Demonstrative adjectives are words that help point out specific people, places, or things in a sentence. They show whether something is close or far from the speaker. The main demonstrative adjectives are this, that, these, and those. They always come before a noun and make it clear which one we are talking about. Using demonstrative adjectives correctly makes sentences clear and easy to understand.
What Are Demonstrative Adjectives?
Demonstrative adjectives are words that are used to indicate or point to specific nouns in a sentence. They help to provide more information about the location or identity of the noun they modify.
- This book is interesting
- I like that car.
- These shoes are comfortable.
- Look at those birds in the sky.
Demonstrative Adjective words
- This
- That
- These
- Those
This and That:
This and that are are words used to point to specific things. ‘This‘ refers to something close to you, while that is referred to something farther away.
- Hand me this book.
- Watch that red bird.
- Pass me this ball.
- Kick that red ball.
| Demonstrative Adjective | Number | Vicinity | Example |
| THIS | Singular | Close | Pass me this ball. |
| THAT | Singular | Far | Kick that red ball. |
| THIS | Singular | Close | Look at this cute puppy. |
| THAT | Singular | Far | Point to that tall building. |
These and Those
These and Those are words used to point to specific things, just like this and that. However, these is used for things that are close to you, and those is used for things that are farther away.
- Bounce these colorful balloons at the party.
- Roll those striped marbles towards me.
- Pick up these shiny seashells on the beach.
- Can you see those birds perched on the tree?
| Demonstrative Adjective | Number | Vicinity | Example |
| This | Singular | Close | Pass me this ball. |
| That | Singular | Far | Kick that red ball. |
| These | Plural | Close | Bounce these colorful balls. |
| Those | Plural | Far | Roll those striped balls. |
Demonstrative Adjectives vs. Demonstrative Pronouns
| Feature | Demonstrative Adjectives | Demonstrative Pronouns |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Words that describe and modify a noun by pointing it out | Words that replace a noun and stand alone in a sentence |
| Usage | Always used before a noun | Used alone without a noun |
| Main Words | This, that, these, those | This, that, these, those |
| Example Sentence | This book is interesting. | This is interesting. |
Demonstrative Adjective Examples:
- This cat is fluffy.
- Look at that bird.
- These cookies taste good.
- Can I have those crayons?
- This book is fun.
- Is that your toy?
- These shoes fit well.
- I like those flowers.
- This car is fast.
- Look at that kite.
Demonstrative Adjectives FAQs
1. What are demonstrative adjectives?
Demonstrative adjectives are words like this, that, these, and those that describe and point out specific nouns in a sentence.
2. How do demonstrative adjectives differ from demonstrative pronouns?
Demonstrative adjectives come before a noun (e.g., this book), while demonstrative pronouns stand alone and replace a noun (e.g., this is my book).
3. How do I know whether to use “this” or “that”?
Use “this” for a singular noun that is close, and use “that” for a singular noun that is far from the speaker.
4. Can demonstrative adjectives be used with both singular and plural nouns?
Yes! Use this and that for singular nouns, and these and those for plural nouns.
5. Why are demonstrative adjectives important?
They help make sentences clear and specific, showing exactly which person, place, or thing is being talked about.
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