Demonstrative pronouns are used to identify specific nouns without naming them directly. They help show which one(s) we are talking about based on proximity (near or far) and number (singular or plural).
The Four Main Demonstrative Pronouns
Pronoun | Use | Example | Explanation |
---|---|---|---|
this | singular, near | This is my book. | Refers to one thing close to the speaker. |
that | singular, far | That is her car. | Refers to one thing farther from the speaker. |
these | plural, near | These are my friends. | Refers to multiple things close to the speaker. |
those | plural, far | Those are his shoes. | Refers to multiple things farther from the speaker. |
Example:
- This* is delicious. (singular, near)
- Those* are expensive. (plural, far)
Which plural demonstrative pronoun refers to things farther from the speaker?
those
'Those' is used for multiple nouns that are farther away from the speaker.
Demonstrative Adjectives vs. Pronouns
- Demonstrative Adjectives come before a noun: this book, those cars.
- Demonstrative Pronouns stand alone and replace a noun: This is good, Those are mine.
Example:
Type | Example | Usage |
---|---|---|
Adjective | This book is new. | This describes book*. |
Pronoun | This is new. | This replaces book*. |
How to Use Demonstrative Pronouns in Sentences
- As the subject:
- This* is my favorite.
- Those* were amazing.
- As the object:
- I don’t like that.
- She wants these.
- With prepositions:
- I’m closer to this.
- They looked at those across the room.
Example Sentences:
Pronoun | Example |
---|---|
this | This* is delicious. |
that | That* was a great movie. |
these | These* are fresh apples. |
those | Those* belong to me. |
Which demonstrative pronoun correctly completes this sentence as the object? I don’t like ___.
that
‘That’ is singular and used to refer to something farther away; it fits the object position in this sentence.
Tips for Using Demonstrative Pronouns
- Use this/these for things close to you (in space or time).
- Use that/those for things farther away or not immediately present.
- Singular forms are this and that; plural forms are these and those.
- Demonstrative pronouns can refer to people, places, or things—any noun you’re pointing out.
Summary
- Demonstrative pronouns point to specific nouns without naming them.
- They show distance (near: this/these, far: that/those) and number (singular/plural).
- Use them to replace nouns already understood from context.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025