Understanding Singular and Plural Nouns and Demonstrative Pronouns
The English language has specific rules and structures to indicate number (whether we are talking about one or more than one). Two key grammar topics related to number are nouns (singular and plural) and demonstrative pronouns such as this, that, these, and those. Mastering these is essential for clear and correct communication.
1. Singular and Plural Nouns
A noun is a word that names a person, place, thing, or idea. Nouns can be either singular (referring to one item) or plural (referring to more than one item).
Singular Nouns
A singular noun names just one person, place, thing, or idea.
Examples:
- cat
- apple
- car
- woman
- house
Example Sentences:
- The cat is sleeping on the couch.
- I ate an apple for breakfast.
- She bought a new car yesterday.
Plural Nouns
A plural noun refers to more than one of something. In most cases, you form the plural by adding -s or -es to the singular noun. However, there are also irregular plural forms.
Regular Plural Rules:
- Add -s to most nouns:
- dog → dogs
- book → books
- Add -es to nouns that end in -s, -x, -z, -ch, or -sh:
- bus → buses
- box → boxes
- brush → brushes
- Change -y to -ies if preceded by a consonant:
- baby → babies
- party → parties
(but toy → toys because “y” is preceded by a vowel)
- Add -ves for some nouns ending in -f or -fe:
- leaf → leaves
- knife → knives
(but roof → roofs)
- Irregular plurals:
- man → men
- child → children
- mouse → mice
- foot → feet
Example Sentences:
- The dogs are barking loudly.
- We packed three boxes for the move.
- The babies are sleeping.
- I sharpened all the knives.
- The children are playing in the park.
2. Demonstrative Pronouns: This, That, These, Those
Demonstrative pronouns are used to point out specific things or people. They help indicate which one(s) you’re talking about and can show whether the item is singular or plural, and whether it’s near or far from the speaker.
This and These
These are used for things that are near in distance or time.
- This is singular.
- These is plural.
Examples:
- This book is interesting. (one book close to the speaker)
- These cookies are delicious. (multiple cookies close to the speaker)
Example Sentences:
- I like this dress a lot. (the dress is near or currently being discussed)
- Can you hold this for me?
- These shoes are perfect for the party.
- Are these your keys?
That and Those
These are used for things that are far in distance or time.
- That is singular.
- Those is plural.
Examples:
- That car is very fast. (one car, far away or not in the immediate context)
- Those mountains look beautiful. (multiple mountains, far away)
Example Sentences:
- I don’t like that movie. (a movie seen before or mentioned earlier)
- Can you see that bird on the tree?
- Those people are waiting for the bus.
- Those cookies look burnt.
Combining Nouns and Demonstratives
Let’s see how singular/plural nouns work together with this, that, these, and those.
| Demonstrative | Number | Distance | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| this | singular | near | This apple is sweet. |
| that | singular | far | That apple was rotten. |
| these | plural | near | These apples are fresh. |
| those | plural | far | Those apples are overripe. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the wrong demonstrative with the noun number:
- ❌ This apples are good. → ✅ These apples are good.
- ❌ Those book is mine. → ✅ That book is mine.
- Incorrect plural spelling:
- ❌ Childs → ✅ Children
- ❌ Mouses → ✅ Mice
- Misunderstanding near vs. far:
- This and these refer to something the speaker could touch or just mentioned.
- That and those refer to things at a distance in space or time.
Practice Sentences
Here are several sentences using the concepts together:
- This dog is very friendly.
- These chairs are uncomfortable.
- That building is a hospital.
- Those books belong to the library.
- I don’t like those shoes – they’re too tight.
- This phone needs charging.
- These flowers are for you.
- Can you pass me that pencil?
- Look at those clouds – it might rain.
- That woman is our teacher.
Why It Matters
Correctly using singular and plural nouns and demonstrative pronouns is essential for:
- Clarity – so your listener knows exactly how many things and which ones you’re talking about.
- Grammatical accuracy – especially in writing and formal speaking.
- Better expression – helping you sound natural and fluent in English.
Conclusion
Understanding singular and plural nouns helps us count and describe objects properly. Using this, that, these, and those lets us point out and describe things more precisely. These grammar tools work together to make your communication clear, accurate, and effective.
To summarize:
- Singular nouns refer to one item. Plural nouns refer to more than one.
- This (singular, near), that (singular, far), these (plural, near), and those (plural, far) are demonstrative pronouns that help point to specific nouns.
