Demonstrative Adjectives Definition, Forms, Types, Usage, and Examples

Have you ever used words like this, that, these, or those to talk about something specific? If yes, you have already used demonstrative adjectives! These little words are incredibly useful for pointing out or describing specific nouns in a sentence. Let’s dive in and explore their meaning, usage, and some examples to make learning fun and easy.

Table of Contents

• • What Is a Demonstrative Adjective?
  • Definition of a Demonstrative Adjective
  • Examples of Demonstrative Adjectives
  • Difference Between Demonstrative Adjectives and Demonstrative Pronouns
  • Practice Questions

What Is a Demonstrative Adjective?

A demonstrative adjective is a word used to describe or specify a noun by pointing out its position or location in time or space. These adjectives make communication more precise by helping the listener or reader understand which specific person, place, or thing you’re referring to.

Definition of a Demonstrative Adjective

According to the Collins Dictionary, the word demonstrative is defined as “a word pointing out the one referred to and distinguishing it from others of the same class.”

The Oxford Learner’s Dictionary defines a demonstrative adjective as “a word used to identify the person or thing being referred to.”

Simply put, demonstrative adjectives help us clarify which one(s) we are talking about.

Examples of Demonstrative Adjectives

In English, the words this, that, these, and those are used as demonstrative adjectives. Below are examples showing how they are used in sentences:

1. This house belongs to my grandparents.

2. I am reading that book on the table.

3. These flowers are blooming beautifully.

4. Can you return those keys to the office?

Difference Between Demonstrative Adjectives and Demonstrative Pronouns

It’s easy to confuse demonstrative adjectives with demonstrative pronouns since they use the same words: this, that, these, and those. However, they play different roles in sentences.

Practice Questions

Fill in the blanks with the correct demonstrative adjective from this, that, these, or those.

1. _______ cat on the sofa is sleeping.

2. _______ books on the shelf belong to me.

3. Could you please give me _______ file from the table?

4. _______ flowers in the garden are blooming.

5. _______ chair near the door looks old.

6. _______ cars parked outside are brand new.

7. _______ picture here is my favorite.

8. Have you visited _______ place before?

9. _______ cake on the counter looks delicious.

10. Can you pick up _______ toys on the floor?

Answers to Practice Questions

1. This cat on the sofa is sleeping.

2. Those books on the shelf belong to me.

3. Could you please give me that file from the table?

4. These flowers in the garden are blooming.

5. That chair near the door looks old.

6. Those cars parked outside are brand new.

7. This picture here is my favourite.

8. Have you visited that place before?

9. That cake on the counter looks delicious.

10. Can you pick up those toys on the floor?

Frequently Asked Questions on Demonstrative Adjectives

Q1: What is a demonstrative adjective?
A demonstrative adjective is a word like this, that, these, or those used to describe or point out a specific noun.

Q2: How do demonstrative adjectives differ from demonstrative pronouns?
Demonstrative adjectives describe a noun (e.g., this book), while demonstrative pronouns replace a noun (e.g., This is mine).

Q3: Can you give examples of demonstrative adjectives?
Sure! Here are some examples:

• • This computer is new.
  • Those students are very attentive.
  • That idea sounds brilliant.
  • These shoes fit perfectly.

Q4: Where do demonstrative adjectives appear in a sentence?
Demonstrative adjectives always come before the noun they modify.