That versus those

[osama]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #170 "this, that, these, those", question 8

The pilot calmly steered us through ......... big cloud.

(a) this
(b) that
(c) these
(d) those

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #170 "this, that, these, those", answer 8

The pilot calmly steered us through that big cloud.

Correct answer: (b) that

Your answer was: incorrect
The pilot calmly steered us through those big cloud.
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could you tell me why that not those ?

osama

[Conchita]

Only one cloud is mentioned, so the singular 'that' is needed. You could use 'those' for more than one cloud: those big clouds.

[Ewa S]

Why not "this", the cloud must have been pretty close, if the pilot steered through it ? Is it about distance in time ?
Thanks in advance.

Ewa

[Alan]

Hi,

Remember that the pilot steered us 'through' the cloud and that means the steering is now finished and the cloud must now be behind. In that case it is no longer 'this cloud here' but 'that cloud there'.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Are you a Persuader?

[Ewa S]

Hi Alan,

This makes perfect sense. Thanks

Ewa