These or This :Easy Guide + Examples📝

The correct answer is: use this for one thing and these for more than one thing. Many people search for “these or this” because English has two similar-looking words that confuse learners. When you speak or write, you want to sound natural and correct.

Using the wrong word can make a sentence sound odd or wrong. This confusion is common in emails, school essays, social media posts, and even job applications.

This article explains the difference clearly, with examples and advice for British vs American English. By the end, you will always choose the right word.

Table of Contents

These or This: Quick Answer

Use this when you talk about one thing. Use these when you talk about more than one thing.

Examples:

This is my phone. ✅
These are my phones. ✅
This book is good. ✅
These books are good. ✅

Quick rule:

This = singular (1 item)
These = plural (2 or more items)

The Origin of These or This

Word History and Why It Confuses Learners

Both this and these come from Old English demonstrative words. In Old English, words were more complex and changed form depending on grammar, gender, and number.

Over time, the language became simpler, but the basic idea stayed the same.

This comes from Old English þis, meaning this one.
These comes from Old English þēs, meaning these ones.

Why the Confusion Exists

The confusion happens because:

They sound similar.
People mix them in fast speech.
Some learners translate directly from their native language. where singular/plural rules may differ.
In casual speech, people sometimes use ‘this’ for multiple items, which is not correct but common in some dialects.

British English vs American English Spelling

Are “these” and “this” Different in US and UK?

No. British English and American English use the same spelling for this and these. The rules are the same too.

Comparison Table

FeatureBritish EnglishAmerican EnglishThisUsed for singularUsed for singularTheseUsed for pluralUsed for pluralPronunciationSimilarSimilarMeaningSameSame

So, you can use this and these in both US and UK English without worrying about spelling differences.

Which Spelling Should You Use?

Audience-Based Advice

Even though spelling is the same, the best choice depends on your audience.

For US Readers

Use:

This for one thing
These for more than one thing

For UK Readers

Same rule:

This for singular
These for plural

For Global English

If you write for a global audience:

Use this and these correctly.
Avoid slang or regional speech that mixes the two.

Best rule: always match the word to the number of objects.

Common Mistakes with These or This

Mistake 1: Using this for multiple items

❌ This books are new. ✅ These books are new.

Mistake 2: Using these for one item

❌ These is my phone. ✅ This is my phone.

Mistake 3: Confusing with “that” or “those”

That = singular but far away
Those = plural but far away
This = singular and close
These = plural and close

Example:

This chair is mine. (close)
That chair is yours. (far)
These chairs are ours. (close)
Those chairs are theirs. (far)

Mistake 4: Using this in formal writing for plural items

In essays and business writing, always use correct grammar.

These or This in Everyday Examples

1. Emails

This is the report you asked for.
These are the files attached to the email.

2. News Writing

This case shows a new trend.
These cases show a national pattern.

3. Social Media

This is my new phone!
These are my favorite photos from the trip.

4. Formal Writing

This policy will improve efficiency.
These policies must be reviewed.

These or This: Google Trends & Usage Data

Popularity and Search Context

People search “these or this” most often because:

They are learning English.
They are unsure about grammar rules.
They want to write correctly for school or work.

Which Countries Search This Most?

India
Pakistan
Philippines
Nigeria
USA
UK

These countries have large English-learning populations.

Context of Usage

School assignments
English exams
Writing emails
Social media posts
Business writing

The trend shows that grammar questions like this stay popular because they are basic but important.

FAQs

1. Can I use this for plural?

No. This is only for singular items.

2. Can these be used for one thing?

No. These is only for plural items.

3. Is “these” more formal than “this”?

No. Both are equally formal. The difference is only number.

4. What is the difference between this and that?

This = close to the speaker
That = far from the speaker

5. What is the difference between these and those?

These = close and plural
Those = far and plural

6. Is “these” used only for objects?

No. You can use these for people, ideas, or situations.

Example:

These people are kind.
These ideas are useful.

7. How do I remember the rule?

This = 1, These = 2+

Conclusion

Choosing between these or this is simple once you remember the basic rule: this is singular, these is plural. This difference matters in everyday communication, school writing, and professional work. Using the wrong word can make your sentence sound incorrect or confusing.

The good news is that there is no spelling difference between British and American English. Both forms are correct and widely accepted. The only thing that matters is the number of items you are talking about.

If you are writing for a global audience, always use this for one item and these for multiple items. This rule works everywhere and helps you sound confident and accurate.

If you are sending an email, writing an essay, or posting on social media, correct grammar builds trust and clarity. So remember: this = one, these = many.

Practice with real sentences, and soon it will become natural. Your writing will look professional, clear, and correct every time.