THIS and THESE should not be pronounced the same way. They both have different vowel sounds. THIS has the short vowel /I/ while THESE has the long vowel /I:/. THIS is a singular demonstrative pronoun; it points to just one thing: This is my brother. THESE is a plural demonstrative pronoun; it points to two or more things: These are my brothers. TAKEAWAY: "If you're that depressed, reach out to someone. And remember, suicide is a permanent solution, to a temporary problem." ---Robin Williams