Parts of Speech:
What is a demonstrative pronoun?
A demonstrative pronoun is a word that points to or references the noun to which it replaces. Demonstrative pronouns identify or reference things in space and time (near and not near). Demonstratives are either singular or plural.
The four demonstrative pronouns are: this, that, these, and those.
Demonstrative pronouns, like other pronouns, are substitute words. However, demonstrative pronouns also show or reference the particular noun which it replaces apart from other general nouns.
Demonstrative pronouns emphasize things that could be mistaken for other similar things.
Demonstrative adjectives are routinely used in spoken English with non-verbal gestures to help identify particular nouns. Demonstrative pronouns can be used as subjects or objects.
SINGULAR + NEAR
This is near.
SINGULAR + NOT NEAR
That is not near.
PLURAL + NEAR
These are near.
PLURAL + NOT NEAR
Those are not near.
What do demonstrative pronouns do?
Demonstrative pronouns, like other pronouns, are substitute words. However, demonstrative pronouns also show or reference the particular noun which it replaces apart from other general nouns.
Demonstrative pronouns emphasize things that could be mistaken for other similar things.
Demonstrative adjectives are routinely used in spoken English with non-verbal gestures to help identify particular nouns. Demonstrative pronouns can be used as subjects or objects.
What are examples of demonstrative pronouns?
The easiest way to understand demonstrative pronouns is to compare them to demonstrative adjectives. Look at the examples below.
| Demonstratives | Demonstrative Adjective | Demonstrative Pronoun |
|---|---|---|
| this (singular, near) | This jacket is old. Is this tank top ugly? |
This is old. (jacket is seen) Is this ugly? (tank top seen) |
| that (singular, no near) | That dress is beautiful. Is that tie old or new? |
That is beautiful. (dress is seen) Is that old or new? (pointing to tie) |
| these (plural, near) | These socks are clean. Are these shirts yours? |
These are clean. (holding socks) Are these yours? (holding shirts) |
| those (plural, not near) | Those plates are big. Are those cars yours? |
Those are big. (pointing to plates) Are those yours? (pointing to cars) |
Subjects = _____________
Demonstrative = bold
What are common uses of demonstrative pronouns?
Demonstrative pronouns are used to identify nouns: person, places, things, and ideas. In statements, the person(s), place(s), or thing(s) which the demonstrative pronoun identifies is usually known because the nouns has been previously stated/identified. However, in questions, demonstrative pronouns are frequently used because the noun is actually not known.
| Demonstrative Pronoun | Demonstrative Pronoun (known) | Demonstrative Pronoun (unknown things or unknown owner) |
|---|---|---|
| this (singular, near) | This is old. (jacket=known) This is Fred. (Fred=known) |
What is this? (unknown thing) Who is this? (unknown person) |
| that (singular, not near) | That is nice. (known=idea or thing) That was Tim on the phone. (known=person) |
What is that? (unknown thing) Who was that? (unknown person) |
| these (plural, near) | These are clean (holding socks=known things) Are these yours? (holding socks=known things) |
What are these? (unknown things) Whose are these? unknown owner) |
| those (plural, not near) | Those plates are big. (plates in plain sight) Are those cars yours? (cars in plain sight) |
What are those? (unknown things) Whose are those? (unknown owner) |
