Demonstrative Pronouns: Chart, Uses, and Examples
Demonstrative pronouns are essential tools in the English language, allowing us to point out specific nouns or noun phrases. Mastering demonstrative pronouns enhances clarity and precision in both speaking and writing. This article provides a comprehensive guide to demonstrative pronouns, covering their definition, structure, types, usage rules, common mistakes, and advanced applications. Whether you are a beginner learning the basics or an advanced learner seeking to refine your skills, this article will help you confidently use demonstrative pronouns.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of Demonstrative Pronouns
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories
- Examples of Demonstrative Pronouns
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of Demonstrative Pronouns
A demonstrative pronoun is a type of pronoun that points to specific people, places, things, or ideas. Demonstrative pronouns distinguish themselves by indicating proximity or distance, whether physical or temporal. They allow us to highlight particular elements within a sentence or conversation, making our communication more precise and efficient. The four primary demonstrative pronouns in English are this, that, these, and those.
Demonstrative pronouns function independently in a sentence, replacing a noun or noun phrase. They are classified as pronouns because they stand in for nouns, but they also demonstrate or point out which noun is being referred to. The demonstrative pronoun’s choice depends on two factors: the number of the noun (singular or plural) and the distance of the noun (near or far). Understanding these two aspects is crucial for using demonstrative pronouns correctly.
The context in which demonstrative pronouns are used often determines their interpretation. “Near” and “far” can refer to physical proximity, as in “This book is mine, and that one is yours.” They can also refer to temporal distance, as in “These days are much busier than those were.” The ability to discern the intended meaning from the context is a key aspect of mastering demonstrative pronouns.
Structural Breakdown
The structure of demonstrative pronouns is relatively simple, involving just four key words: this, that, these, and those. However, their correct usage depends on understanding their relationship to the nouns they replace. The structure can be broken down into two primary components: number and proximity.
Number refers to whether the noun being replaced is singular or plural. This and that are used for singular nouns, while these and those are used for plural nouns. For example, “This is my car” (singular) versus “These are my keys” (plural).
Proximity refers to the distance of the noun from the speaker or writer. This and these indicate that the noun is near, either physically or temporally. That and those indicate that the noun is far, either physically or temporally. For example, “This apple tastes delicious” (near) versus “That star is very bright” (far).
The combination of number and proximity determines the correct demonstrative pronoun to use. A simple chart can help illustrate this relationship:
| Near | Far | |
|---|---|---|
| Singular | This | That |
| Plural | These | Those |
Understanding this structure is fundamental to using demonstrative pronouns accurately and effectively. By considering both the number and the proximity of the noun, you can choose the correct demonstrative pronoun for any given situation.
Types and Categories
Demonstrative pronouns are categorized based on their number (singular or plural) and their proximity (near or far). Each category has a specific demonstrative pronoun associated with it.
Singular Near: This
This refers to a single, nearby item or concept. It indicates that the object or idea being referenced is close to the speaker or writer, either physically or in time. “This is my favorite song” implies that the song is currently playing or being discussed.
Singular Far: That
That refers to a single, distant item or concept. It indicates that the object or idea being referenced is farther away from the speaker or writer, either physically or in time. “That was a great movie” implies that the movie was seen in the past.
Plural Near: These
These refers to multiple, nearby items or concepts. It indicates that the objects or ideas being referenced are close to the speaker or writer, either physically or in time. “These are the books I need for class” implies that the books are currently present.
Plural Far: Those
Those refers to multiple, distant items or concepts. It indicates that the objects or ideas being referenced are farther away from the speaker or writer, either physically or in time. “Those were the days” implies that the days being referenced are in the past.
Examples of Demonstrative Pronouns
To further illustrate the usage of demonstrative pronouns, let’s examine a variety of examples categorized by pronoun type.
Examples Using “This”
This is used to refer to a singular noun that is near in proximity (either physically or in time). The following table provides various examples:
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| This is my favorite coffee mug. | Refers to a specific coffee mug that is nearby. |
| This is an excellent opportunity. | Refers to a current or immediate opportunity. |
| This tastes delicious! | Refers to something being tasted at the moment. |
| This is where I grew up. | Refers to a place that is currently being visited or discussed. |
| This is the best day ever! | Refers to the current day. |
| This is the last time I’m telling you. | Refers to an immediate or upcoming instance. |
| This is a very important meeting. | Refers to a meeting happening soon or currently. |
| This is exactly what I needed. | Refers to something recently received or experienced. |
| This is my friend, Sarah. | Introduces someone who is present. |
| This is the way we’ve always done it. | Refers to a current or ongoing practice. |
| This is the reason I called. | Refers to the immediate purpose of the call. |
| This is going to be fun! | Refers to an event that is about to happen. |
| This is the key to success. | Refers to a principle that is currently relevant. |
| This is a problem that needs to be addressed. | Refers to a current or pressing issue. |
| This is a good book. | Refers to a book currently being read or held. |
| This is the final chapter. | Indicates the current part of a book or story. |
| This is my house. | Refers to the house the speaker is currently at. |
| This is just the beginning. | Refers to an initial stage of an ongoing event. |
| This is harder than I thought. | Refers to a task currently being undertaken. |
| This is the one I want. | Refers to a specific item the speaker prefers. |
| This makes me happy. | Refers to a current stimulus that evokes happiness. |
| This is a simple example. | Refers to the example currently being discussed. |
| This is my opportunity to shine. | Refers to a current or upcoming chance. |
Examples Using “That”
That is used to refer to a singular noun that is far in proximity (either physically or in time). The following table provides various examples:
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| That was an amazing concert. | Refers to a concert that happened in the past. |
| That is the house I used to live in. | Refers to a house that is distant or in the past. |
| That looks like a fun game. | Refers to a game that is being observed from a distance. |
| That was a difficult test. | Refers to a test that was taken previously. |
| That is a long way to go. | Refers to a distance that is significant. |
| That was the best vacation ever. | Refers to a past vacation experience. |
| That is what I’m talking about! | Refers to a topic previously mentioned or understood. |
| That was a good idea. | Refers to an idea from the past. |
| That will be all, thank you. | Indicates the end of a transaction or service. |
| That is his car over there. | Identifies a car that is at a distance. |
| That was the last time I saw him. | Refers to a specific past encounter. |
| That is the reason why I left. | Explains a past decision or action. |
| That seems like a good plan. | Refers to a plan that has been presented or discussed. |
| That is a very interesting point. | Refers to a point made earlier in a discussion. |
| That was a great movie. | Refers to a movie watched in the past. |
| That is where I want to go someday. | Refers to a future travel destination. |
| That is the most beautiful sunset I’ve ever seen. | Refers to a sunset from a past experience. |
| That is what I thought you meant. | Confirms an understanding of a previous statement. |
| That was my favorite childhood toy. | Refers to a toy from the speaker’s past. |
| That is how you do it. | Explains a method or process, often demonstrated previously. |
| That is a difficult question to answer. | Refers to a question previously asked or considered. |
| That was the best day of my life. | Refers to a memorable past event. |
| That is a problem for another day. | Postpones dealing with a current issue. |
Examples Using “These”
These is used to refer to plural nouns that are near in proximity (either physically or in time). The following table provides various examples:
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| These are my favorite shoes. | Refers to multiple shoes that are nearby. |
| These are the instructions you need to follow. | Refers to instructions that are currently being given. |
| These apples are delicious. | Refers to multiple apples that are being tasted. |
| These are the reasons I cannot attend. | Refers to reasons that are currently being explained. |
| These are the books I need for class. | Refers to books that are currently present. |
| These are the people who helped me. | Refers to individuals who are present or recently involved. |
| These are the steps to solve the problem. | Refers to steps that are being outlined. |
| These are the ingredients for the recipe. | Refers to ingredients that are being prepared. |
| These are my colleagues. | Introduces multiple people who are present. |
| These are the rules we must abide by. | Refers to rules that are currently in effect. |
| These are the issues we need to address. | Refers to problems that are currently being discussed. |
| These are the tools you will need. | Refers to tools that are being provided. |
| These are my concerns about the project. | Refers to concerns that are currently being expressed. |
| These are the solutions we have considered. | Refers to solutions that are presently under review. |
| These are the questions I have for you. | Refers to questions currently being posed. |
| These are the flowers I picked from the garden. | Refers to flowers that are nearby. |
| These are the best days of my life. | Refers to the current period of time. |
| These are challenging times. | Refers to the current period of time. |
| These are the most important things to remember. | Highlights key points that are currently being presented. |
| These are the examples we will discuss today. | Refers to examples that are about to be presented. |
| These are my reasons for supporting the plan. | Refers to reasons the speaker is about to share. |
| These are the results of the experiment. | Refers to the recent findings being discussed. |
| These are the changes we need to make. | Refers to the necessary adjustments being introduced. |
Examples Using “Those”
Those is used to refer to plural nouns that are far in proximity (either physically or in time). The following table provides various examples:
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Those were the days. | Refers to past times or memories. |
| Those are the houses we looked at last week. | Refers to houses that were viewed in the past. |
| Those were the best years of my life. | Refers to a specific period in the past. |
| Those are the people who organized the event. | Refers to individuals who were involved in the past. |
| Those were difficult times. | Refers to a challenging period in the past. |
| Those are the rules we used to follow. | Refers to rules that were previously in effect. |
| Those were the reasons why I left. | Explains past decisions or actions. |
| Those are the cars parked down the street. | Identifies cars that are at a distance. |
| Those were the days I’ll never forget. | Refers to memorable past experiences. |
| Those are the books I read in high school. | Refers to books that were read in the past. |
| Those were the problems we faced back then. | Refers to challenges from a past period. |
| Those are the solutions we implemented last year. | Refers to past solutions. |
| Those are the questions they asked during the interview. | Refers to questions from a past interview. |
| Those are the flowers she planted last spring. | Refers to flowers planted in the past. |
| Those are the memories I cherish the most. | Refers to cherished past memories. |
| Those were the lessons I learned from my mistakes. | Refers to lessons learned in the past. |
| Those are the changes we made to improve the process. | Refers to past changes. |
| Those are the results we achieved after the campaign. | Refers to outcomes from a past campaign. |
| Those are the skills I developed during my internship. | Refers to skills gained in the past. |
| Those are the experiences that shaped who I am today. | Refers to past experiences. |
| Those are the stories my grandfather used to tell. | Refers to stories from the past. |
| Those are the challenges we overcame together. | Refers to past accomplishments. |
| Those are the traditions we followed in our family. | Refers to past family customs. |
Comparative Examples
This table provides examples that compare all four demonstrative pronouns in context:
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| This is my cat, and that is my neighbor’s dog. | Compares a nearby cat with a distant dog. |
| These are the books I’m reading now, and those are the ones I finished last month. | Compares current books with books read in the past. |
| This cake is delicious, but that one looks even better. | Compares a cake being tasted with another cake at a distance. |
| These are the shoes I bought today, and those are the ones I bought last year. | Compares recently bought shoes with shoes bought in the past. |
| This is the solution we need now, and that was the solution we needed last time. | Compares a current solution with a past solution. |
| These are the reasons I support the proposal, and those are the reasons others oppose it. | Compares reasons for support with reasons for opposition. |
| This is my current project, while that was my previous project. | Compares a present project with a past one. |
| These are the tools we use daily, and those are the tools we use occasionally. | Compares frequently used tools with less frequently used ones. |
| This is the best approach for now, but that might be better in the future. | Compares a current strategy with a potential future strategy. |
| These are the problems we are facing today, and those were the problems we faced last year. | Compares current challenges with past challenges. |
| This is the recipe I’m using, and that is the one I used before. | Compares a current recipe with a previous one. |
| These are the results we expect, and those are the results we previously achieved. | Compares anticipated results with past achievements. |
| This is the method we are implementing now, and that is the one we discontinued. | Compares a current method with a discontinued one. |
| These are the improvements we have seen recently, and those were the issues we addressed earlier. | Compares recent improvements with previously resolved issues. |
| This is the feedback we are collecting now, and that was the feedback we collected last quarter. | Compares current feedback with past feedback. |
| This is the strategy we are testing currently, and that is the one we tested before. | Compares a current strategy with a previously tested one. |
| These are the steps we are taking this week, and those were the steps we took last month. | Compares current steps with steps taken in the past. |
| This is the plan we are following today, and that was the plan we followed yesterday. | Compares a current plan with a past plan. |
| These are the changes we are making now, and those were the changes we considered before. | Compares current changes with changes previously considered. |
| This is the approach we recommend now, and that is the approach we recommended earlier. | Compares a current recommendation with a previous one. |
Usage Rules
Proper usage of demonstrative pronouns requires adherence to specific rules regarding agreement, distance, and context.
Agreement with Nouns
Demonstrative pronouns must agree in number with the nouns they replace. This and that are used with singular nouns, while these and those are used with plural nouns. Incorrect agreement can lead to confusion and grammatical errors. For example, it is correct to say “This is my book” (singular) but incorrect to say “This are my books” (plural). The correct plural form is “These are my books.”
Physical and Temporal Distance
Demonstrative pronouns indicate distance, whether physical or temporal. This and these are used for items that are near, while that and those are used for items that are far. “Near” and “far” are relative terms that depend on the context. In a conversation, “this” might refer to something the speaker is holding, while “that” might refer to something across the room. In a narrative, “this” might refer to the present moment, while “that” might refer to a past event.
Demonstrative Pronouns vs. Adjectives
Demonstrative pronouns can sometimes be confused with demonstrative adjectives. The key difference is that a demonstrative pronoun stands alone, replacing a noun, while a demonstrative adjective modifies a noun. For example, in the sentence “This is my car,” “this” is a pronoun. However, in the sentence “This car is mine,” “this” is an adjective modifying the noun “car.”
Use in Formal Writing
In formal writing, it’s important to use demonstrative pronouns precisely to avoid ambiguity. Ensure that the noun being replaced is clear from the context. Avoid using demonstrative pronouns vaguely or without a clear referent. For example, instead of writing “This is important,” specify what “this” refers to: “This research is important.”
Implied Nouns
Sometimes, the noun being replaced by a demonstrative pronoun is implied rather than explicitly stated. In such cases, the context must make the meaning clear. For example, in response to the question “Which shirt do you want?” the answer “That” implies “That shirt.” However, relying too heavily on implied nouns can lead to ambiguity, so it’s best to be as explicit as possible, especially in formal writing.
Common Mistakes
Several common mistakes occur when using demonstrative pronouns. Being aware of these errors can help you avoid them.
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| This are my books. | These are my books. | Incorrect number agreement. “This” is singular, but “books” is plural. |
| Those is my car. | That is my car. | Incorrect number agreement. “Those” is plural, but “car” is singular. |
| I like that. (without clear context) | I like that painting. | Unclear referent. “That” should refer to a specific noun. |
| These was fun. | This was fun. | Incorrect pronoun choice when referring back to a singular event. |
| That are good ideas. | Those are good ideas. | Incorrect number agreement. “That” is singular, but “ideas” is plural. |
| This books are mine. | These books are mine. | Using ‘this’ as a pronoun instead of an adjective when it should modify ‘books’. |
| Those is what I want. | That is what I want. | Singular pronoun needed as only one thing is desired. |
| I appreciate those. (when referring to a single action) | I appreciate that. | Incorrect use of plural pronoun for a singular concept. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of demonstrative pronouns with the following exercises.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the correct demonstrative pronoun (this, that, these, those).
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. ______ is my house over there. | That |
| 2. ______ are the keys I was looking for. | These |
| 3. ______ was a great movie! | That |
| 4. ______ is an interesting question. | This |
| 5. ______ are the flowers I planted last spring. | Those |
| 6. ______ is my favorite song. | This |
| 7. ______ are the reasons I support the plan. | These |
| 8. ______ were the days! | Those |
| 9. ______ is the best day ever! | This |
| 10. ______ are the shoes I bought yesterday. | These |
Exercise 2: Identify the Demonstrative Pronoun
Identify the demonstrative pronoun in each sentence.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. This is my favorite book. | This |
| 2. That was a fantastic performance. | That |
| 3. These are the instructions you need to follow. | These |
| 4. Those were the days we’ll never forget. | Those |
| 5. This is exactly what I wanted. | This |
| 6. That is his car over there. | That |
| 7. These are the ingredients for the recipe. | These |
| 8. Those are the houses we looked at last week. | Those |
| 9. This is the solution we need now. | This |
| 10. These are my concerns about the project. | These |
Exercise 3: Correct the Errors
Correct the errors in the following sentences.
| Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|
| 1. This are my keys. | These are my keys. |
| 2. Those is my favorite coffee mug. | That is my favorite coffee mug. |
| 3. This were fun. | This was fun. |
| 4. That are good ideas. | Those are good ideas. |
| 5. These was the best vacation ever. | That was the best vacation ever. |
| 6. This books are mine. | These books are mine. |
| 7. Those is what I need. | That is what I need. |
| 8. I appreciate those. (referring to a single gift) | I appreciate that. |
| 9. Those is my reason for leaving. | That is my reason for leaving. |
| 10. This are the things I want. | These are the things I want. |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, understanding more nuanced aspects of demonstrative pronoun usage can further refine their skills.
Elliptical Constructions
Elliptical constructions involve omitting words that are understood from the context. Demonstrative pronouns are sometimes used in elliptical constructions, where the noun they replace is not explicitly stated but is implied. For example, in response to the question, “Do you want this one or that one?” the demonstrative pronouns “this” and “that” stand in for the implied noun “one,” which refers to an object previously mentioned. Mastering elliptical constructions requires a strong understanding of context and inference.
Consider the following examples:
- “I prefer this to that.” (Implies: “I prefer this option to that option.”)
- “Which car do you like, this or that?” (Implies: “Which
car do you like, this car or that car?”) - “These are better than those.” (Implies: “These apples are better than those apples.”)
Demonstrative Pronouns in Discourse
In extended discourse, demonstrative pronouns play a crucial role in maintaining coherence and signaling relationships between different parts of the text. They can refer back to previously mentioned ideas or forward to ideas that will be elaborated on later. When used effectively, demonstrative pronouns contribute to a smooth and logical flow of information.
For example, consider the following passage:
“The company announced a new policy regarding remote work. This policy allows employees to work from home two days a week. In addition, employees must submit a request to work remotely. That request must be approved by their manager.”
In this example, “this” refers back to the previously mentioned “new policy,” and “that” refers forward to the “request” that will be discussed in the following sentence. This use of demonstrative pronouns helps to connect the ideas and guide the reader through the text.
FAQ
When should I use “this” vs. “that”?
Use “this” for singular nouns that are near in proximity or time. Use “that” for singular nouns that are farther away in proximity or time.
When should I use “these” vs. “those”?
Use “these” for plural nouns that are near in proximity or time. Use “those” for plural nouns that are farther away in proximity or time.
Can I use demonstrative pronouns to refer to ideas?
Yes, demonstrative pronouns can refer to ideas, concepts, or situations, not just physical objects. The key is to ensure that the referent is clear from the context.
How can I avoid ambiguity when using demonstrative pronouns?
Be as specific as possible and ensure that the noun being replaced is clear from the context. If necessary, rephrase the sentence to make the referent more explicit.
Are demonstrative pronouns formal or informal?
Demonstrative pronouns are appropriate for both formal and informal writing. However, in formal writing, it’s especially important to use them precisely and avoid ambiguity.
Conclusion
Demonstrative pronouns are powerful tools for pointing out specific nouns and ideas. By understanding their types, usage rules, and common mistakes, you can enhance the clarity and precision of your communication. Whether you are writing an academic paper, giving a presentation, or simply engaging in a conversation, mastering demonstrative pronouns will help you express yourself more effectively. Practice using demonstrative pronouns in various contexts to solidify your understanding and develop confidence in your language skills. With consistent effort, you can harness the full potential of demonstrative pronouns and elevate your command of the English language.
