
- This idea is good. → These ideas are good.
- This apple is green. → These apples are green.
- This question is important. → These questions are important.
9.5. Mixed Practice
Use “this” or “these” as appropriate:
- These shoes are comfortable.
- This is my favorite pen.
- These cookies taste great.
- This cake is delicious.
- These students passed the exam.
9.6. Advanced Practice
- These ideas could change everything.
- These days people rarely write letters.
- What are these?
- These aren’t the results we expected.
- All these years I never understood.
9.7. Include Answer Keys
Answer Key: Provided after each exercise with detailed explanations reinforcing singular/plural agreement and near/far distinctions.
10. Advanced Topics
10.1. Demonstratives in Complex Sentences
- These are the students who won the competition.
- These ideas, which you mentioned earlier, are excellent.
- These books that I bought yesterday are interesting.
10.2. Emphatic Use of “These”
- Look at these! (strong emphasis)
- These are exactly what I needed!
- These right here are the problem.
10.3. Dialectal and Register Variations
- In some dialects, “them” is used instead of those or these: Them shoes are nice. (Non-standard)
- In very formal register, these might be paired with more precise language, e.g., These aforementioned documents.
10.4. Historical Development of “These”
These comes from Old English plural demonstrative þās, related to this (singular) from þes.
Over time, English simplified its pronoun system, settling on this/these and that/those.
10.5. Cross-Linguistic Comparison
- Many languages have plural forms of demonstratives, e.g., Spanish este/estos, French ce/ces.
- Some languages like Japanese do not pluralize demonstratives explicitly.
- Understanding plural demonstratives helps ESL learners transfer similar concepts from their native tongue or learn new distinctions.
11. FAQ Section
- What is the plural of “this”?
The plural of “this” is “these”. - When should I use “these” instead of “this”?
Use “these” when referring to more than one person, object, or idea that is near in space or time. - Can “these” be used for people?
Yes, “these” can refer to multiple people close to the speaker: These are my friends. - What’s the difference between “these” and “those”?
“These” refers to plural things near the speaker, while “those” refers to plural things far from the speaker. - Is “these is” ever correct?
No. “These” is plural and requires a plural verb: “These are”. - Why is “this” incorrect with plural nouns?
Because “this” is singular. Using it with plural nouns causes disagreement. Use “these” instead. - Can “these” be used with uncountable nouns?
Usually no, but sometimes it refers to plural uncountable concepts, like these waters or these sands. - Are there exceptions to the pluralization rule?
No, in standard English, the plural of “this” is always “these”. Informally, dialects may vary. - How do I pronounce “these” correctly?
/ðiːz/ — with a long “ee” sound, rhyming with “cheese”. - Is “these” formal or informal?
It is neutral—suitable for both formal and informal contexts. - Can “these” be used at the beginning of a question?
Yes: Are these yours? - What are common mistakes with “these”?
Using it with singular nouns, wrong verb agreement (e.g., “these is”), confusing with “those”, and mispronunciation.
12. Conclusion
Understanding the plural form of “this”—which is always “these”—is fundamental to speaking and writing English accurately. It allows you to clearly refer to multiple nearby people or objects and to maintain correct subject-verb agreement.
Key takeaways:
- The plural of “this” is always “these”.
- Use “these” with plural nouns and plural verbs.
- Remember near (these) vs. far (those) distinction.
- Avoid common mistakes by checking noun number and verb agreement.
- Practice with examples and exercises to build confidence.
Keep practicing plural demonstratives in real sentences. Review related topics like demonstrative adjectives, plural noun rules, and subject-verb agreement.
The more you use them correctly, the more natural your English will become!