Demonstrative Pronouns

Demonstrative pronouns are an essential part of English grammar. They help point to specific things and indicate whether they are near or far in relation to the speaker. In this guide, we’ll explore what demonstrative pronouns are, how they are used, when to use them, and provide examples and a mini quiz to test your understanding.

What are Demonstrative Pronouns?

Demonstrative pronouns are pronouns that are used to point to specific people, places, or things. They indicate the relative distance or proximity of the noun they refer to in time or space.

List of Demonstrative Pronouns

• this (singular, near)
• that (singular, far)
• these (plural, near)
• those (plural, far)

How to Use Demonstrative Pronouns

Demonstrative pronouns are used to replace nouns in a sentence. They must clearly refer to a specific noun mentioned earlier or understood from context.

Indicating Proximity

Demonstrative pronouns help indicate whether the noun is near or far from the speaker.

Examples:

• “This is my book.” (near)
• “That is your book.” (far)
• “These are my friends.” (near)
• “Those are your friends.” (far)

Avoiding Repetition

They help avoid repetition by replacing nouns that have already been mentioned or are easily understood from the context.

Examples:

• “I like this cake more than that.” (avoids repeating “cake”)
• “These are much better than those.” (avoids repeating “items”)

Clarifying Specificity

Demonstrative pronouns clarify which specific item or items are being referred to.

Examples:

• “I don’t like these; I prefer those.” (specifies which items are liked or disliked)
• “This is what I meant.” (clarifies the specific thing being referred to)

When to Use Demonstrative Pronouns

In Conversations

Use demonstrative pronouns to point out specific items being discussed.

Example:

• “Can you pass me that?”

In Writing

Use them to refer back to a previously mentioned noun, making the text more cohesive and less repetitive.

Example:

• “The researchers conducted several experiments. These were crucial for their study.”

To Show Contrast

Use them to compare and contrast different items or ideas.

Example:

• “This is my opinion, but that is yours.”

Examples of Demonstrative Pronouns in Sentences

1. “This is my favorite song.”
2. “That was an incredible performance.”
3. “These are my new shoes.”
4. “Those were the best days of my life.”
5. “This tastes delicious.”
6. “That looks interesting.”
7. “These need to be washed.”
8. “Those were the days!”
9. “Can you see this?”
10. “Who left those here?”

Demonstrative Pronoun Exercises

1. ________ (This/These) is my phone.
2. Can you hand me ________ (that/those) book?
3. ________ (Those/These) cookies are fresh.
4. I remember ________ (this/that) day very well.
5. ________ (These/This) are my keys.
6. Who does ________ (this/those) belong to?
7. ________ (That/Those) were amazing fireworks.
8. ________ (This/These) is the problem we need to solve.
9. ________ (Those/That) cat is adorable.
10. I love ________ (this/these) place!

Answers:

1. This
2. that
3. These
4. that
5. These
6. this
7. Those
8. This
9. That
10. this

Understanding and using demonstrative pronouns correctly can greatly enhance your clarity and efficiency in communication. Use this guide to practice and master demonstrative pronouns in your sentences!