Pointing Something Out
This, That, These, Those
Use 'this' in the singular for one object or a noncount noun for something that is at hand, or 'here' - close to you.
This is one of many watchdog organizations in New Jersey.
This is a blatant case of ethnic cleansing.
Use 'these' for a plural number of objects that are at hand, or 'here' - close to you.
These workplace standards are never enforced.
The executive committee raised these issues for discussion.
Use 'that' in the singular for one object or a noncount noun for something that is over there, or far from you.
The expatriates wanted to participate in that election.
The additional expenditures were necessary in order to support that project.
Use 'those' for a plural number of objects that are over there, or far from you.
Did we send those members an action alert?
The facilitator was paying enough attention to those questions.