Demonstrative Pronouns - Definition, Types & Examples

Lesson Overview

• What Is a Demonstrative Pronoun?
• Types of Demonstrative Pronouns
• Demonstrative Adjectives vs Demonstrative Pronouns
• How to Use Demonstrative Pronouns
• Examples of Demonstrative Pronouns

Imagine you and your friend are in a park. You point to a bench nearby and say, "This is my favorite spot." Then, you see a fountain far away and add, "That looks beautiful." 

Without realizing it, you just used demonstrative pronouns! In this lesson, we will explore how these special words help us point to things clearly. 

What Is a Demonstrative Pronoun?

A demonstrative pronoun is a word that points to or shows something specific, like a person, place, or thing. 

These pronouns help to make our sentences clear by telling us which specific item or items we are talking about.

Examples of demonstrative pronoun include

• This
• That
• These
• Those

For example, in the sentence, "This is my book," the word this is a demonstrative pronoun because it replaces the noun "book" and tells us which book is being talked about.

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Demonstrative Pronouns Quiz

Types of Demonstrative Pronouns

There are four main types of demonstrative pronouns: this, that, these, and those. These pronouns are categorized based on number (singular or plural) and distance (near or far) from the speaker.

1. "This" (Singular, Near)

"This" is used to refer to a single noun that is close to the speaker in distance or time.

Examples

• This is my favorite book. (The book is near the speaker.)
• I found this very interesting. (Refers to something just mentioned.)
• This is the best cake I have ever had! (The cake is close to the speaker.)

2. "That" (Singular, Far)

"That" refers to a single noun that is farther away from the speaker, either in distance or time.

Examples

• That is my old school. (The school is farther away.)
• I remember that from last year. (Refers to something in the past.)
• That looks amazing! (The object is at a distance.)

3. "These" (Plural, Near)

"These" is used to refer to more than one noun that is close to the speaker.

Examples

• These are my shoes. (The shoes are near the speaker.)
• I love these flowers. (The flowers are within reach.)
• These are the pens I borrowed from you. (The pens are close.)

4. "Those" (Plural, Far)

"Those" is used to refer to more than one noun that is farther from the speaker.

Examples

• Those are my cousins. (The cousins are not nearby.)
• Look at those birds in the sky! (The birds are far away.)
• I don't remember those details. (Refers to something from the past.)

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The Noun Family: Demonstrative Pronouns

Demonstrative Adjectives vs Demonstrative Pronouns

It's important to understand the difference between demonstrative adjectives and demonstrative pronouns. 

Both of these words show or point to something, but they are used in different ways.

• Demonstrative Adjectives describe or modify a noun. They always come before the noun.
  
  Example: This dog is very friendly.
  
• Demonstrative Pronouns replace a noun and stand on their own in the sentence.
  
  Example: This is my dog.
  

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How to Use Demonstrative Pronouns

Step 1: Identify the Noun Being Replaced

Before using a demonstrative pronoun, determine the noun it will replace. This noun can be a person, place, object, or idea. The pronoun should make sense within the sentence.

Example

• The book on the table is mine. (The noun is "book.")
• These are mine. (Here, "these" replaces "books" to avoid repetition.)

This step ensures that the pronoun correctly replaces a noun without confusing the listener or reader.

Step 2: Determine Whether the Noun Is Singular or Plural

It is important to determine whether the noun being replaced is singular or plural.

• Use "this" and "that" for singular nouns.
• Use "these" and "those" for plural nouns.

Examples

• This is my favorite jacket. (Refers to one jacket.)
• These are my favorite shoes. (Refers to multiple shoes.)

Choosing the correct form prevents grammatical errors and ensures clarity.

Step 3: Consider the Distance of the Noun

Demonstrative pronouns indicate whether the noun is near or far from the speaker.

• Use "this" and "these" for nearby objects.
• Use "that" and "those" for objects that are farther away.

Examples

• (Holding a book in your hand) → "This is my book."
• (Pointing at a book across the room) → "That is my book."
• (Looking at shoes next to you) → "These are comfortable."
• (Referring to shoes in a store window far away) → "Those are expensive."

By considering distance, the meaning becomes more precise and avoids confusion.

Step 4: Use the Demonstrative Pronoun Without a Noun

Unlike demonstrative adjectives, demonstrative pronouns stand alone without a noun following them.

• Incorrect: This book is mine. (Here, "this" is an adjective, not a pronoun.)
• Correct: This is mine. (Here, "this" is a demonstrative pronoun replacing "book.")

Examples

• I like these. (Refers to "flowers" or any plural noun.)
• That was an interesting movie. (Refers to a movie previously mentioned.)

Using demonstrative pronouns correctly ensures that sentences remain concise and grammatically sound.

Step 5: Ensure the Sentence Is Clear

After choosing the correct demonstrative pronoun, make sure the sentence is clear and understandable. If the reference is vague, consider rewording the sentence or adding more context.

• Unclear: This is great! (What is great? A person, an idea, or a book?)
• Clear: This book is great! (Adding "book" clarifies the sentence.)

If the sentence feels ambiguous, try rewording it or adding more details for better comprehension.

Step 6: Practice Using Demonstrative Pronouns in Different Contexts

To master demonstrative pronouns, practice using them in various situations, such as

Talking about objects nearby:

• This is my coffee.
• These are my keys.

Referring to distant things:

• That was a great performance.
• Those were the best days of my life.

Using them in conversations:

• Can you believe this? (Refers to a surprising situation.)
• I remember that from last week. (Refers to a past event.)

Practicing in different contexts will help in using demonstrative pronouns naturally and effectively.

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Examples of Demonstrative Pronouns

Here are some examples of demonstrative pronoun used in sentences:

• This is my pen.
• Look at that house.
• These are my friends.
• Those are her toys.