Adjectives are an important part of speech in English grammar. The role of adjectives is to modify nouns and provide additional information. Among others, demonstrative adjectives are a type of adjective that indicate specific objects, places, or people in the sentences.
In this article, you will learn what demonstrative adjectives are, how to use them effectively, and examples of everyday English.
Demonstrative adjectives are words that modify nouns by indicating which specific ones you are referring to. These adjectives act like pointing fingers in language, showing that something is near, far, singular, or plural.
In English, there are four main demonstrative adjectives:
- thisÂ
- thatÂ
- these
- those
1. This
This is used to refer to a single noun that is close to the speaker.
For example:
- This pen is mine.
2. That
That refers to a single noun that is far from the speaker.
For example:
- That car is fast.
3. These
These is used when referring to multiple nouns and they are close to the speaker.
For example:
- These cookies are delicious.
4. Those
Those refer to multiple nouns that are far from the speaker. for example:
- Those mountains are breathtaking.
Functions of Demonstrative Adjectives
Demonstrative adjectives serve the crucial function of specifying which noun we are talking about in the sentence. They add clarity by showing the reader or listener the exact object or person being referred to.
For instance, “This cat” specifies a particular cat near the speaker, distinguishing it from any other cat.
This
That
These
Those” col_column_max_width=”0.8fr” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” col_tcell_text_font=”|600|||||||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/dvmd_table_maker_item][dvmd_table_maker_item col_content=”Proximity
Near
Far
Near
Far” col_column_max_width=”0.5fr” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/dvmd_table_maker_item][dvmd_table_maker_item col_content=”Number
Singular
Singular
Plural
Plural” col_column_max_width=”0.4fr” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/dvmd_table_maker_item][dvmd_table_maker_item col_content=”Examples
This book is heavy.
That tree is tall.
These apples are sweet.
Those clouds look dark.” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/dvmd_table_maker_item][/dvmd_table_maker]
Demonstrative Adjectives vs. Demonstrative Pronouns
It is important to learn the difference between demonstrative adjectives and demonstrative pronouns. Both of them point to specific items in the sentence. However, they are different from each other.Â
Demonstrative pronouns stand-alone and replace the noun entirely. For example;
- This is my favorite.
However, demonstrative adjectives always accompany a noun. For example;
- This book is my favorite.
Types of Demonstrative Adjectives
Demonstrative adjectives are further divided into two types:
- Singular demonstrative adjectives
- Plural demonstrative adjectives
1. Singular Demonstrative Adjectives
This
This is used when referring to a single item that is close to the speaker, either physically or metaphorically. It can refer to something within arm’s reach or something that is happening in the present moment.
For example:
- This chair is very comfortable.
Here, the chair is likely near the speaker. So, this is the appropriate demonstrative adjective to use with the noun (chair).
That
That is used for a single item that is farther away from the speaker. It might be something out of reach, something that’s happening elsewhere, or even something that occurred in the past.
- Example:
- That concert was amazing.
The concert is not happening at the moment. So, we used that to refer to it, and it is the proper adjective to use with the noun (concert).
2. Plural Demonstrative Adjectives
These
The word “These” is used for multiple items that are close to the speaker. It could refer to things within the speaker’s immediate vicinity.
For example:
- These books are due back at the library.
The books are near the speaker and therefore justify the use of these in the sentence.
Those
Those is used for multiple items that are farther away from the speaker. It is often used to talk about things in the distance or from a different time or place.
For example:
- Those people over there seem familiar.
Here, people are at a distance, thus making those the correct adjective.
3. Contexual Usage
The context in which a demonstrative adjective is used can affect the choice between this/these and that/those.Â
For example:
- This morningÂ
- That morning
This morning refers to the current morning, while that morning might refer to a morning in the past.
- This building
- That building
This building suggests the speaker is close to the building, whereas that building implies it’s farther away.
Rules for Using Demonstrative Adjectives
Here are the rules for using demonstrative adjectives correctly in sentences.
Proximity
One of the key rules for using demonstrative adjectives is proximity. This and These are used when the noun is close to the speaker.
Example:
- This cake is delicious.
In contrast, That and Those are used when the noun is farther from the speaker.
Example:
- That cake looks delicious.
2. Number Agreement
Demonstrative adjectives must agree in number with the noun they modify.Â
Examples:
- This book is interesting.
- Those apples are fresh.
3. Position in a Sentence
Demonstrative adjectives typically come before the noun they modify.Â
Examples:
- This movie is a classic.
- Those ideas are innovative.
4. Spacial Cases
In some cases, demonstrative adjectives are used in more abstract contexts, such as when referring to ideas or emotions. See the following examples:
Examples:
- This idea might work.
- That feeling was unforgettable.Â
How to Use Demonstrative Adjectives in Sentences
It is easy to mix up demonstrative adjectives with demonstrative pronouns. The key difference is that demonstrative pronouns stand alone, while demonstrative adjectives modify a noun.Â
Examples:
- This is a great book. (demonstrative pronoun)
- This book is great. (Demonstrative adjective)
Another common mistake is mismatching the demonstrative adjective with the noun’s number.
Example:
- These dog is barking. (Incorrect)
- This dog is barking. (Correct)
Here, the noun (dog) is singular and therefore, this is the right demonstrative adjective.
Example:
- That shoes are mine. (Incorrect)
- Those shoes are mine. (Correct)
Placing the demonstrative adjective incorrectly in a sentence can also lead to confusion. See the following examples:
- I like this in movies scene. (Incorrect)
- I like this scence in movies. (Correct)
Examples of Demonstrative Adjectives in Sentences
To reinforce your understanding, here are some examples of sentences using the demonstrative adjectives in context:
- This house is very old.
- These books belong to Sarah.
- That car over there is new.
- Those flowers smell wonderful.
- This cake is delicious.
- These shoes are too tight.
- Those cats are very playful.
- That picture on the wall is beautiful.
- I remember those days like it was yesterday.
- Those cookies on the plate are for you.
Conclusion
Demonstrative adjectives are a type of adjective that modify nouns by indicating which specific noun you are referring to.
The purpose of using these adjectives is to make our communication precise and clear. These adjectives ensure that our listeners or readers understand exactly what we are talking about.
Therefore, learning the correct use of this, that, these, and those is essential to make your speech and writing clear, effective, and engaging.
The key to using demonstrative adjectives correctly is understanding their function and following the rules of proximity and number agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are demonstrative adjectives?
Demonstrative adjectives are words used to modify nouns by pointing out specific objects, people, or places. The four demonstrative adjectives in English are;
- ThisÂ
- ThatÂ
- These
- Those
When should I use “this” vs. “that”?
This and that are both used with singular nouns. However, this refers to the noun that is near the speaker. And that refers to the nouns that are farther away.
Do demonstrative adjectives always come before the noun?
Yes. In English, demonstrative adjectives typically precede the noun they modify. for example;
- This car
- Those books
I hope this article helped you learn what demonstrative adjectives are, how to use them correctly, and their usage in example sentences.Â
If you liked this article, then please subscribe to our newsletter for more articles on grammar, vocabulary, and language learning.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for the latest updates.