What Is a Demonstrative Pronoun? Definition, Usage, and Examples

What is a Demonstrative Pronoun?

A demonstrative pronoun is a word that is used to point to something specific within a sentence. These pronouns can indicate items in space or time, and they can be either singular or plural.

Demonstrative pronouns are a subcategory of pronouns that are used to indicate or point out particular people, objects, locations, or concepts. They are typically used to avoid repetition and add clarity to a sentence. Demonstrative pronouns are different from demonstrative adjectives, which modify nouns and are often confused with pronouns due to their similar forms.

Types of Demonstrative Pronouns

There are four main demonstrative pronouns in English, and they are used based on the distance from the speaker and the listener to the object being referred to:

• This: Used to refer to a singular object or concept that is near the speaker.
• That: Used to refer to a singular object or concept that is farther from the speaker.
• These: Used to refer to multiple objects or concepts that are near the speaker.
• Those: Used to refer to multiple objects or concepts that are farther from the speaker.
  
  

Usage of Demonstrative Pronouns

Demonstrative pronouns are employed when the object or idea being referred to is already known to both the speaker and the listener or is clear from the context of the conversation. Let’s look at some examples:

Using “This”:

1. This is my new phone. (referring to a specific phone the speaker is holding)
2. I love this song. (referring to a specific song playing nearby)
   
   

Using “That”:

1. Look at that beautiful sunset. (referring to a sunset in the distance)
2. That is the tallest building in the city. (referring to a building visible from afar)
   
   

Using “These”:

1. These cupcakes are delicious. (referring to cupcakes on the table)
2. I bought these shoes yesterday. (referring to the shoes the speaker is pointing at)
   
   

Using “Those”:

1. Can you see those birds in the sky? (referring to birds flying in the distance)
2. Those flowers smell wonderful. (referring to flowers across the garden)
   
   

Demonstrative Pronouns vs. Demonstrative Adjectives

It is crucial to differentiate between demonstrative pronouns and demonstrative adjectives, as they serve different grammatical functions. Demonstrative adjectives modify nouns and are used before nouns to indicate which specific thing or things the speaker is talking about. For example:

• Demonstrative Adjective: I like this book. (specifying which book the speaker likes)
  

On the other hand, demonstrative pronouns replace nouns and are used independently, standing alone in a sentence to refer to specific objects or concepts. For example:

• Demonstrative Pronoun: I like this. (the noun “book” is understood from the context)
  
  

Example sentences of Demonstrative Pronoun

Here are 50+ example sentences of demonstrative pronouns using “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those”:

• This is my favorite book.
• That is a beautiful painting.
• I love these cupcakes.
• Can you pass me those cookies?
• This is my laptop.
• I need to buy that dress.
• Please hand me these papers.
• Those are my keys.
• This is a great movie.
• Can you see that bird?
• I want to visit these places.
• I really like those shoes.
• This is my hometown.
• I saw that movie last night.
• These flowers are beautiful.
• Have you tried those cookies?
• This is my new car.
• That is a famous landmark.
• I have to return these books to the library.
• I need to buy those ingredients for the recipe.
• This is my favorite restaurant.
• That looks interesting.
• I can’t find these keys anywhere.
• I want to buy those sunglasses.
• This is my best friend.
• Have you read that book?
• These cookies taste amazing.
• I can’t believe I lost those tickets.
• This is a lovely garden.
• That is my dream destination.
• Please bring me these documents.
• Can you hand me those pens?
• This is my pet dog.
• I would love to try that restaurant.
• I bought these shoes yesterday.
• Those mountains are majestic.
• This is my favorite song.
• That was a memorable experience.
• I made these cupcakes for the party.
• Have you seen those new gadgets?
• This is my phone number.
• That seems like a good idea.
• I can’t find these earrings.
• Can you pass me those plates?
• This is my new laptop.
• Have you ever been to that country?
• I need to return these clothes to the store.
• Those flowers are blooming beautifully.
• This is my favorite ice cream flavor.
• That building is impressive.
• Please hand me these tools.
• I want to buy those headphones.
• This is my first time here.
• I heard that song on the radio.
• These paintings are exquisite.
  

Demonstrative pronouns are powerful tools that aid in clear and concise communication. By using “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those,” speakers can point out specific people, places, things, or ideas without repeating themselves or causing confusion. Understanding the proper usage of demonstrative pronouns can enhance your language skills and make your communication more efficient and effective.

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