Demonstrative Pronouns: Definition, Usage, and Examples

Demonstrative pronouns are an essential part of English grammar. They help us avoid repetition and make our communication more efficient by pointing to specific individuals, locations, objects, or concepts. In this guide, we’ll explore the meaning of demonstrative pronouns, how they are used, and how to differentiate them from demonstrative adjectives.

Table of Contents

1. What Are Demonstrative Pronouns?

2. Definition of Demonstrative Pronouns

3. How to Use Demonstrative Pronouns

4. Demonstrative Pronouns vs. Demonstrative Adjectives

5. Examples of Demonstrative Pronouns in Sentences

6. Test Your Understanding of Demonstrative Pronouns

7. Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Demonstrative Pronouns?

Demonstrative pronouns are used to point to specific nouns without repeating them. They indicate whether the noun is near or far and if it’s singular or plural. Common demonstrative pronouns in English are this, that, these, and those.

For example:

• • This is amazing! (refers to something nearby)
  • Those are beautiful. (refers to something farther away)

Definition of Demonstrative Pronouns

• • Cambridge Dictionary: Demonstrative pronouns are words such as this, that, these, and those used to indicate the specific person or thing being referred to.
  • Merriam-Webster Dictionary: A demonstrative pronoun is a pronoun that identifies or singles out the thing being referred to.

How to Use Demonstrative Pronouns

Demonstrative pronouns can be used based on proximity (near or far) and number (singular or plural).

1. Proximity

• • • Near: Use this (singular) and these (plural) to refer to something close to the speaker.
    • Far: Use that (singular) and those (plural) to refer to something farther away.

2. Number

• • • Singular: This and that refer to one item or concept.
    • Plural: These and those refer to multiple items or concepts.

Examples of Usage

1. This is my favourite book. (singular, near)

2. That is an interesting idea. (singular, far)

3. These are my friends. (plural, near)

4. Those were unforgettable memories. (plural, far)

Demonstrative Pronouns vs. Demonstrative Adjectives

The same words (this, that, these, those) can act as demonstrative pronouns or demonstrative adjectives. The distinction lies in their function.

Examples of Demonstrative Pronouns in Sentences

Test Your Understanding of Demonstrative Pronouns

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

1. The dress in my hand is beautiful.

2. I love the chocolates on the counter.

3. The stars in the sky are so bright tonight.

4. Can you pass me the pen on the table?

5. The memories from our trip are unforgettable.

Answers

1. This is beautiful.

2. I love these.

3. Those are so bright tonight.

4. Can you pass me that?

5. Those are unforgettable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a demonstrative pronoun?

A demonstrative pronoun is used to replace a noun or noun phrase, pointing to something specific. Examples include this, that, these, and those.

Q2: How do demonstrative pronouns differ from demonstrative adjectives?

Demonstrative pronouns replace nouns entirely (e.g., This is mine), while demonstrative adjectives modify nouns (e.g., This bag is mine).

Q3: Can demonstrative pronouns refer to abstract concepts?

Yes, demonstrative pronouns can refer to abstract ideas or concepts. For example: That was a great idea.

Q4: What are the examples of demonstrative pronouns?

• • Singular: This is incredible.
  • Plural: Those are beautiful.

Q5: What is an ambiguous antecedent?

An ambiguous antecedent occurs when it’s unclear what a pronoun refers to. For example, I like bowling and movies. Let’s do that. (That could mean either activity.)