This and these are demonstratives, which means they indicate a specific noun in a sentence. They’re both important words in the English language. Many people mix up this and these because they both refer to nouns that are near in space and time. So what exactly is the difference between this vs these ? The short answer is that this is used with singular or uncountable nouns (e.g. this egg), while these refers to plural nouns (e.g. these cookies). This article will explain the difference ... Demonstratives point to people or things in context. In English, they include this, that, these , those, and act as pronouns or determiners. This, that, these, those - English Grammar Today - a reference to written and spoken English grammar and usage - Cambridge Dictionary Definition of these in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.