Learning the difference between this and these helps children describe objects correctly and build stronger sentences. These words are called demonstratives because they point to people, places, animals, or things.
This worksheet is designed for Grade 1 students who are learning when to use this and these in everyday sentences.
What Is the Difference Between This and These?
We use this when talking about one person, place, animal, or thing.
Examples:
- This is my pencil.
- This is a flower.
- This is my backpack.
We use these when talking about more than one person, place, animal, or thing.
Examples:
- These are my pencils.
- These are flowers.
- These are my books.
Easy Trick to Remember
| Word | Use It For |
|---|---|
| This | One thing |
| These | More than one thing |
Example
🖍 One crayon → This is a crayon.
🖍🖍🖍 Many crayons → These are crayons.
Practice Together
Choose the correct word.
- _____ is my hat.
- _____ are my shoes.
- _____ is a dog.
- _____ are flowers.
- _____ is my teacher.
Answers:
- This
- These
- This
- These
- This
Common Mistakes
❌ These is my pencil.
✅ This is my pencil.
❌ This are my books.
✅ These are my books.
❌ This are apples.
✅ These are apples.
Why Learn This and These?
Learning demonstratives helps children:
- Build complete sentences
- Improve grammar skills
- Describe objects correctly
- Become more confident readers and writers
Teaching Tips for This and These
Young learners often understand the difference between one and many before they fully understand grammar terms. When teaching this and these, start with real objects that children can see and touch.
Use Classroom Objects
Hold up one pencil and say:
This is a pencil.
Then hold up several pencils and say:
These are pencils.
Repeat with other familiar objects such as books, crayons, markers, erasers, or blocks.
Point and Say
Ask children to point to one object in the room and complete the sentence:
This is a _____.
Then ask them to point to several objects and complete:
These are _____.
This simple activity helps students connect the words to real-life situations.
Use Pictures
Picture cards work well for visual learners.
Show:
- One apple → This is an apple.
- Three apples → These are apples.
Encourage students to explain why they chose this or these.
Practice During Reading Time
When reading picture books together, pause and ask questions such as:
- What is this?
- What are these?
Students can answer using complete sentences.
Encourage Complete Sentences
Instead of accepting one-word answers, encourage children to say:
✅ This is a cat.
✅ These are cats.
Using complete sentences strengthens both grammar and speaking skills.
Skills Practiced in This Worksheet
This worksheet helps students practice:
- Demonstratives
- Singular and plural nouns
- Sentence building
- Reading comprehension
- Writing complete sentences
- Basic grammar skills
What Students Should Know Before This Lesson
Children may find this worksheet easier if they already understand:
- One and many
- Singular and plural nouns
- Basic sentence structure
If students are new to grammar, start with simple noun activities before introducing demonstratives.
Extension Activity
After completing the worksheet, invite students to walk around the classroom or home and write:
- 3 sentences using this
- 3 sentences using these
For example:
- This is my backpack.
- This is a blue crayon.
- This is my book.
- These are my shoes.
- These are pencils.
- These are flowers.
This real-world practice helps children remember the difference long after the worksheet is finished.
Free Grade 1 This and These Worksheet
Use the printable worksheet below to practice:
- Choosing between this and these
- Completing sentences
- Matching pictures to sentences
- Writing your own examples
This activity is perfect for classroom lessons, homework, centers, and homeschool practice.
Related Grammar Worksheets
- This, That, These, Those Worksheets (Free Printable PDF)
- Am, Is, and Are Helping Verbs for Grade 1
- Nouns Worksheets for Grade 1
- Grade 2 Plural Nouns Worksheet – Free Printable PDF
- Verbs Worksheets for Grade 1
- Sentence Structure Worksheets
- Punctuation Worksheets
FAQ
What is the difference between this and these?
Use this for one person, animal, place, or thing. Use these for more than one.
What grade learns this and these?
Many students begin learning this and these in Grade 1 as part of grammar and sentence-building lessons.
Are this and these demonstratives?
Yes. They are demonstrative words that point to specific people, places, animals, or things.
How can children practice this and these?
Children can practice by identifying one object or many objects and choosing the correct word to complete a sentence.
Learning this and these helps children understand actions and build clear, meaningful sentences. With simple practice and fun activities, Grade 1 kids can confidently identify demonstratives and use them correctly in their everyday speaking and writing.
If you found this worksheet helpful, feel free to save it, print it, or share it with other parents and teachers
Happy learning!
If you’re looking for more learning worksheets for early elementary children, you can explore our growing collection of skill-based practice resources designed for ages 5–8. From language and reading skills to simple grammar concepts, these worksheets are created to support gentle, stress-free learning at home.
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