This, That, These, Those: Mastering Demonstrative Pronouns
Understanding demonstrative pronouns – this, that, these, and those – is crucial for clear and effective communication in English. These pronouns help us point out specific people, places, or things, indicating their proximity to the speaker. Mastering their usage enhances both your speaking and writing skills, allowing you to convey your intended meaning with precision. This article provides a comprehensive guide to demonstrative pronouns, covering their definitions, structures, usage rules, common mistakes, and practice exercises. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, this guide will help you confidently use this, that, these, and those.
This guide is designed for English language learners of all levels, from beginners who are just starting to grasp the basics of grammar to advanced learners who want to refine their understanding and usage of demonstrative pronouns. Native English speakers can also benefit from this guide by reinforcing their knowledge and identifying any areas where they might be making common mistakes.
Table of Contents
- Definition of Demonstrative Pronouns
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories
- Examples of Demonstrative Pronouns
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Definition of Demonstrative Pronouns
Demonstrative pronouns are words that point out specific nouns or pronouns. They indicate the location or identity of something relative to the speaker. The four demonstrative pronouns in English are this, that, these, and those. They can function as both pronouns and adjectives (also known as determiners), depending on whether they stand alone or modify a noun. Understanding their function is essential to using them correctly.
As pronouns, they replace a noun or noun phrase. As adjectives (or determiners), they modify a noun, providing specific information about it. The choice between using this, that, these, or those depends on two factors: proximity (how close the object is to the speaker) and number (whether the noun is singular or plural).
Structural Breakdown
The structure of sentences using demonstrative pronouns is quite simple. When used as pronouns, they typically act as the subject or object of a sentence. When used as adjectives (determiners), they precede the noun they modify. Let’s break down the structural elements:
- Pronoun: Demonstrative pronoun + verb + (optional object/complement)
- Adjective (Determiner): Demonstrative adjective + noun + verb + (optional object/complement)
For example, consider the following sentences:
- This is my book. (Pronoun – Subject)
- I want that. (Pronoun – Object)
- This book is mine. (Adjective – modifies “book”)
- I like those shoes. (Adjective – modifies “shoes”)
The structure is straightforward, but the key is to choose the correct demonstrative pronoun or adjective based on proximity and number. The verb tense must also agree with the noun/pronoun being referred to.
Types and Categories
Demonstrative pronouns are categorized based on two main criteria: proximity and number. Proximity refers to how close the object or person is to the speaker, while number refers to whether the noun is singular or plural.
Proximity
Proximity divides the demonstrative pronouns into two groups: near and far.
- Near: Refers to items that are close to the speaker. This (singular) and these (plural) are used for objects or people nearby.
- Far: Refers to items that are distant from the speaker. That (singular) and those (plural) are used for objects or people further away.
Number
Number indicates whether the noun being referred to is singular or plural.
- Singular: Refers to one item or person. This and that are used with singular nouns.
- Plural: Refers to multiple items or people. These and those are used with plural nouns.
Combining these two criteria, we get the four demonstrative pronouns:
- This: Singular, near (This is my pen.)
- That: Singular, far (That is her car.)
- These: Plural, near (These are my keys.)
- Those: Plural, far (Those are their houses.)
Examples of Demonstrative Pronouns
To fully grasp the usage of demonstrative pronouns, let’s examine various examples categorized by proximity and number. This will help you differentiate between this, that, these, and those in different contexts.
Singular, Near: “This”
This is used to refer to a single object or person that is close to the speaker. It indicates immediacy and directness.
Here are some examples of “this” in sentences:
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| This is my cup of coffee. | The coffee cup is near the speaker. |
| This book is very interesting. | The book is within reach of the speaker. |
| This is my friend, John. | John is standing next to the speaker. |
| I like this song. | The song is currently playing and the speaker is enjoying it. |
| This is the best day ever! | The speaker is experiencing a great day right now. |
| This apple tastes delicious. | The speaker is eating an apple that is close by. |
| This is where I grew up. | The speaker is currently at the place they grew up. |
| This is a difficult question. | The question is currently being considered by the speaker. |
| This car is very expensive. | The car being discussed is near the speaker. |
| This project is due tomorrow. | The project is immediate and relevant to the speaker. |
| This is the only way to solve it. | The solution is immediate and the speaker is pointing it out. |
| This idea came to me last night. | The idea is fresh in the speaker’s mind. |
| This is my favorite restaurant. | The speaker is currently at or referring to a nearby restaurant that they favor. |
| This movie is so boring. | The speaker is watching a movie that is close by (e.g., at home or in a theater). |
| This train is always late. | The speaker is on or waiting for a train that is frequently delayed. |
| This computer needs an update. | The speaker using a computer that needs updating. |
| This plant needs watering. | The plant being referred to is nearby. |
| This cake is for your birthday. | The cake is presented as a gift, being close to the person. |
| This is all I have to say. | The speaker is concluding their statement. |
| This is a good start. | Referring to an initial attempt that is promising. |
| This is the last time I’m saying this! | The speaker emphasizes the finality of their statement. |
| This feeling is overwhelming. | The speaker is currently experiencing a strong emotion. |
| This street is very busy. | The speaker is on or near a crowded street. |
| This is the information you need. | The speaker is providing information that is immediately relevant. |
Singular, Far: “That”
That is used to refer to a single object or person that is farther away from the speaker. It can also refer to something that is not physically distant but is conceptually separate.
Here are some examples of “that” in sentences:
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| That is her house over there. | The house is visible but not near the speaker. |
| That was a great movie. | Referring to a movie that the speaker watched previously. |
| That is my brother, Tom. | Tom is at a distance from the speaker. |
| I didn’t like that song. | The song has already played, and the speaker is expressing dislike. |
| That was the worst day ever! | The speaker is reflecting on a bad day in the past. |
| That apple looks sour. | The apple is visible but not within reach. |
| That is where I want to go on vacation. | Indicating a distant location for a vacation. |
| That is a very complex issue. | Discussing an issue that is not immediate but still relevant. |
| That car is too small for our family. | The car being discussed is at a distance or not immediately available. |
| That project is due next month. | The project is in the future and not immediately pressing. |
| That is one way to look at it. | Referring to a perspective that is different or not immediately obvious. |
| That idea is worth considering. | The idea is being evaluated from a distance or retrospectively. |
| That restaurant used to be good. | Referring to a past experience at a restaurant. |
| That movie was a waste of time. | Reflecting on a movie that was seen in the past. |
| That train is never on time. | Referring to a train that is known for its unreliability. |
| That computer is outdated. | Referring to a computer that is not currently being used or is obsolete. |
| That plant needs more sunlight. | The plant is visible but not within immediate reach. |
| That cake looks delicious from here. | The cake is at a distance, but the speaker can see it. |
| That is all he had to say. | Referring to the entirety of someone’s statement. |
| That was a good start. | Reflecting on a past initial attempt. |
| That was the last time I saw him. | Referring to a past encounter. |
| That feeling is hard to describe. | Referring to a past emotion. |
| That street is usually quiet. | Referring to a street not immediately nearby. |
| That is the information I needed. | Regarding previously obtained information. |
Plural, Near: “These”
These is used to refer to multiple objects or people that are close to the speaker. It indicates a group that is within reach or immediate attention.
Here are some examples of “these” in sentences:
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| These are my books. | The books are near the speaker. |
| These flowers smell wonderful. | The flowers are close enough to be smelled by the speaker. |
| These are my friends. | The friends are standing next to the speaker. |
| I like these shoes. | The shoes are being tried on or are close by. |
| These are the best days of my life. | The speaker is currently experiencing a great period. |
| These apples taste delicious. | The speaker is eating multiple apples that are close by. |
| These are the streets I grew up on. | The speaker is currently on those streets. |
| These are difficult questions. | The questions are currently being considered by the speaker. |
| These cars are very expensive. | The cars being discussed are near the speaker. |
| These projects are due tomorrow. | The projects are immediate and relevant to the speaker. |
| These are the only ways to solve it. | The solutions are immediate and the speaker is pointing them out. |
| These ideas came to me last night. | The ideas are fresh in the speaker’s mind. |
| These are my favorite restaurants. | The speaker is currently at or referring to nearby restaurants that they favor. |
| These movies are so boring. | The speaker is watching movies that are close by (e.g., at home). |
| These trains are always late. | The speaker is on or waiting for trains that are frequently delayed. |
| These computers need updates. | The speaker is using computers that need updating. |
| These plants need watering. | The plants being referred to are nearby. |
| These cakes are for your party. | The cakes are presented as gifts, being close to the person. |
| These are all the details I have. | The speaker is providing all the available details. |
| These are good starting points. | Referring to initial attempts that are promising. |
| These are the last warnings I’m giving! | The speaker emphasizes the finality of their warnings. |
| These feelings are overwhelming. | The speaker is currently experiencing strong emotions. |
| These streets are very busy. | The speaker is on or near crowded streets. |
| These are the details you need to know. | The speaker is providing information that is immediately relevant. |
Plural, Far: “Those”
Those is used to refer to multiple objects or people that are farther away from the speaker. It indicates a group that is not within immediate reach or attention.
Here are some examples of “those” in sentences:
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Those are her houses over there. | The houses are visible but not near the speaker. |
| Those were great movies. | Referring to movies that the speaker watched previously. |
| Those are my brothers, Tom and Jerry. | Tom and Jerry are at a distance from the speaker. |
| I didn’t like those songs. | The songs have already played, and the speaker is expressing dislike. |
| Those were the worst days ever! | The speaker is reflecting on bad days in the past. |
| Those apples look sour. | The apples are visible but not within reach. |
| Those are the places I want to visit on vacation. | Indicating distant locations for a vacation. |
| Those are very complex issues. | Discussing issues that are not immediate but still relevant. |
| Those cars are too small for our family. | The cars being discussed are at a distance or not immediately available. |
| Those projects are due next month. | The projects are in the future and not immediately pressing. |
| Those are some ways to look at it. | Referring to perspectives that are different or not immediately obvious. |
| Those ideas are worth considering. | The ideas are being evaluated from a distance or retrospectively. |
| Those restaurants used to be good. | Referring to past experiences at restaurants. |
| Those movies were a waste of time. | Reflecting on movies that were seen in the past. |
| Those trains are never on time. | Referring to trains that are known for their unreliability. |
| Those computers are outdated. | Referring to computers that are not currently being used or are obsolete. |
| Those plants need more sunlight. | The plants are visible but not within immediate reach. |
| Those cakes look delicious from here. | The cakes are at a distance, but the speaker can see them. |
| Those are all the details he shared. | Referring to the entirety of someone’s shared details. |
| Those were good starting points. | Reflecting on past initial attempts. |
| Those were the last times I saw them. | Referring to past encounters. |
| Those feelings are hard to describe. | Referring to past emotions. |
| Those streets are usually quiet. | Referring to streets not immediately nearby. |
| Those are the details they needed to know. | Regarding previously obtained information. |
Usage Rules
Using demonstrative pronouns correctly involves adhering to specific rules related to proximity, number, and context. Understanding these rules will help you avoid common errors.
- Proximity and Number Agreement: The most fundamental rule is to ensure that the demonstrative pronoun agrees with the noun in both proximity and number. This and that are singular, while these and those are plural. This and these indicate nearness, while that and those indicate distance.
- Clarity: Ensure that the noun being referred to is clear from the context. If there is ambiguity, it is better to use a noun phrase instead of a demonstrative pronoun.
- Formal vs. Informal Usage: In formal writing, avoid using demonstrative pronouns excessively. Overuse can make your writing sound vague. In informal speech, demonstrative pronouns are more commonly used.
- Referring to Ideas or Concepts: This and that can also refer to ideas or concepts. This often refers to an idea that has just been introduced, while that refers to an idea mentioned earlier. For example: “He said he was tired. I don’t believe that.”
Common Mistakes
Several common mistakes occur when using demonstrative pronouns. Recognizing these errors and understanding how to correct them is crucial for improving your grammar.
Here are some common mistakes and their corrections:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| This are my books. | These are my books. | “This” is singular and should be replaced with the plural “these.” |
| These is my car. | This is my car. | “These” is plural and should be replaced with the singular “this.” |
| That are the flowers I picked. | Those are the flowers I picked. | “That” is singular and should be replaced with the plural “those.” |
| Those is my house over there. | That is my house over there. | “Those” is plural and should be replaced with the singular “that.” |
| I like that shoes. | I like those shoes. | “That” is singular and should be replaced with the plural “those” to agree with “shoes.” |
| This apples are delicious. | These apples are delicious. | “This” is singular and should be replaced with the plural “these” to agree with “apples.” |
| I hate those. This is awful! | I hate that. This is awful! | Assuming ‘that’ refers to a singular concept or situation. |
| Those isn’t my coat. | That isn’t my coat. | “Those” is plural and should be replaced with the singular “that.” |
| This ideas are interesting. | These ideas are interesting. | “This” is singular and should be replaced with the plural “these.” |
| I want that. These are better. | I want that. Those are better. | Assuming ‘those’ refers to something further away. |
Practice Exercises
To solidify your understanding of demonstrative pronouns, complete the following exercises. These exercises cover various scenarios and will help you apply the rules you have learned.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the correct demonstrative pronoun (this, that, these, those).
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. _______ is my favorite song. | This |
| 2. _______ are the keys I was looking for. | These |
| 3. _______ is her car parked down the street. | That |
| 4. _______ are the students who aced the exam. | Those |
| 5. _______ is a great idea! | This |
| 6. _______ flowers smell amazing. | These |
| 7. _______ house across the lake is beautiful. | That |
| 8. _______ are the books I need for class. | These |
| 9. _______ is the best coffee I’ve ever had. | This |
| 10. _______ are the memories I will always cherish. | Those |
Exercise 2: Correct the Errors
Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. This are my new shoes. | These are my new shoes. |
| 2. Those is my favorite cafe. | That is my favorite cafe. |
| 3. I love that flowers in your garden. | I love those flowers in your garden. |
| 4. These is the best movie I’ve seen all year. | This is the best movie I’ve seen all year. |
| 5. That are the reasons why I’m upset. | Those are the reasons why I’m upset. |
| 6. This cookies taste delicious. | These cookies taste delicious. |
| 7. That are my friends over there. | Those are my friends over there. |
| 8. These sound good. I’ll take that. | These sound good. I’ll take those. |
| 9. Those is what I was looking for! | That is what I was looking for! |
| 10. Look at this! Those are amazing. | Look at that! Those are amazing. |
Exercise 3: Sentence Completion
Complete the following sentences using the appropriate demonstrative pronoun.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. _______ is the most beautiful painting I’ve ever seen. (nearby) | This |
| 2. _______ are the most comfortable shoes I own. (nearby) | These |
| 3. _______ is the house where I grew up. (distant) | That |
| 4. _______ are the friends who have always supported me. (distant) | Those |
| 5. _______ is a difficult question to answer. (being considered now) | This |
| 6. _______ plants need more sunlight. (nearby) | These |
| 7. _______ is the restaurant we should try tonight. (just mentioned) | That |
| 8. _______ are the reasons I decided to quit. (previously stated) | Those |
| 9. _______ is the best way to solve the problem. (currently explaining) | This |
| 10. _______ are the people who volunteered to help. (visible, but not close) | Those |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, understanding the nuances and subtleties of demonstrative pronoun usage can further refine their English skills. These advanced topics explore less common, but equally important, aspects of demonstrative pronouns.
- Demonstrative Pronouns with “One” and “Ones”: When referring to a specific item or items from a group, you can use “one” (singular) and “ones” (plural) after the demonstrative pronoun. For example: “I want that one,” or “These ones are better than those.”
- Demonstrative Pronouns with Abstract Nouns: Demonstrative pronouns can refer to abstract nouns like “idea,” “concept,” or “situation.” The choice between “this” and “that” depends on the immediacy and relevance of the concept. For example: “This idea is revolutionary,” or “I don’t agree with that concept.”
- Ellipsis with Demonstrative Pronouns: Ellipsis is the omission of words that are understood from the context. Demonstrative pronouns are often used with ellipsis to avoid repetition. For example: “Which shirt do you want? This or that?” (The word “shirt” is omitted in the second part of the question).
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about demonstrative pronouns to help clarify any remaining doubts.
- What is the difference between a demonstrative pronoun and a demonstrative adjective (determiner)?
A demonstrative pronoun stands alone and replaces a noun, while a demonstrative adjective (determiner) modifies a noun. For example, in the sentence “This is my book,” “this” is a pronoun. In the sentence “This book is mine,” “this” is an adjective (determiner) because it modifies the noun “book.”
- Can “this” and “that” refer to time?
Yes, “this” and “that” can refer to time. “This” often refers to the present or near future, while “that” refers to the past or distant future. For example: “I’m enjoying this moment,” or “That was a long time ago.”
- Is it correct to use “this here” or “that there”?
While you might hear “this here” or “that there” in some dialects, it is generally considered non-standard English. It is best to use “this” or “that” alone in formal and standard English.
- How do I choose between “this” and “it” when referring to something?
“This” is used to point out something specific, while “it” is used to refer back to something already mentioned. For example: “I like this car. It is very fast.” “This” introduces the car, and “it” refers back to the car.
- Can demonstrative pronouns be used with uncountable nouns?
Yes, demonstrative pronouns can be used with uncountable nouns, but only in the singular form. For example: “This water is clean,” or “That information is incorrect.” You cannot use “these” or “those” with uncountable nouns.
- How do demonstrative pronouns relate to spatial deixis?
Demonstrative pronouns are a key component of spatial deixis, which refers to the way language encodes spatial locations relative to the speaker. “This” and “these” indicate proximity to the speaker, while “that” and “those” indicate distance, thus demonstrating spatial relationships.
- Are there any regional variations in the use of demonstrative pronouns?
While the core meanings remain consistent, some regional dialects might feature variations in usage or additional demonstrative forms. However, the standard forms (this, that, these, those) are universally understood and accepted in English.
- When is it appropriate to use a demonstrative pronoun in formal writing?
In formal writing, use demonstrative pronouns sparingly and ensure they clearly refer to a specific noun or concept. Avoid overuse, which can make your writing sound vague. It’s often better to use a noun phrase for clarity.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of demonstrative pronouns – this, that, these, and those – is essential for clear and precise communication in English. By understanding the rules of proximity and number, you can effectively point out specific people, places, or things in your speech and writing. Remember to avoid common mistakes and practice regularly to solidify your knowledge.
This comprehensive guide has provided you with the definitions, structural breakdowns, usage rules, examples, and practice exercises needed to confidently use demonstrative pronouns. Continue to practice and apply these concepts in your daily communication to further enhance your English language skills. Remember, clarity and precision are key to effective communication, and mastering demonstrative pronouns will significantly contribute to achieving that goal. With consistent effort, you’ll find that using this, that, these, and those becomes second nature, allowing you to express yourself with greater accuracy and confidence!
