Demonstrative Pronouns
2 min read
Demonstrative pronouns point to specific people, places, or things. There are four: this, that, these, and those.
The Four Demonstratives
| | Singular | Plural | | ---- | -------- | --------- | | Near | this | these | | Far | that | those |
Demonstrative Pronouns vs. Determiners
These words can function as pronouns (standing alone) or as determiners (before a noun).
As pronouns (replacing the noun):
- This is delicious.
- That is my car.
- These are my friends.
- Those were the days.
As determiners (before a noun):
- This cake is delicious.
- That car is mine.
- These books are heavy.
- Those shoes are expensive.
Distance Rules
"This" and "these" refer to things close to the speaker in distance, time, or emotion.
- This is my phone. (holding it)
- These are my children. (present)
- This week has been great. (current time)
"That" and "those" refer to things far from the speaker.
- That is the Eiffel Tower. (pointing at it)
- Those were my school days. (past time)
- That is a good idea. (abstract, just mentioned)
On the Phone
- "Hello, this is Sarah." (introducing yourself)
- "Is that John?" (asking about the other person)
Common Mistakes
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Incorrect: These is my bag. (singular/plural agreement)
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Correct: This is my bag.
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Incorrect: I like that ones.
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Correct: I like those ones.