Lesson 3 of 36 · beginner
This, That & Giving Instructions
Point things out with this, that, these, those — and tell someone what to do.
This and that
Use 'this' for one thing near you, and 'that' for one thing further away.
- This is my bag. (in my hand)
- That is my car. (across the road)
- This tea is too hot.
- Who is that man near the gate?
These and those
For more than one thing, 'this' becomes 'these' and 'that' becomes 'those'.
- These are my books.
- Those are the new flats.
- These mangoes are sweet.
- Those shoes look expensive.
Giving instructions
To tell someone to do something, use the base form of the verb with no subject at all. This is called the imperative.
- Sit down.
- Open the door, please.
- Turn left at the signal.
- Call me when you reach.
- Take the second box.
Saying 'do not' and asking politely
Put 'Don't' in front of the verb to tell someone not to do something. A bare instruction can sound rude to strangers, so soften it with 'please', or turn it into a question with 'Could you' or 'Would you'.
- Don't touch that switch.
- Don't worry about the money.
- Please wait here for five minutes.
- Could you pass me the salt?
- Would you mind closing the window?
More examples in context
Pointing at things and giving instructions are two of the first things you need in a shop, a kitchen, or a classroom.
- How much is this?
- I will take those two, please.
- Press this button to start the machine.
- Don't put the phone near the water.
- Give me that red one, not this one.
- Could you repeat that slowly?
Common mistakes to avoid
These are the errors learners make most often with demonstratives and instructions.
- ✗ This are my shoes. → ✓ These are my shoes.
- ✗ Those is my house. → ✓ That is my house.
- ✗ You sit down. → ✓ Sit down.
- ✗ Don't to worry. → ✓ Don't worry.
- ✗ Please to come inside. → ✓ Please come inside.
Quick practice
Fill each blank, then check your answer.
- ___ is my new phone. (one thing, in my hand) (answer: This)
- ___ are the children from next door. (answer: These / Those)
- ___ the light before you leave. (instruction) (answer: Switch off)
- ___ forget your umbrella. (negative instruction) (answer: Don't)
- Could you ___ me the menu? (answer: give / bring / pass)