Demonstrative Pronouns
Have you ever pointed at something and said, This is mine, or That looks good? The words this and that are examples of demonstrative pronouns.
In English, these are called Demonstrative Pronouns. They are used to point to specific things (or people) based on their distance and quantity.
The 4 Main Demonstrative Pronouns
English only has four main demonstrative pronouns. The choice depends on two things:
- Distance: Is the object near (within reach) or far?
- Quantity: Is there only one object (singular) or more than one (plural)?
Here is the rule table:
| Distance | Singular (1) | Plural (>1) |
|---|---|---|
| Near | This | These |
| Far | That | Those |
1. This (Singular / Near)
Used to point to one object that is near the speaker. It is often paired with the verb is.
- This is my favorite book. (The book is in hand or near the speaker).
- Is this your phone?
2. These (Plural / Near)
Used to point to many objects (more than one) that are near the speaker. It is often paired with the verb are.
- These are very delicious cookies.
- Look at these!
3. That (Singular / Far)
Used to point to one object that is far from the speaker (across the room, outside, etc.). It is often paired with the verb is.
- That is a beautiful painting.
- Who is that?
4. Those (Plural / Far)
Used to point to many objects (more than one) that are far from the speaker. It is often paired with the verb are.
- Those are my shoes. (The shoes are at a distance).
- Those look really expensive.
Demonstrative Pronouns vs. Demonstrative Adjectives
Just like the possessive materials before, there are demonstrative pronouns and demonstrative adjectives. The words are exactly the same (this, that, these, those), but they are used differently.
- Demonstrative Pronoun: Stands alone without being directly followed by a noun. Acts as a subject or object.
- This is an apple.
- Demonstrative Adjective: Placed directly in front of a noun to modify it.
- This apple is sweet.
If you see this / that / these / those standing alone without a noun following it, then it is a Demonstrative Pronoun!