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 essential service requires a source of cheap oil.
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 ethnicity differences caused conflict.
These postal workers are attending a training course on workplace violence.
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.
Are you against that accounting policy?
Use 'those' for a plural number of objects that are over there, or far from you.
Did those applicants receive acknowledgment letters?
Did we send those members an action alert?