Demonstrative Adjectives| Usage and Examples

“Master the art of demonstrative adjectives to create clear, focused, and engaging writing that grabs your readers’ attention.”Understanding demonstrative adjectives is crucial for mastering precise communication in English. These adjectives serve as navigational tools, guiding speakers to specify and point out particular nouns with clarity and accuracy. By using words like “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those,” speakers can indicate whether a noun is near or far, singular or plural, in both spoken and written contexts.

This guide will delve into the definitions, usage rules, and examples of demonstrative adjectives, ensuring you gain a comprehensive grasp of how to wield these linguistic tools effectively in your everyday communication.

Table of Contents

What Are Demonstrative Adjectives?

Demonstrative adjectives are words that help us point to or specify which noun we’re referring to. Imagine you’re in a bakery and deciding on a pastry. You might say, “I’ll have this croissant, please.” Here, “this” is the demonstrative adjective that specifies exactly which croissant you want.

List of Demonstrative Adjectives

This – singular and close
That – singular and distant
These – plural and close
Those – plural and distant

Demonstrative Adjectives vs. Demonstrative Pronouns

Before proceeding, let’s clarify a common source of confusion – the difference between demonstrative adjectives and demonstrative pronouns.

Demonstrative adjectives modify nouns, providing additional information about a specific noun in the sentence. They help specify which noun is being referred to.

Demonstrative pronouns, on the other hand, stand alone to replace nouns in a sentence, functioning as the subject or object.

Demonstrative Adjective Example: “I like those flowers.” (Here, “those” specifies which flowers.)
Demonstrative Pronoun Example: “I like those. They’re beautiful.” (Here, “those” replaces “flowers”.)

How to Use Demonstrative Adjectives

“This” and “That”

“This” is used with singular nouns that are close to the speaker or within immediate proximity, implying nearness in space or time.

“That” is used with singular nouns that are farther away from the speaker, indicating distance in space or time.

Examples of “This”

This book is interesting.
Can you pass this pen?
This dress fits perfectly.
I love this song.
This coffee tastes great.
This room is cozy.
This pizza is delicious.
Look at this flower.
This movie is amazing.
This cake is homemade.
This chair is comfortable.
This watch is expensive.
This idea is brilliant.
This phone is new.
This picture is beautiful.

Examples of “That”

That mountain is tall.
I can’t reach that book.
That car is old.
That noise is annoying.
That house is beautiful.
That sign is hard to read.
That tree is huge.
That restaurant is famous.
That bird is rare.
That bridge is historic.
That dog is barking.
That show is popular.
That painting is exquisite.
That lamp is broken.
That building is under construction.

These” and “Those”

“These” is used with plural nouns that are close to you or within immediate proximity.
Example: “I want to buy these shoes.”
“Those” is used with plural nouns that are farther away or not within immediate reach.
Example: “Can you sell me those broken chairs?”

Examples of “These”

These apples are fresh.
These books are mine.
Can you hand me these papers?
These cookies are delicious.
These flowers are beautiful.
These chairs are comfortable.
I need these tools.
These photos are amazing.
These shirts are on sale.
These kids are playing.
These pens are out of ink.
These ideas are innovative.
These dishes are dirty.
These cars are new.
These buildings are tall.

Examples of “Those”

Those mountains are majestic.
Those birds are flying south.
Those shoes are expensive.
Can you see those stars?
Those houses are for sale.
Those students are studying hard.
Those clouds look ominous.
Those dogs are barking loudly.
Those trees are ancient.
Those paintings are famous.
Those chairs are reserved.
Those questions are difficult.
Those lights are too bright.
Those cars are parked illegally.
Those children are very noisy.

Agreement in Gender and Number

In English, demonstrative adjectives do not change for gender but do change for number to match the noun’s plurality.

Examples of “This” (Singular)

This book is fascinating.
This car is fast.
This tree is tall.
This house is beautiful.
This idea is innovative.
This dog is friendly.
This phone is new.
This movie is entertaining.
This pen is out of ink.
This flower is blooming.
This dress is elegant.
This painting is exquisite.
This computer is powerful.
This lamp is broken.
This cake is delicious.

Examples of “These” (Plural)

These books are heavy.
These cars are expensive.
These trees are old.
These houses are for sale.
These ideas are creative.
These dogs are barking.
These phones are advanced.
These movies are popular.
These pens are missing.
These flowers are lovely.
These dresses are fashionable.
These paintings are valuable.
These computers are fast.
These lamps are stylish.
These cakes are homemade.

Examples of “That” (Singular)

That mountain is tall.
That car is old.
That building is historic.
That bird is rare.
That song is beautiful.
That bridge is long.
That chair is broken.
That child is crying.
That lamp is bright.
That painting is famous.
That computer is outdated.
That watch is expensive.
That house is abandoned.
That tree is blooming.
That pizza is delicious.

Examples of “Those” (Plural)

Those mountains are breathtaking.
Those cars are vintage.
Those buildings are tall.
Those birds are migrating.
Those songs are classic.
Those bridges are famous.
Those chairs are antique.
Those children are playing.
Those lamps are modern.
Those paintings are priceless.
Those computers are new.
Those watches are stylish.
Those houses are luxurious.
Those trees are evergreen.
Those pizzas are large.

Examples of Demonstrative Adjectives in Sentences

Here are examples demonstrating the use of demonstrative adjectives in various contexts:

Choosing an Outfit

This dress is my favorite.
These shoes are comfortable.
That hat looks stylish.
Those jeans are trendy.
This shirt fits perfectly.
These socks are colorful.
That jacket is warm.
Those gloves are elegant.
This skirt is new.
These scarves are beautiful.
That sweater is cozy.
Those boots are waterproof.
This blouse is elegant.
These trousers are formal.
That tie matches well.

Shopping for Groceries

These apples are fresh.
This bread is homemade.
Those grapes are sweet.
That milk is organic.
These tomatoes are ripe.
This cheese is aged.
Those bananas are yellow.
That yogurt is low-fat.
These oranges are juicy.
This meat is tender.
Those potatoes are big.
That juice is fresh-squeezed.
These carrots are crunchy.
This cereal is healthy.
Those eggs are free-range.

Watching a Movie

This scene is intense.
Those actors are talented.
That director is famous.
These effects are stunning.
This plot is intriguing.
Those dialogues are witty.
That soundtrack is moving.
These reviews are positive.
This trailer is exciting.
Those stunts are impressive.
That cinematography is beautiful.
These characters are complex.
This ending is unexpected.
Those awards are well-deserved.
That premiere was glamorous.

Talking About a Family Portrait

This photo is my favorite.
Those smiles are genuine.
That background is lovely.
These outfits are coordinated.
This lighting is perfect.
Those poses are natural.
That moment is memorable.
These colors are vibrant.
This frame is elegant.
Those eyes are expressive.
That setting is picturesque.
These details are clear.
This expression is candid.
Those memories are precious.
That composition is artistic.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To use demonstrative adjectives effectively, avoid these common errors:

Confusing Singular and Plural Forms:

Remember to use “this” and “that” with singular nouns, and “these” and “those” with plural nouns.

Examples:

Incorrect: I like those dress.

Correct: I like that dress.

Incorrect: These apple are fresh.

Correct: These apples are fresh.

Incorrect: This cars are expensive.

Correct: These cars are expensive.

Incorrect: Can you hand me these book?

Correct: Can you hand me this book?

Incorrect: Those child are playing.

Correct: Those children are playing.

Incorrect: I need these tool.

Correct: I need these tools.

Incorrect: This chairs are comfortable.

Correct: These chairs are comfortable.

Incorrect: Those dog are barking.

Correct: Those dogs are barking.

Incorrect: This house are beautiful.

Correct: These houses are beautiful.

Incorrect: These computer is fast.

Correct: These computers are fast.

Incorrect: That pen are missing.

Correct: Those pens are missing.

Incorrect: These tree is old.

Correct: These trees are old.

Incorrect: Those dress are fashionable.

Correct: Those dresses are fashionable.

Incorrect: This photos are amazing.

Correct: These photos are amazing.

Incorrect: Those car is vintage.

Correct: Those cars are vintage.

Using Demonstrative Adjectives Without Nouns:

Always ensure demonstrative adjectives are followed by a noun.

Examples:

Incorrect: I want this, please.

Correct: I want this book, please.

Incorrect: These are delicious.

Correct: These cookies are delicious.

Incorrect: Those are expensive.

Correct: Those shoes are expensive.

Incorrect: Can you hand me that?

Correct: Can you hand me that pen?

Incorrect: This is my favorite.

Correct: This dress is my favorite.

Incorrect: These are old.

Correct: These houses are old.

Incorrect: Those are beautiful.

Correct: Those flowers are beautiful.

Incorrect: This is tasty.

Correct: This cake is tasty.

Incorrect: These are big.

Correct: These trees are big.

Incorrect: That is funny.

Correct: That movie is funny.

Incorrect: These are heavy.

Correct: These books are heavy.

Incorrect: This is fast.

Correct: This car is fast.

Incorrect: Those are loud.

Correct: Those kids are loud.

Incorrect: That is warm.

Correct: That jacket is warm.

Incorrect: This is bright.

Correct: This lamp is bright.

Incorrectly Matching Demonstrative Adjectives with Nouns:

Match the adjective with the noun in terms of proximity and number.

Examples:

Incorrect: Give me this apples.

Correct: Give me these apples.

Incorrect: Those book is interesting.

Correct: That book is interesting.

Incorrect: These cat is cute.

Correct: This cat is cute.

Incorrect: That cars are expensive.

Correct: Those cars are expensive.

Incorrect: This houses are new.

Correct: These houses are new.

Incorrect: I like those idea.

Correct: I like that idea.

Incorrect: Can you pass that pens?

Correct: Can you pass those pens?

Incorrect: These dog is barking.

Correct: This dog is barking.

Incorrect: That flowers are beautiful.

Correct: Those flowers are beautiful.

Incorrect: These movie was great.

Correct: This movie was great.

Incorrect: Those child are playing.

Correct: Those children are playing.

Incorrect: I need this papers.

Correct: I need these papers.

Incorrect: That trees are tall.

Correct: Those trees are tall.

Incorrect: These cake is delicious.

Correct: This cake is delicious.

Incorrect: This songs are catchy.

Correct: These songs are catchy.

Demonstrative Adjectives Exercise

Choose the correct demonstrative adjective (this, that, these, or those) to complete each sentence:

This cake is delicious. (singular, close)
I can’t believe I left _______keys at home. (singular, distant)
Please pass me ______pencils. (plural, close)
Can you see _____birds in the sky? (plural, distant)
_____jacket is mine. (singular, close)
_______dogs are friendly. (plural, distant)
I’m interested in buying ______watch. (singular, close)
______people over there are waving at us. (plural, distant)
I want to visit ______museum. (singular, close)
______cookies are tasty. (plural, close)

Answer Key:

This cake is delicious.
I can’t believe I left those keys at home.
Please pass me these pencils.
Can you see those birds in the sky?
This jacket is mine.
Those dogs are friendly.
I’m interested in buying this watch.
Those people over there are waving at us.
I want to visit that museum.
These cookies are tasty.

FAQs

How to Use Demonstrative Adjectives in English

Demonstrative adjectives are words that help specify or point out which nouns you’re referring to. The main demonstrative adjectives in English are “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those.” They modify nouns to provide clarity about which specific items are being discussed.

What are Demonstrative Adjectives and Their Uses?

Demonstrative adjectives are used to modify nouns and indicate which specific noun is being referred to. Here’s a quick breakdown of their uses:

This: Used with singular nouns that are close to the speaker.
That: Used with singular nouns that are farther from the speaker.
These: Used with plural nouns that are close to the speaker.
Those: Used with plural nouns that are farther from the speaker.

How to Confirm a Demonstrative Adjective?

To confirm if a word is a demonstrative adjective, check if it:

Directly modifies a noun.
Indicates proximity (near or far) and number (singular or plural). For example, in the sentence “I like this book,” “this” is a demonstrative adjective modifying the noun “book.”

What is the Difference Between Demonstrative Adjectives and Pronouns?

Demonstrative Adjectives: Modify nouns. Example: “This book is interesting.”
Demonstrative Pronouns: Replace nouns. Example: “This is interesting.”

AspectDemonstrative AdjectivesDemonstrative PronounsFunctionModify nounsReplace nounsUsageUsed with nounsStand alonePositionPrecede the nounFunction as the subject or objectExamples“I like this book.””I like this.”Common Words“this,” “that,” “these,” “those””this,” “that,” “these,” “those”

How Do You Use Demonstratives in a Sentence?

To use demonstratives in a sentence:

Choose the correct demonstrative adjective based on the noun’s number and proximity.
Place the demonstrative adjective before the noun it modifies.

Examples:

This book is mine.
Those cars are fast.
These cookies are delicious.
That house is old.

Where Do We Place Demonstrative Adjectives in a Sentence?

Demonstrative adjectives are placed directly before the noun they modify. For example:

This car is red.
Those flowers are beautiful.

How Do You Teach Demonstrative Adjectives?

To teach demonstrative adjectives:

Introduce the concept with definitions and examples.
Use visuals: Show pictures or objects and ask students to describe them using demonstrative adjectives.
Practice: Provide exercises where students choose and use the correct demonstrative adjective.
Role-playing: Create scenarios where students must use demonstrative adjectives in conversation.
Correct mistakes: Provide feedback and correct misuse of demonstrative adjectives.

What are the Articles of Demonstrative Adjectives?

The main “articles” or words that serve as demonstrative adjectives in English are:

This: Singular, close
That: Singular, distant
These: Plural, close
Those: Plural, distant

Conclusion

Understanding and using demonstrative adjectives effectively is crucial for clear and precise communication in English. By mastering the use of words like “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those,” you can accurately specify which nouns you are referring to in your sentences. Remember to match the demonstrative adjective with the noun’s number and proximity to avoid common mistakes. With practice, you’ll be able to confidently use demonstrative adjectives to enhance your language skills, making your speech and writing more descriptive and engaging.

Mira Sinclair

I’m Mira Sinclair, the expert helping you navigate grammar sections at “Grammer Grove.” Playing with words and expressions is my thing. At Grammer Grove, we’re here to make yourwriting stand out and shine. Let’s make your appreciation heartfelt and memorable—come and join the fun at Grammer Grove!