This Questions vs. These Questions – Which is Correct?
The correct phrase is these questions when you mean more than one question. This questions is grammatically incorrect because this is singular while questions is plural. Use this question for one question and these questions for two or more questions in standard English. This agreement keeps writing clear and professional.
This Questions or These Questions – Which is Correct?
These questions is the correct phrase when referring to multiple questions. This questions is incorrect in standard English because the singular demonstrative this cannot modify the plural noun questions.
The error is not a spelling mistake in either individual word. It is a number-agreement error. Demonstrative words must agree with the nouns they describe:
- This question: one question
- These questions: two or more questions
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
Use the one-versus-many swap test. If the noun is singular, use this: “this question.” If the noun is plural, change this to these: “these questions.” The ending -se in these can help you remember that it belongs with a plural noun.
| Word or Phrase | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| this questions | Incorrect phrase | Incorrectly combines a singular demonstrative with a plural noun | Please do not write, “I have answered this questions.” |
| these questions | Demonstrative determiner and plural noun | More than one question being identified or discussed | I will answer these questions in order. |
How to Use These Questions
Use these questions to refer to two or more questions that are nearby in a document, conversation, presentation, or physical setting. The word these may indicate questions that have just been mentioned, are about to be mentioned, or are visible to the reader or listener.
The phrase works in casual, academic, professional, and formal writing. It is especially common when introducing a list of questions, responding to an inquiry, or directing attention to questions in an email or assignment.
Example 1: These questions will help us understand the customer’s needs.
Example 2: Please review these questions before the interview.
Example 3: The researcher addressed these questions in the final section of the report.
What Are the Different Forms of These Questions?
The phrase changes according to both the number of questions and the distance or context being indicated:
- This question: one nearby or currently relevant question
- These questions: multiple nearby or currently relevant questions
- That question: one more distant or previously mentioned question
- Those questions: multiple more distant or previously mentioned questions
The noun question has the regular plural form questions. The demonstrative these is the plural form associated with the singular word this.
Etymology of the Words in These Questions
These comes from Old English forms related to this, a demonstrative word used to identify something nearby. Question entered English through Anglo-French from Latin quaestio, meaning “a seeking,” “inquiry,” or “investigation.” The plural ending -s in questions follows the regular English pattern for forming plural nouns.
Related Concepts
Understanding demonstratives and grammatical number makes it easier to choose between this question and these questions.
- Demonstrative determiners: Words such as this, that, these, and those identify particular people, objects, or ideas. They indicate both number and, traditionally, relative distance.
- Singular and plural agreement: A singular determiner must describe a singular noun, while a plural determiner must describe a plural noun. Therefore, “this question” and “these questions” are correct combinations.
- Countable nouns: A question is a countable noun, so it can refer to one question or several questions. Its regular plural form is made by adding -s.
- Subject-verb agreement: This is a broader agreement principle in English. Like determiners and nouns, subjects and verbs must also match in number.
Examples from Media and Literature
The phrase these questions appears naturally whenever writers or speakers refer to a group of issues, inquiries, or problems.
- News reporting: A political article may state that a public inquiry is expected to answer these questions about responsibility and oversight.
- Documentaries: A narrator may introduce a historical investigation by saying that these questions remain unresolved.
- Academic books: An author may use “these questions” after presenting several research problems in an introductory chapter.
- Fiction: In a novel, a character discussing a mystery might say that these questions cannot be ignored any longer.
- Film dialogue: During an interview or courtroom scene, a speaker may refer to these questions when responding to several challenges at once.
These Questions Synonyms
| Synonym or Alternative | Definition |
|---|---|
| the questions mentioned | Questions that have already been referred to |
| the questions below | Questions appearing later in a document or message |
| those questions | Multiple questions viewed as more distant or previously discussed |
| the inquiries | A more formal alternative for questions or requests for information |
| these points | An alternative when referring to issues or matters rather than literal questions |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “this questions” grammatically correct?
No. “This questions” is incorrect because this is singular and questions is plural. Use “this question” for one question or “these questions” for more than one.
Question 2: Should I write “this question” or “these questions”?
Write “this question” when referring to one question. Write “these questions” when referring to two or more questions.
Question 3: Is “these questions” formal or casual?
“These questions” is grammatically neutral and suitable for casual conversation, emails, academic writing, business communication, and formal reports.
Question 4: What is the difference between “these questions” and “those questions”?
“These questions” usually refers to questions that are nearby, current, or immediately relevant. “Those questions” often refers to questions that are more distant, previously discussed, or less immediately connected to the present situation.
Question 5: Can “questions” ever follow “this”?
Not when questions is functioning as a plural noun. However, a different sentence structure may place the words next to each other accidentally, such as “This questions whether the plan is practical,” where questions is a verb, not a noun.
Conclusion
Use these questions when referring to multiple questions, and use this question when referring to only one. The phrase this questions contains a number-agreement error because singular this does not match plural questions. Pro Tip: Checking demonstrative-noun agreement before submitting professional writing helps protect your credibility and makes your communication sound polished.
