This points to one thing or person, these to several: this book, these books. The verb changes with them: This is my friend, but These are my friends. The main trap is treating This is as a fixed phrase for introducing anything, even a whole group of people.
this or these — can you pick the right one?
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this + singular/uncountable noun; these + plural noun; this is…; these are…
- This coffee is much stronger than the one we had yesterday.
- These shoes looked great online, but they're too small for me.
- Are these your keys on the kitchen table?
What changed
First versionThis is my new colleagues from the London office.
RevisionThese are my new colleagues from the London office.
The pointing word has to agree with who you're talking about. There are several colleagues, so it has to be these, and the verb follows: are, not is. The mistake comes from using This is as a set way to introduce people.
News, advice and information are uncountable in English, so they take this even when you mean several pieces: This news is great, not these news. The verb is singular too: This advice was useful.
Your turn
Could you pass me ___ scissors on the desk?
Show the answer
these — The word scissors is always plural in English, so it takes these. This doesn't go with it: for a single pair, you say this pair of scissors.
Write about something you bought: name several identical items and one single item. Use both this and these.
These plates were on sale, but this teapot cost more than all of them together.
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