Dear Cristina, and other Members,
The Portuguese mother was expecting to receive a bucket, full to the brim with water. Unfortunately, the daughter brings to her an insufficient quantity. The mother holds the bucket in her hands, looks at the small amount of water, and says in Portuguese: "Only this?"
What would an English native say in such a situation?
The short answer is: "We don �t know!"
We can offer only an opinion.
I can not speak for Australia, the USA, or other English-speaking lands. Other Members here have offered excellent opinions and advice regarding this Post.
However, the following comments are for the benefit of Beginners in English. They relate strictly to the use of the Demonstrative Pronouns and the Demonstrative Determiners.
"This", (singular); "These", (plural).
"That", (singular); "Those", (plural).
"This" and "That" refer to one person, animal, or thing.
"These" and "Those" refer to more than one person, animal, or thing.
"This" and "These" refer to objects which are close, (in space, time, or in text), to the Speaker/Writer.
"That" and "Those" refer to objects which are less close, (in space, time, or in text), to the Speaker/Writer.
The word "This" is in contrast to the word "That".
The word "These" is in contrast to the word "Those".
"This chocolate in my mouth is better than that chocolate on the table".
"These chocolates in my mouth are better than those chocolates on the table".
"This sandwich that I am eating is better than that sandwich I had yesterday".
"These sandwiches that I am eating are better than those sandwiches I had yesterday".
"This word I am reading now is longer than that word on the next page".
"These words I am reading now are longer than those words on the next page".
"This word you said just now has more syllables than that word you said earlier".
"These words you said just now have more syllables than those words you said earlier".
I hope that this helps.
Les
