Demonstrative Adjectives: Your Comprehensive Guide

Demonstrative adjectives are essential for specifying which noun you’re referring to, clarifying whether it’s near or far, singular or plural. Mastering these adjectives enhances your ability to communicate precisely and avoid ambiguity.

This guide offers a thorough exploration of demonstrative adjectives, their structure, usage, common errors, and advanced applications. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this article will equip you with the knowledge and practice needed to confidently use demonstrative adjectives in your writing and speech.

This article is structured to provide a complete understanding of demonstrative adjectives. We begin with definitions and structural breakdowns, then move on to various types and usage rules.

Numerous examples and practice exercises are included to reinforce your learning. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to identify, use, and understand demonstrative adjectives with ease, improving your overall English proficiency.

Definition of Demonstrative Adjectives
Structural Breakdown
Types and Categories
- This and That
- These and Those
Examples
Usage Rules
Common Mistakes
Practice Exercises
Advanced Topics
- Demonstrative Pronouns vs. Adjectives
- Demonstrative Adjectives with ‘One’
FAQ
Conclusion

Definition of Demonstrative Adjectives

Demonstrative adjectives are words used to indicate or point out specific nouns. They answer the question “which one?” or “which ones?” by specifying whether the noun is near or far, singular or plural.

Unlike other adjectives that describe qualities, demonstrative adjectives identify particular items or groups of items.

Demonstrative adjectives always precede the noun they modify. The primary demonstrative adjectives in English are this, that, these, and those. Their function is to provide context and clarity by highlighting specific nouns within a sentence or conversation.

In linguistics, demonstrative adjectives are classified as determiners, a category of words that specify a noun’s reference. They play a crucial role in discourse, helping speakers and writers guide their audience’s attention to specific elements within the text or situation.

Structural Breakdown

The structure of a sentence with a demonstrative adjective is straightforward. The demonstrative adjective always comes before the noun it modifies.

The basic pattern is:

Demonstrative Adjective + Noun + (Rest of Sentence)

For example:

This book is interesting.
That car is expensive.
These shoes are comfortable.
Those trees are tall.

The demonstrative adjective agrees in number with the noun it modifies. This and that are used with singular nouns, while these and those are used with plural nouns. This agreement is essential for grammatical correctness.

The demonstrative adjective can be further modified by adverbs, although this is less common. For instance:

Just this one time.
Especially that problem.

Types and Categories

There are four main demonstrative adjectives in English: this, that, these, and those. They are categorized based on proximity (near or far) and number (singular or plural).

This and That

This is used to refer to a singular noun that is near in proximity, either physically or conceptually. It indicates something close to the speaker or writer.

That is used to refer to a singular noun that is far in proximity. It indicates something distant from the speaker or writer.

Consider these examples:

This pen is mine. (The pen is close to me.)
That house is beautiful. (The house is far from me.)

These and Those

These is used to refer to plural nouns that are near in proximity. It indicates multiple items close to the speaker or writer.

Those is used to refer to plural nouns that are far in proximity. It indicates multiple items distant from the speaker or writer.

Consider these examples:

These apples are delicious. (The apples are close to me.)
Those birds are flying south. (The birds are far from me.)

Examples

Understanding demonstrative adjectives is best achieved through numerous examples. The following sections provide extensive examples categorized by the specific demonstrative adjective.

Examples of This and That

The following table illustrates the use of this and that with various singular nouns. Note how this indicates proximity, while that indicates distance.

This table showcases examples of “this” and “that” used with singular nouns, highlighting proximity and distance. Each example provides context to illustrate the difference between the two demonstrative adjectives.

Demonstrative Adjective	Example Sentence	Explanation
This	This book is very interesting.	The book is near the speaker.
This	I like this song a lot.	The song is currently playing or being discussed.
This	This idea seems promising.	The idea is currently being considered.
This	Can you believe this weather?	The weather is happening now and near the speaker.
This	This coffee is too hot.	The coffee is currently being consumed.
That	That car is very fast.	The car is far from the speaker.
That	I remember that day vividly.	The day is in the past and distant.
That	That movie was amazing.	The movie was watched previously.
That	That building is the tallest in the city.	The building is at a distance.
That	That feeling won’t last forever.	The feeling is not currently being experienced.
This	This moment is perfect.	The moment is happening now.
This	This question is difficult.	The question is currently being addressed.
This	This city is my home.	The speaker is currently in this city.
This	This project is due tomorrow.	The project is the current focus.
This	This opportunity is too good to pass up.	The opportunity is currently available.
That	That decision changed my life.	The decision was made in the past.
That	That sound is annoying.	The sound is coming from a distance.
That	That person looks familiar.	The person is seen from afar.
That	That restaurant is very popular.	The restaurant is not the current location.
That	That idea seems impractical.	The idea is discussed or considered from a distance.
This	This job is perfect for me.	The job is the current occupation.
This	This computer is very fast.	The computer is currently in use.
This	This morning was very productive.	Referring to the current morning.
This	This situation is getting out of hand.	The situation is the current one.
That	That event was unforgettable.	The event is in the past.
That	That store is having a sale.	The store is at a distance.

Examples of These and Those

The following table illustrates the use of these and those with various plural nouns. Again, note the difference in proximity.

This table provides examples of “these” and “those” used with plural nouns, emphasizing proximity and distance. Each example provides context to illustrate the difference between the two demonstrative adjectives.

Demonstrative Adjective	Example Sentence	Explanation
These	These flowers smell wonderful.	The flowers are near the speaker.
These	I enjoy these kinds of movies.	The movies are currently being discussed.
These	These ideas are worth considering.	The ideas are currently being evaluated.
These	These problems need to be solved immediately.	The problems are currently being addressed.
These	These cookies are delicious.	The cookies are currently being eaten.
Those	Those cars are very expensive.	The cars are far from the speaker.
Those	I remember those days fondly.	The days are in the past and distant.
Those	Those stars are so bright tonight.	The stars are far away.
Those	Those buildings are very old.	The buildings are at a distance.
Those	Those feelings are hard to ignore.	The feelings are not currently being experienced.
These	These moments are precious.	The moments are happening now.
These	These questions are very insightful.	The questions are currently being considered.
These	These cities are my favorite to visit.	The speaker is refering to cities they like.
These	These projects are due next week.	The projects are the current focus.
These	These opportunities are rare.	The opportunities are currently available.
Those	Those decisions had a big impact.	The decisions were made in the past.
Those	Those sounds are coming from the forest.	The sounds are coming from a distance.
Those	Those people look familiar.	The people are seen from afar.
Those	Those restaurants are always crowded.	The restaurants are not the current location.
Those	Those ideas seem outdated.	The ideas are discussed or considered from a distance.
These	These jobs are perfect for recent graduates.	The jobs are currently available.
These	These computers are brand new.	The computers are currently in use.
These	These mornings have been very chilly.	Referring to recent mornings.
These	These situations can be difficult to navigate.	The situations are the current ones.
Those	Those events shaped the course of history.	The events are in the past.
Those	Those stores are closing down soon.	The stores are at a distance.

Demonstrative Adjectives in Sentences

This table provides a broader range of examples, demonstrating how demonstrative adjectives are used in various sentence structures.

This table provides diverse examples of demonstrative adjectives within complete sentences. Each example is designed to illustrate the proper usage and context of these adjectives in everyday language.

Demonstrative Adjective	Example Sentence	Explanation
This	This is the best day of my life.	Expressing a sentiment about the present day.
That	I didn’t like that movie at all.	Expressing dislike for a past movie.
These	These are the shoes I was telling you about.	Identifying specific shoes.
Those	Do you remember those summer nights?	Recalling past summer nights.
This	This cake tastes amazing.	Commenting on the taste of a cake being eaten.
That	That was a great concert!	Expressing enjoyment of a past concert.
These	These books are due back at the library.	Indicating books that need to be returned.
Those	Put those toys away, please.	Instructing someone to tidy up toys.
This	This is my favorite restaurant in town.	Identifying a favored restaurant.
That	I can’t believe that happened!	Expressing disbelief about a past event.
These	These flowers are for you.	Presenting flowers as a gift.
Those	Those were the good old days.	Reflecting on pleasant memories.
This	This is the last time I’m helping you.	Stating a final act of assistance.
That	That’s a very interesting question.	Commenting on the intrigue of a question.
These	These are the ingredients you’ll need.	Listing necessary ingredients.
Those	Those are my neighbors across the street.	Identifying neighbors at a distance.
This	This is the best coffee I’ve ever had.	Expressing high praise for a coffee.
That	That was a challenging test.	Reflecting on the difficulty of a past test.
These	These are the rules you must follow.	Stating mandatory rules.
Those	Those are the mountains I want to climb.	Expressing a desire to climb specific mountains.
This	This is where I grew up.	Indicating a place of upbringing.
That	I heard that was a great movie.	Relaying information about a movie.
These	These are the keys to the car.	Presenting car keys.
Those	Those are the birds we saw yesterday.	Referring to birds seen on a previous day.

Usage Rules

Using demonstrative adjectives correctly involves adhering to several rules. These rules cover subject-verb agreement, proximity, and context.

Agreement Rules

The most fundamental rule is that the demonstrative adjective must agree in number with the noun it modifies. This and that are used with singular nouns, while these and those are used with plural nouns.

Correct: This apple is red.
Incorrect: These apple is red.
Correct: These apples are red.
Incorrect: This apples are red.

Similarly:

Correct: That house is large.
Incorrect: Those house is large.
Correct: Those houses are large.
Incorrect: That houses are large.

Proximity Rules

This and these refer to items that are near, either physically or conceptually. That and those refer to items that are farther away.

“This book in my hand is interesting.” (Near)
“That book on the shelf is old.” (Far)
“These flowers on the table are beautiful.” (Near)
“Those flowers in the garden are wilting.” (Far)

Proximity can also be conceptual. For example:

“This idea is worth considering.” (Current idea)
“That idea was rejected last year.” (Past idea)

Formal vs. Informal Usage

In formal writing, it’s important to maintain a consistent and precise use of demonstrative adjectives. Avoid ambiguity by ensuring the noun being referred to is clear.

In informal speech, people may sometimes use demonstrative adjectives loosely. However, even in informal contexts, clarity is important.

Overuse of “this” and “that” without clear reference can confuse the listener.

Common Mistakes

Several common mistakes occur when using demonstrative adjectives. Recognizing and correcting these errors can significantly improve your grammar.

Mistake 1: Incorrect Agreement

Incorrect: “These car is fast.”
Correct: “This car is fast.”
Incorrect: “This cars are fast.”
Correct: “These cars are fast.”

Mistake 2: Confusing Proximity

Incorrect: “That pen in my hand is mine.” (The pen is near, so “this” should be used.)
Correct: “This pen in my hand is mine.”
Incorrect: “This house across the street is beautiful.” (The house is far, so “that” should be used.)
Correct: “That house across the street is beautiful.”

Mistake 3: Using Demonstrative Adjectives as Pronouns Incorrectly

Incorrect: “This is good.” (When referring to a specific item without mentioning it.)
Correct: “This apple is good.” or “This is a good apple.”

Mistake 4: Omitting the Noun

Incorrect: “I like this.” (Without specifying what “this” refers to.)
Correct: “I like this shirt.”

Practice Exercises

The following exercises will help you practice using demonstrative adjectives correctly. Each exercise focuses on a different aspect of demonstrative adjective usage.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with the correct demonstrative adjective (this, that, these, those).

Complete the following sentences by filling in the blanks with the correct demonstrative adjective. Choose from “this,” “that,” “these,” or “those” based on the context of each sentence.

#	Question	Answer
1	______ book is very interesting.	This
2	______ cars are parked illegally.	Those
3	______ flowers smell lovely.	These
4	______ house across the street is for sale.	That
5	______ cookies are delicious.	These
6	______ song is my favorite.	This
7	______ mountains are covered in snow.	Those
8	______ idea seems promising.	This
9	______ shoes are too small for me.	These
10	______ tree in the yard is very old.	That

Exercise 2: Correct the Errors

Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences.

Read each sentence carefully and identify any errors in the use of demonstrative adjectives. Rewrite the sentences with the correct usage.

#	Incorrect Sentence	Correct Sentence
1	These car is fast.	This car is fast.
2	This houses are big.	These houses are big.
3	That flowers smell good.	These flowers smell good.
4	Those apple is red.	That apple is red.
5	This books are interesting.	These books are interesting.
6	These house is old.	This house is old.
7	That cookies are tasty.	These cookies are tasty.
8	Those song is beautiful.	This song is beautiful.
9	This shoes are new.	These shoes are new.
10	Those idea is great.	This idea is great.

Exercise 3: Sentence Construction

Write sentences using the given demonstrative adjectives and nouns.

Construct complete sentences using the provided demonstrative adjectives and nouns. Ensure that your sentences are grammatically correct and contextually appropriate.

#	Demonstrative Adjective	Noun	Sentence
1	This	table	This table is made of wood.
2	That	building	That building is very tall.
3	These	chairs	These chairs are very comfortable.
4	Those	trees	Those trees provide a lot of shade.
5	This	computer	This computer is very fast.
6	That	movie	That movie was very entertaining.
7	These	apples	These apples are very sweet.
8	Those	birds	Those birds are flying south.
9	This	question	This question is very difficult.
10	That	answer	That answer is incorrect.

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, there are more nuanced aspects of demonstrative adjective usage to explore.

Demonstrative Pronouns vs. Adjectives

Demonstrative adjectives modify nouns, while demonstrative pronouns replace nouns. The same words (this, that, these, those) can function as both.

Demonstrative Adjective: “This book is mine.” (modifies “book”)
Demonstrative Pronoun: “This is mine.” (replaces “book”)

Distinguishing between them is crucial for correct grammatical analysis. If the word is followed by a noun, it’s an adjective.

If it stands alone, it’s a pronoun.

Demonstrative Adjectives with ‘One’

When referring to a previously mentioned singular noun, you can use “one” with a demonstrative adjective to avoid repetition.

“I like this car, but that one is too expensive.” (Here, “one” replaces “car”.)
“Which shirt do you prefer? This one or that one?” (Here, “one” replaces “shirt”.)

Similarly, “ones” can be used with plural nouns.

“These apples are ripe, but those ones are still green.” (Here, “ones” replaces “apples”.)

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about demonstrative adjectives.

What is the difference between ‘this’ and ‘that’?

This refers to something near in proximity, either physically or conceptually. That refers to something farther away. For example, “This pen in my hand” vs. “That pen on the desk.”
When should I use ‘these’ instead of ‘those’?

Use these when referring to multiple items that are close to you. Use those when referring to multiple items that are farther away. For example, “These cookies are delicious” (if the cookies are in front of you) vs. “Those cookies look stale” (if the cookies are across the room).
Can ‘this’ and ‘that’ refer to time?

Yes, they can. This can refer to the present time or a time close to the present. That can refer to the past or a time distant from the present. For example, “This year has been great” vs. “That year was difficult.”
How do I avoid ambiguity when using demonstrative adjectives?

Ensure that the noun you are referring to is clear from the context. Avoid using “this” or “that” without a clear reference point. If necessary, explicitly mention the noun. For example, instead of “I like this,” say “I like this painting.”
Is it correct to say “This here” or “That there”?

While these phrases are sometimes used in informal speech, they are generally considered redundant and grammatically incorrect in formal writing. It’s best to use “this” or “that” alone.
Can I use demonstrative adjectives with uncountable nouns?

Demonstrative adjectives are typically used with countable nouns. However, you can use “this” and “that” with uncountable nouns when referring to a specific instance or portion. For example, “This water is clean” or “That sand is hot.”
What is the difference between “this one” and “that one”?

“This one” refers to a specific item that is near, while “that one” refers to a specific item that is farther away. They are used to avoid repeating the noun. For example, “I like this shirt, but that one is too expensive.”
How do demonstrative adjectives change in different dialects of English?

The basic demonstrative adjectives (this, that, these, those) are consistent across most dialects of English. However, some dialects may have additional or variant forms, often in informal speech. It’s important to be aware of these variations but to use standard forms in formal writing.

Conclusion

Mastering demonstrative adjectives is crucial for clear and precise communication in English. By understanding their definitions, structural rules, and usage guidelines, you can effectively specify which nouns you are referring to, avoiding ambiguity and improving your overall language proficiency.

Remember to pay attention to agreement rules, proximity, and context to use these adjectives correctly.

Practice is key to mastering any grammar concept. Use the examples and exercises provided in this guide to reinforce your learning.

Pay attention to common mistakes and actively work to avoid them. With consistent effort, you’ll be able to confidently use demonstrative adjectives in your writing and speech, enhancing your ability to express yourself effectively.

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