Demonstrative Adjectives Lesson - Definitions, List, And Examples

Lesson Overview

• What Is a Demonstrative Adjective?
• List of Demonstrative Adjectives
• Difference Between Demonstrative Adjectives and Demonstrative Pronouns
• Where Do You Include a Demonstrative Adjective in a Sentence?
• Demonstrative Adjectives and Determiners
• Demonstrative Adjective Examples in a Sentence
• Demonstrative Adjective Rules & Best Practices

We use words to point out specific things or people. These "pointing words" help us show which one we're talking about. They tell us whether something is near or far, and whether there's one or many. 

These words help the listener or reader immediately understand the intended referent. Using demonstrative adjectives effectively strengthens descriptions and narratives. They provide context, making communication more direct and efficient. 

What Is a Demonstrative Adjective?

A demonstrative adjective modifies a noun or pronoun, specifying which one is being referred to. It points out a particular person, place, thing, or idea. Demonstrative adjectives always precede the noun they modify. They answer the question "which one?" 

Examples

• This book is interesting. (This modifies book, singular, near)
• That house is large. (That modifies house, singular, far)

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Demonstrative Adjectives Quiz Questions And Answers

List of Demonstrative Adjectives

English grammar employs four demonstrative adjectives: this, that, these, and those. They are categorized by proximity to the speaker (near or far) and number (singular or plural).  

• This: Used with singular nouns and refers to something near the speaker. It indicates a close proximity, either physical or temporal.  

Example: "This pen is mine." (The pen is in the speaker's hand or very close.)  

Explanation: This modifies the singular noun pen and indicates its nearness. 

• That: Used with singular nouns and refers to something farther from the speaker. It denotes a greater distance, again either physical or temporal.

Example: "That tree is an oak." (The tree is across the street or at a moderate distance.)

Explanation: That modifies the singular noun tree and indicates its relative distance.

• These: Used with plural nouns and refers to multiple things near the speaker. It indicates that there is more than one item and they are close.

Example: "These books are interesting." (The books are in the speaker's vicinity.)

Explanation: These modifies the plural noun books and specifies their nearness and plurality.

• Those: Used with plural nouns and refers to multiple things farther from the speaker. It indicates multiple items at a greater distance.  

Example: "Those stars are bright." (The stars are visible in the night sky, at a considerable distance.)

Explanation: Those modifies the plural noun stars and signifies both their plurality and distance.

Difference Between Demonstrative Adjectives and Demonstrative Pronouns

Demonstrative adjectives and demonstrative pronouns both point out specific things or people. However, they function differently within a sentence.  

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Demonstrative and Possessive Adjectives

Where Do You Include a Demonstrative Adjective in a Sentence?

The placement of demonstrative adjectives is crucial for correct grammar and clear communication. They directly precede the noun they describe, creating a close syntactic relationship. They cannot be separated from the noun by other words (except, sometimes, articles like "a," "an," or "the").  

Here's a breakdown with examples

• Basic Structure: Demonstrative Adjective + Noun
  
  • Example 1: "This cat is fluffy." (This directly precedes cat)
  • Example 2: "Those trees are tall." (Those directly precedes trees)
    
• With Other Modifiers: Demonstrative Adjective + Other Modifiers + Noun
  
  • Example 3: "This old house is haunted." (The adjective old comes between the demonstrative adjective and the noun.)
  • Example 4: "Those delicious apples are on sale." (The adjective delicious comes between the demonstrative adjective and the noun.)

Demonstrative Adjectives and Determiners

The words this, that, these, and those can function as both demonstrative adjectives and demonstrative determiners. While they share the same forms, their grammatical roles differ.

Demonstrative Adjective Examples in a Sentence

1. This painting is a masterpiece.
2. That cloud looks like a sheep.
3. These flowers are fragrant.
4. Those mountains are majestic.
5. This song is stuck in my head.

Demonstrative Adjective Rules & Best Practices

While placement, number agreement, and proximity are fundamental, mastering demonstrative adjectives requires attention to finer points of usage.

1. Emphasis and Contrast: Demonstrative adjectives can be used to emphasize a specific item or create a contrast.

• Emphasis: "I need this book, not that one." (Highlights the specific book.)
• Contrast: "These apples are ripe, but those ones are not." (Draws a distinction.)
  

2. Formal vs. Informal: While all four demonstrative adjectives are grammatically correct in most contexts, subtle nuances exist. In very formal writing, some might prefer "that" or "those" when referring to something previously mentioned, even if it's not necessarily distant. In informal speech, the proximity distinction is often less strictly observed.

3. Figurative Language: Demonstrative adjectives can be used creatively in figurative language, such as metaphors and similes, to create a more vivid image.

• "This idea is a breath of fresh air." (Metaphorical use of "this" to emphasize the novelty of the idea.)
  

4. Demonstrative Adjectives with "Kind" and "Sort": When used with the nouns "kind" and "sort," the singular demonstrative adjectives (this, that) are typically used, even when referring to a plural concept.

• "This kind of apples is my favorite." (While "apples" is plural, "kind" is singular.)
• "That sort of book is hard to find."
  

5. Common Errors to Avoid:

• Using a demonstrative adjective with a possessive noun: "This John's car" is incorrect. It should be "This is John's car" (pronoun) or "John's car."
• Overusing demonstrative adjectives when simpler articles would suffice: "The book" is often more natural than "This book," unless you're specifically contrasting it with another book.