Demonstrative words – this, that, these, those – are words that show which person or thing is being referred to. There are two types of demonstratives: demonstrative pronouns and demonstrative adjectives. Basically, demonstrative pronouns replace a noun; while demonstrative adjectives modify a noun. Let’s take a closer look to demonstratives in English!
Demonstrative Pronouns – Replace a Noun
Demonstrative pronouns are words that can be used in place of a noun or a noun phrase or even pronoun. As mentioned before, there are four demonstrative pronouns in English: this, that, these, and those. They are being used differently according to the distance (near or far) and the number (singular or plural). For the usage of each demonstrative pronoun, use the followings:
| Singular | Plural | |
| Near to the Speaker | This | These |
| Far to the Speaker | That | Those |
Examples:
This is my pen.
[singular, is closer to the speaker rather than the listener]
That is your pen.
[singular, is closer to the listener rather than the speaker]
These are my pens.
[plural, are closer to the speaker rather than the listener]
Those are your pens.
[plural, are closer to the listener rather than the speaker]
Read: The Difference between Complete vs Finish
Demonstrative Adjectives – Modify a Noun
In fact, both demonstrative pronouns and adjectives use the same demonstrative words. Similarly, the usage of this, that, these, and those are used according to the distance (near or far) and the number (singular or plural). However, demonstrative adjectives are noun modifier, which is always used before a noun or noun phrase.
Structure: Demonstrative Pronouns + Noun
| Singular | Plural | |
| Near to the Speaker | This | These |
| Far to the Speaker | That | Those |
Examples:
This pen is mine.
[singular, is closer to the speaker rather than the listener]
That pen is yours.
[singular, is closer to the listener rather than the speaker]
These pens are mine.
[plural, are closer to the speaker rather than the listener]
Those pens are yours.
[plural, are closer to the listener rather than the speaker]
Quiz Time!
For a better understanding, decide whether the following statements are demonstrative pronouns or demonstrative adjectives!
- This is my younger brother.
- That hat is an old hat.
- Those houses are really expensive.
- These are the best movies.
Answers:
- Demonstrative pronouns
- Demonstrative adjectives
- Demonstrative adjectives
- Demonstrative pronouns
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