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Demonstrative adjectives are words we use to point out specific nouns in a sentence. The most common ones are this, that, these, and those. Learning how to use these words is important for beginners because it makes sentences easier to understand.
Using demonstrative adjectives properly helps you speak and write more clearly, allowing for better communication in both everyday situations and formal settings.
Definition
Demonstrative adjectives are words used to modify nouns by pointing to specific things, people, or places. Demonstrative adjectives describe the position or proximity of a noun about the speaker. There are four key demonstrative adjectives:
- This: Refers to a singular noun that is close to the speaker (e.g., this chair).
- That: Refers to a singular noun that is far from the speaker (e.g., that tree).
- These: Refers to plural nouns that are near (e.g., these books).
- Those: Refers to plural nouns that are far away (e.g., those houses).
These adjectives help make communication more precise by identifying which noun is being discussed.
Identification
Demonstrative adjectives are used to indicate specific nouns in relation to the position of the speaker. They help to clarify which person or thing is being referred to. In English, the demonstrative adjectives are this, that, these, and those. Here’s how to identify them:
Look for Proximity:
- This and these refer to things that are close in distance or time.
- That and those refer to things that are farther away.
Check the Noun They Modify:
Demonstrative adjectives always precede a noun and provide more information about it.
Singular vs. Plural:
- This and that are used with singular nouns.
- These and those are used with plural nouns.
Usage
Demonstrative adjectives are used to specify and identify nouns in a sentence based on their proximity (closeness) to the speaker. The four demonstrative adjectives in English are this, that, these, and those. Each serves a unique purpose, and understanding their uses can greatly enhance clarity in communication.
1. Indicating Proximity:
This and these refer to nouns that are near the speaker, while that and those refer to nouns that are farther away.
- This pencil is sharp.
Here, “this” indicates a pencil that the speaker is holding or pointing to.
- These shoes are comfortable.
Here, “these” refers to shoes that are close to the speaker.
- That tree is very tall.
In this case, that points to a tree that is farther away.
- Those chairs look old.
Here, those refer to chairs that are at a distance from the speaker.
2. Distinguishing Between Singular and Plural:
This and that are used with singular nouns, while these and those are used with plural nouns.
- This apple is fresh.
Refers to one specific apple.
- These apples are fresh.
Refers to multiple apples that are nearby
- That dog is barking.
Refers to one specific dog that is farther away.
- Those dogs are barking.
Refers to multiple dogs that are farther away.
3. Clarifying Specificity:
Demonstrative adjectives help to clarify which specific noun you are talking about, reducing ambiguity in communication.
- I prefer this sandwich over that one.
Here, the speaker clarifies their preference for a specific sandwich that is close to them versus another one that is farther away.
4. Expressing Time:
Demonstrative adjectives can also refer to time, indicating whether something is current or in the past.
- This week has been busy.
Refers to the current week. - That day was unforgettable.
Refers to a specific day in the past.
Demonstrative Adjectives vs. Demonstrative Pronouns
Understanding the difference between demonstrative adjectives and demonstrative pronouns is essential for clear communication in English. Both types of words point to specific nouns, but they serve different grammatical functions. Here’s a detailed explanation with easy examples to clarify the distinctions.
- Demonstrative Adjectives
These are used to modify nouns and provide more information about them. They help specify which particular noun is being referred to in a sentence. The demonstrative adjectives in English are this, that, these, and those.
- Demonstrative Pronouns:
These replace nouns entirely and are used when the noun is understood from context. Demonstrative pronouns also include this, that, these, and those. When using demonstrative pronouns, no noun follows.
Demonstrative Pronouns Examples:
- This book is interesting.
Here, this modifies the noun book, indicating a specific book that is nearby.
- That car is fast.
In this case, that modifies the noun “car,” referring to a specific car that is farther away.
- These cookies are delicious.
Here, these modifies the noun “cookies,” indicating the specific cookies that are close.
- Those mountains are beautiful.
Here, those modifies the noun “mountains,” referring to specific mountains that are distant.
Demonstrative Pronouns Examples:
- This is my favorite book.
In this case, this replaces the noun book. The listener understands what is being referred to without needing to mention the noun again.
- That was a great movie.
Here, that replaces the noun “movie,” indicating a specific one without repeating the noun.
- These are my cookies.
In this example, “these” replaces the noun “cookies,” and it’s clear from the context what is being referred to.
- Those are the mountains I climbed.
Here, “those” replaces the noun “mountains,” making it clear what is being discussed.
Demonstratives vs. Relative Pronouns
Both demonstratives and relative pronouns are essential parts of speech in English, but they serve very different roles.
Demonstrative Adjectives:
Demonstrative adjectives and pronouns are used to point out specific nouns and indicate the location or distance of those nouns relative to the speaker or listener. Their main function is to show whether the noun is singular or plural and whether it is close or far away. They help make the noun more specific and direct.
Common Demonstratives: This, that, these, and those.
Examples of Demonstrative adjectives:
- This book is interesting.
This refers to one specific book that is close to the speaker.
- That car across the street is mine.
That refers to a car far away from the speaker.
- These apples are fresh.
These points to multiple apples close to the speaker.
- Those mountains in the distance look beautiful.
Those refer to mountains far away.
Relative Pronouns:
Relative pronouns are used to link a dependent clause to a main clause, adding more information about a noun mentioned earlier in the sentence. They help combine sentences by providing additional details about a person, thing, or idea without starting a new sentence.
Common Relative Pronouns: Who, whom, which, that, and whose.
Examples of Relative Pronoun:
- The teacher who gave us homework is nice.
Who links “teacher” to more information about the teacher?
- The student whom the teacher praised worked hard.
Whom refers to the object of praise.
- The car, which is red, is parked outside.
Which provides extra detail about the car.
- The book that I bought was interesting.
That connects the noun book with more specific information.
- The man whose dog is barking lives next door.
Whose shows possession of the dog.
Example Sentences
Here are some examples of demonstrative adjectives used in sentences:
- This book is fascinating;
- I couldn’t put it down.
- That car over there belongs to my neighbor.
- These apples are fresher than the ones at the store.
- Those shoes are on sale at the mall.
- I love this movie; it’s one of my all-time favorites.
- That painting was created by a famous artist.
- These flowers are blooming beautifully in the garden.
- Those chairs are uncomfortable for long periods of sitting.
- This weather is perfect for a picnic.
- Can you pass me that pen on the table?
Each of these sentences clearly specifies which object or person is being referred to.
Rules To Keep In Mind
There are a few key rules to keep in mind when using demonstrative adjectives:
Proximity:
Use this and these for things that are near, and that and those for things that are farther away.
- This car is mine (near), and that car is his (far).
Singular and Plural:
This and that are used for singular nouns, while these and those are used for plural nouns.
- These apples (plural) are fresh.
Placement:
Demonstrative adjectives always come before the noun they modify.
- This phone (correct), phone this (incorrect).
Use with Clear Reference:
Avoid using demonstrative adjectives if it is unclear what you are referring to, as this can confuse you.
- Instead of saying I like this, specify by saying, I like this blue dress.
Follow the Noun:
Demonstrative adjectives always come before the noun they modify and must agree in number with the noun.
- That dog is barking. Those dogs are playing.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often make mistakes when using demonstrative adjectives. Here are some common errors to avoid:
❌ These chair are broken.
✅ These chairs are broken.
❌ This house is across the street (when the house is far).
✅ That house is across the street.
❌ This is delicious (this is a demonstrative pronoun, not an adjective).
✅ This cake is delicious.
❌ These car is new.
✅ These cars are new.
❌ That dog are barking loudly.
✅ That dog is barking loudly.
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