Demonstrative Pronouns

The term “demo” is often abbreviated for “demonstration,” which means showing or explaining something to others. Similarly, a demonstrative pronoun serves a comparable role by representing nouns that function as the subject or object in a sentence. For example, “this” and “that” are demonstrative pronouns that replace specific nouns to point out or refer to them directly. Just as a demonstration visually presents or clarifies a concept, a demonstrative pronoun helps indicate or refer to a particular person, place, thing, or idea in a sentence without repeating the noun.

Also Check: Simple Present Tense

What Is a Demonstrative Pronoun?

Demonstrative pronouns are simple words like “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those” that we use to point out specific things or ideas. Instead of repeating a noun, they replace it and stand alone in sentences. For instance, in the sentence “This is my cat,” the word “this” takes the place of the noun “cat” and stands alone as the subject. Similarly, in “I like those,” the word “those” stands alone to show a specific preference without mentioning a particular noun. Demonstrative pronouns help make sentences more straightforward by indicating precisely what is being referred to, and they also give us information about whether the being referred to is near or far from the speaker.

Also Check: Present Continuous Tense

Examples of Demonstrative Pronoun

1. ‘This’ Refers to something singular and nearby.

• This is my favourite book.
• I can’t believe this happened.

2. ‘That’ Refers to something singular but farther away.

• That is my old school.
• Can you pass me that pen?

3. ‘These’ Refers to multiple things nearby.

• These are my keys.
• These shoes are too small.

4. ‘Those’ Refers to multiple things farther away.

• Those are the houses we looked at.
• Can you grab those books for me?

Also Check: Present Perfect Continuous Tense

How to Use Demonstrative Pronouns – Rules and Examples

A demonstrative pronoun represents or identifies a person, place, animal, or thing. These pronouns come in singular and plural forms. When using demonstrative pronouns, it’s essential to ensure verb agreement with the specific singular or plural form being used.

Maintaining agreement between demonstrative pronouns and verbs ensures grammatical correctness and clarity in communication. This rule enhances sentence understanding and coherence in written or spoken language.

Also Check: Simple Past Tense

Demonstrative Pronouns vs Demonstrative Adjectives

Demonstrative pronouns are words that indicate specific objects or ideas without repeating them. They stand alone in a sentence and replace nouns. Examples include “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those.” For instance, instead of saying “The book is interesting,” we can use “This is interesting” to refer to the book directly without repeating its name.

Also Check: Past Continuous Tense

Demonstrative adjectives are similar words used before nouns to describe or point out specific things. They function like adjectives and provide additional information about the noun. Examples include “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those” when used before a noun. For instance, in “This book is interesting,” the word “this” describes the noun “book.” Understanding the distinction between these two types of words is important for clear and effective communication.

Demonstrative Pronouns Worksheet

Rewrite the following sentences by replacing the underlined nouns with appropriate demonstrative pronouns:

1. “Can you hand me the book on the table?”
2. “Which shoes did you buy for the party?”
3. “Are these the keys you were looking for?”
4. “Did you see the car parked outside?”
5. “Have you tried the new dish at the restaurant?”

Here are the sentences rewritten with appropriate demonstrative pronouns:

1. “Can you hand me this book on the table?”
2. “Which shoes did you buy for the party?”
3. “Are these the keys you were looking for?”
4. “Did you see that car parked outside?”
5. “Have you tried that new dish at the restaurant?”

Also Check: Past Perfect Continuous Tense

In the second sentence, there is no appropriate demonstrative pronoun to replace “shoes” as it is not specified which shoes are being referred to.

FAQs of Demonstrative Pronouns

What are demonstrative pronouns?

Demonstrative pronouns are words used to replace or identify specific people, places, things, or ideas in a sentence. They include words like this, that, these, and those.

How do I know when to use demonstrative pronouns?

Demonstrative pronouns are used when you want to refer to something specific without repeating its name. You choose the appropriate demonstrative pronoun based on the object or idea's proximity to the speaker and the listener.

How are demonstrative pronouns used in sentences?

Demonstrative pronouns replace specific nouns and avoid sentence repetition. They help indicate the proximity of objects or ideas to the speaker and the listener. Examples include sentences like: This is my house. (referring to something nearby) Can you pass me that book? (referring to something farther away) These are my friends. (referring to multiple things nearby) Look at those birds! (referring to numerous things farther away).