Demonstrative adjectives are essential for specifying which noun we are referring to, indicating proximity and number. A strong understanding of demonstrative adjectives enhances clarity and precision in both speaking and writing.
This article will guide you through the intricacies of demonstrative adjectives, covering their definitions, structures, usage rules, and common mistakes. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this comprehensive guide will provide valuable insights and practical exercises to improve your English grammar skills.
By mastering demonstrative adjectives, you can effectively convey your intended meaning, avoiding ambiguity and enhancing your communication skills. This article is designed for English language learners of all levels, teachers, and anyone looking to refine their understanding of English grammar.
Let’s dive into the world of demonstrative adjectives and unlock their potential to improve your language proficiency.
Table of Contents
- Definition of Demonstrative Adjectives
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories
- Examples of Demonstrative Adjectives
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of Demonstrative Adjectives
Demonstrative adjectives are words used to point out specific nouns or pronouns. They help identify which particular item or group of items is being referred to. Unlike demonstrative pronouns, which stand alone, demonstrative adjectives modify nouns, providing context and clarity. The four demonstrative adjectives in English are this, that, these, and those. They indicate proximity (near or far) and number (singular or plural).
The primary function of a demonstrative adjective is to specify or identify a noun. They answer the question “which one?” or “which ones?” by indicating the noun’s position relative to the speaker or writer. For instance, in the sentence “This book is interesting,” the word “this” identifies a specific book that is near the speaker. Similarly, in “Those cars are expensive,” “those” points to specific cars that are farther away and plural in number.
Demonstrative adjectives play a crucial role in providing context and avoiding ambiguity. Without them, sentences can be vague and unclear. Consider the difference between “I like book” and “I like this book.” The latter sentence is much more precise because it specifies which book is being liked. By using demonstrative adjectives effectively, you can make your communication clearer and more effective.
Structural Breakdown
The structure involving demonstrative adjectives is relatively straightforward. A demonstrative adjective always precedes the noun it modifies. The basic structure is: Demonstrative Adjective + Noun. The demonstrative adjective agrees in number with the noun it modifies. “This” and “that” are used with singular nouns, while “these” and “those” are used with plural nouns. Consider the following examples:
- This house is beautiful.
- That car is fast.
- These flowers smell nice.
- Those trees are tall.
In each example, the demonstrative adjective directly precedes and modifies the noun. There are no intervening words between the demonstrative adjective and the noun.
The choice of demonstrative adjective depends on the proximity and number of the noun being referenced. The proximity refers to the distance between the speaker and the noun.
“This” and “these” indicate that the noun is near, while “that” and “those” indicate that the noun is far.
It’s also important to note that demonstrative adjectives can be followed by descriptive adjectives. In such cases, the structure is: Demonstrative Adjective + Descriptive Adjective + Noun. For example:
- This old house is beautiful.
- That red car is fast.
- These colorful flowers smell nice.
- Those tall trees are swaying in the wind.
In these examples, the descriptive adjectives “old,” “red,” “colorful,” and “tall” provide additional information about the nouns, but the demonstrative adjectives still serve to specify which particular house, car, flowers, or trees are being referred to.
Types and Categories
Demonstrative adjectives are categorized based on two factors: proximity (near or far) and number (singular or plural). This results in four distinct types: this (near, singular), that (far, singular), these (near, plural), and those (far, plural). Each type has its specific use and implications, making it essential to understand the nuances of each.
Near Singular: This
The demonstrative adjective “this” is used to refer to a single noun that is close to the speaker or writer. It indicates immediacy and directness. For example, “This book is mine” implies that the book is within reach or at least nearby. “This” is also used to refer to something that is currently being discussed or experienced.
Consider some additional examples:
- This pen writes smoothly.
- This apple is delicious.
- This song is my favorite.
In each case, “this” indicates that the item being referred to is singular and nearby or currently under consideration.
Far Singular: That
The demonstrative adjective “that” is used to refer to a single noun that is farther away from the speaker or writer. It implies distance, either physical or metaphorical. For example, “That house on the hill is beautiful” implies that the house is not within immediate reach. “That” can also refer to something previously mentioned or understood.
Here are a few more examples:
- That star is very bright tonight.
- That idea sounds interesting.
- That movie was amazing.
In each of these sentences, “that” indicates that the item being referenced is singular and at a distance or already known.
Near Plural: These
The demonstrative adjective “these” is used to refer to multiple nouns that are close to the speaker or writer. It is the plural form of “this” and indicates a group of items that are nearby. For example, “These cookies are delicious” implies that the cookies are within reach and available to eat.
Consider these examples:
- These shoes are comfortable.
- These flowers smell wonderful.
- These books are very informative.
In these examples, “these” refers to multiple items that are near and available.
Far Plural: Those
The demonstrative adjective “those” is used to refer to multiple nouns that are farther away from the speaker or writer. It is the plural form of “that” and indicates a group of items that are at a distance. For example, “Those birds flying in the sky are beautiful” implies that the birds are distant and not within immediate reach.
Here are some further examples:
- Those cars are very expensive.
- Those mountains look majestic.
- Those people are very kind.
In these sentences, “those” indicates that the items being referred to are plural and at a distance.
Examples of Demonstrative Adjectives
Understanding the different types of demonstrative adjectives is crucial, but seeing them in context is equally important. The following tables provide numerous examples, categorized by type, to illustrate how demonstrative adjectives are used in various sentences.
These examples will further clarify the usage and help you internalize the nuances of each type. Pay attention to the proximity and number indicated by each demonstrative adjective.
Below is a table containing examples utilizing the demonstrative adjective “this” in various sentences. Each sentence showcases how “this” is used to refer to a singular noun that is close to the speaker or writer.
Note that “this” indicates immediacy and directness, often referring to something currently being discussed or experienced.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| This book is very interesting. | Refers to a specific book that is nearby and currently being read or discussed. |
| This pen writes smoothly. | Indicates a particular pen that is close and being used at the moment. |
| This apple tastes delicious. | Refers to an apple that is currently being eaten and is nearby. |
| This song is my favorite. | Indicates a song that is currently playing or being talked about. |
| This house is very old. | Refers to a specific house that is close and visible. |
| This city is vibrant and lively. | Refers to the city that one is currently in. |
| This morning, I woke up early. | Refers to the current morning. |
| This moment is perfect. | Refers to the present moment. |
| This question is difficult to answer. | Refers to the question currently being considered. |
| This project is due next week. | Refers to a specific, ongoing project. |
| This road leads to the beach. | Refers to the road one is currently on. |
| This car is brand new. | Refers to a car that is nearby and recently acquired. |
| This computer is very fast. | Refers to the computer that is currently being used. |
| This idea is worth considering. | Refers to an idea that is currently being discussed. |
| This job is very demanding. | Refers to one’s current job. |
| This room is very cozy. | Refers to the room one is currently in. |
| This coffee is too hot. | Refers to the coffee one is currently drinking. |
| This exercise is beneficial for health. | Refers to the exercise one is currently doing. |
| This train is delayed. | Refers to the train one is currently waiting for. |
| This situation is quite challenging. | Refers to the current situation. |
| This solution is the best option. | Refers to a currently proposed solution. |
| This policy will improve our work environment. | Refers to a policy being discussed. |
| This dress looks beautiful on you. | Refers to the dress one is currently wearing. |
| This garden is full of flowers. | Refers to the garden one is currently in. |
| This lesson is very informative. | Refers to the lesson one is currently learning. |
Here’s a table illustrating the use of “that” to refer to singular nouns at a distance or previously mentioned. “That” implies a sense of separation, whether physical or metaphorical, from the speaker.
Examine how each sentence uses “that” to create distance.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| That house on the hill is beautiful. | Refers to a specific house that is far away and visible on a hill. |
| That star is very bright tonight. | Indicates a particular star that is distant and visible in the night sky. |
| That idea sounds interesting. | Refers to an idea that was previously mentioned or is being considered from a distance. |
| That movie was amazing. | Indicates a movie that was watched in the past and is being recalled. |
| That car is parked across the street. | Refers to a specific car that is parked at a distance. |
| “That’s what I meant,” he said. | Refers to something previously stated. |
| That time we went to Paris was unforgettable. | Refers to a past event. |
| That feeling of accomplishment is wonderful. | Refers to a past feeling. |
| That decision changed my life. | Refers to a past decision. |
| That look in his eyes told me everything. | Refers to a facial expression from the past. |
| That bridge is quite a distance from here. | Refers to a distant bridge. |
| That story you told me was fascinating. | Refers to a story from the past. |
| That opportunity is too good to miss. | Refers to an opportunity at a distance. |
| That mountain is very high. | Refers to a distant mountain. |
| That song reminds me of my childhood. | Refers to a song that evokes past memories. |
| That place is always crowded. | Refers to a distant location. |
| That animal is endangered. | Refers to an animal at a distance. |
| That building is the tallest in the city. | Refers to a distant building. |
| That problem is now resolved. | Refers to a past issue. |
| That result was unexpected. | Refers to a past result. |
| That method is very effective. | Refers to a previously discussed method. |
| That answer is incorrect. | Refers to a previously given answer. |
| That path leads to the waterfall. | Refers to a distant path. |
| That summer was the best of my life. | Refers to a summer from the past. |
| That question is one of the most important. | Refers to a question previously asked. |
The following table provides examples using “these” to refer to plural nouns that are near the speaker, indicating a group of items that are nearby and accessible. Notice how “these” is used to create a sense of immediacy and direct engagement with multiple items.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| These cookies are delicious. | Refers to a group of cookies that are nearby and available to eat. |
| These shoes are very comfortable. | Indicates a pair of shoes that are close and being worn or tried on. |
| These flowers smell wonderful. | Refers to a collection of flowers that are nearby and emitting a pleasant scent. |
| These books are very informative. | Indicates a set of books that are close and available for reading. |
| These apples are from my garden. | Refers to a group of apples that are nearby and recently harvested. |
| These keys open the front door. | Refers to the keys that are in your hand. |
| These glasses are not mine. | Refers to glasses that are within reach. |
| These emails need a response today. | Refers to emails that are currently being viewed. |
| These papers need to be signed. | Refers to papers that are nearby. |
| These tickets are for the concert tonight. | Refers to tickets that are currently held. |
| These chairs are not very sturdy. | Refers to chairs that are close by. |
| These ideas are worth exploring. | Refers to ideas being discussed. |
| These problems need immediate attention. | Refers to problems being addressed. |
| These files are confidential. | Refers to files that are easily accessible. |
| These toys belong to my children. | Refers to toys that are nearby. |
| These rules must be followed. | Refers to rules currently being read. |
| These instructions are easy to understand. | Refers to instructions being followed. |
| These symptoms suggest a cold. | Refers to symptoms being experienced. |
| These examples are very helpful. | Refers to examples being reviewed. |
| These changes will improve the system. | Refers to changes being implemented. |
| These comments are quite insightful. | Refers to comments being read. |
| These strategies are effective. | Refers to strategies being used. |
| These tasks must be completed by Friday. | Refers to tasks being worked on. |
| These measures will enhance security. | Refers to measures being implemented. |
| These precautions will keep you safe. | Refers to precautions being taken. |
This table presents examples using “those” to refer to plural nouns that are at a distance from the speaker, indicating a group of items that are not immediately accessible. Analyze how each sentence uses “those” to create a sense of separation and distance.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Those birds flying in the sky are beautiful. | Refers to a group of birds that are distant and visible in the sky. |
| Those cars are very expensive. | Indicates a set of cars that are far away and known to be costly. |
| Those mountains look majestic. | Refers to a range of mountains that are distant and impressive. |
| Those people are very kind. | Indicates a group of people who are at a distance and known for their kindness. |
| Those stars are twinkling brightly. | Refers to a collection of stars that are far away and visible in the night sky. |
| Those memories will last a lifetime. | Refers to past memories. |
| Those days were the best of my life. | Refers to days from the past. |
| Those challenges made me stronger. | Refers to past challenges. |
| Those opportunities are rare. | Refers to opportunities at a distance. |
| Those results are very promising. | Refers to results that are not in immediate reach. |
| Those buildings are very old. | Refers to distant buildings. |
| Those trees provide a lot of shade. | Refers to trees that are not close by. |
| Those stories are very inspiring. | Refers to stories that are being recalled. |
| Those feelings are hard to forget. | Refers to past feelings. |
| Those mistakes taught me a lesson. | Refers to mistakes from the past. |
| Those questions are difficult to answer. | Refers to questions at a distance. |
| Those solutions are not viable. | Refers to solutions that are not currently available. |
| Those reasons are not convincing. | Refers to reasons that are not immediately convincing. |
| Those concerns are understandable. | Refers to concerns that are not within immediate reach. |
| Those issues require attention. | Refers to issues that are not currently being addressed. |
| Those plans have been cancelled. | Refers to past plans. |
| Those assumptions were incorrect. | Refers to past assumptions. |
| Those expectations were unrealistic. | Refers to past expectations. |
| Those experiences shaped who I am today. | Refers to past experiences. |
| Those principles guide my decisions. | Refers to principles that are consistently applied. |
Usage Rules
Using demonstrative adjectives correctly involves adhering to specific rules that govern their use based on proximity and number. The key rules are as follows:
- “This” and “that” are used with singular nouns. For example: “This book” and “That car.”
- “These” and “those” are used with plural nouns. For example: “These books” and “Those cars.”
- “This” and “these” refer to nouns that are near the speaker. For example: “This pen is mine” (the pen is in my hand) and “These pens are mine” (several pens are nearby).
- “That” and “those” refer to nouns that are far from the speaker. For example: “That house is beautiful” (the house is at a distance) and “Those houses are beautiful” (several houses are at a distance).
There are also some nuances to consider:
- Time and Distance: “This” and “these” can refer to the present time or immediate future, while “that” and “those” can refer to the past or distant future. For example: “This week has been busy” and “That year was memorable.”
- Abstract Concepts: Demonstrative adjectives can also refer to abstract concepts. For example: “This idea is innovative” and “That concept is difficult to grasp.”
- Contextual Clues: The context of the conversation or writing often provides clues about the proximity of the nouns being referred to. Pay attention to the surrounding sentences and the overall situation.
Exceptions and Special Cases:
While the rules are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions and special cases to be aware of:
- Telephone Conversations: When answering the phone, it is common to say “This is [name]” even if you are not physically near your name. This is an idiomatic expression.
- Introducing Someone: When introducing someone, it is common to say “This is [name],” even if the person is standing next to you.
Common Mistakes
One of the most common mistakes is using the wrong demonstrative adjective based on number or proximity. For example, using “this” with a plural noun or “those” with a singular noun.
Here are some common mistakes and their corrections:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| This books are interesting. | These books are interesting. | “This” is singular, but “books” is plural. “These” should be used. |
| Those car is fast. | That car is fast. | “Those” is plural, but “car” is singular. “That” should be used. |
| These apple is delicious. | This apple is delicious. | “These” is plural, but “apple” is singular. “This” should be used. |
| That flowers smell nice. | Those flowers smell nice. | “That” is singular, but “flowers” is plural. “Those” should be used. |
| This houses are old. | These houses are old. | “This” is singular, but “houses” is plural. “These” should be used. |
| Those pen writes smoothly. | That pen writes smoothly. | “Those” is plural, but “pen” is singular. “That” should be used. |
| These star is bright. | This star is bright. | “These” is plural, but “star” is singular. “This” should be used. |
| That cookies are tasty. | Those cookies are tasty. | “That” is singular, but “cookies” is plural. “Those” should be used. |
| This idea are good. | These ideas are good. | “This” is singular, but “ideas” is plural. “These” should be used. |
| Those mountain is tall. | That mountain is tall. | “Those” is plural, but “mountain” is singular. “That” should be used. |
Another common mistake is confusing demonstrative adjectives with demonstrative pronouns. Remember that demonstrative adjectives modify nouns, while demonstrative pronouns stand alone.
For example:
- Demonstrative Adjective: This book is interesting.
- Demonstrative Pronoun: This is interesting.
In the first sentence, “this” modifies the noun “book,” making it a demonstrative adjective. In the second sentence, “this” stands alone and refers to something unspecified, making it a demonstrative pronoun.
Practice Exercises
To solidify your understanding of demonstrative adjectives, complete the following exercises. Choose the correct demonstrative adjective (this, that, these, or those) to fill in the blanks.
Each exercise is designed to test your knowledge of proximity, number, and context.
Exercise 1: Choose the correct demonstrative adjective.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. ______ book is mine. (near) | This |
| 2. ______ houses are beautiful. (far) | Those |
| 3. ______ flowers smell wonderful. (near) | These |
| 4. ______ car is fast. (far) | That |
| 5. ______ pens write smoothly. (near) | These |
| 6. ______ star is bright. (far) | That |
| 7. ______ cookies are tasty. (near) | These |
| 8. ______ idea is good. (near) | This |
| 9. ______ mountain is tall. (far) | That |
| 10. ______ apples are from my garden. (near) | These |
Exercise 2: Fill in the blanks with the correct demonstrative adjective.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. ______ shoes are uncomfortable. (near, plural) | These |
| 2. ______ tree is very tall. (far, singular) | That |
| 3. ______ emails need a quick response. (near, plural) | These |
| 4. ______ song always makes me happy. (far, singular) | That |
| 5. ______ chairs are broken. (far, plural) | Those |
| 6. ______ computer is very slow. (near, singular) | This |
| 7. ______ problems need solving immediately. (near, plural) | These |
| 8. ______ building is the tallest in the city. (far, singular) | That |
| 9. ______ files are confidential. (near, plural) | These |
| 10. ______ result was unexpected. (far, singular) | That |
Exercise 3: Correct the sentences with demonstrative adjective errors.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. This books are very interesting. | These books are very interesting. |
| 2. Those car is parked across the street. | That car is parked across the street. |
| 3. These apple tastes delicious. | This apple tastes delicious. |
| 4. That flowers are beautiful. | Those flowers are beautiful. |
| 5. This houses are old and charming. | These houses are old and charming. |
| 6. Those pen doesn’t write well. | That pen doesn’t write well. |
| 7. These star is shining brightly. | This star is shining brightly. |
| 8. That cookies look tempting. | Those cookies look tempting. |
| 9. This idea are worth considering. | These ideas are worth considering. |
| 10. Those mountain is covered in snow. | That mountain is covered in snow. |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, understanding the subtle nuances and more complex applications of demonstrative adjectives can further refine their English language skills. Here are some advanced topics to explore:
- Demonstrative Adjectives with “One” and “Ones”: When referring to a specific item or items within a group, “one” (singular) and “ones” (plural) can be used after the demonstrative adjective. For example: “This one is mine” (referring to a specific item) and “Those ones are better” (referring to specific items within a group).
- Ellipsis with Demonstrative Adjectives: Ellipsis, the omission of words that are understood from context, can occur with demonstrative adjectives. For example, instead of saying “I like this car better than that car,” you can say “I like this car better than that,” where “car” is understood.
- Demonstrative Adjectives in Formal Writing: In formal writing, the choice of demonstrative adjective can impact the tone and clarity of the text. Using “this” and “these” can create a sense of immediacy and engagement, while “that” and “those” can create a more detached and objective tone.
- Contrastive Use: Demonstrative adjectives can be used to contrast two or more items. For example: “This book is interesting, but that one is boring.” Here, “this” and “that” are used to highlight the contrast between the two books.
- Figurative Language: Demonstrative adjectives can be used in figurative language, such as metaphors and similes, to create vivid imagery and enhance the impact of the writing. For example: “That idea was a beacon of hope.”
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about demonstrative adjectives:
- What is the difference between a demonstrative adjective and a demonstrative pronoun?
A demonstrative adjective modifies a noun, while a demonstrative pronoun stands alone and replaces a noun. For example, “This book is mine”
(adjective) vs. “This is mine” (pronoun).
- Can demonstrative adjectives be used with uncountable nouns?
No, demonstrative adjectives are typically used with countable nouns. For uncountable nouns, you would use quantifiers like “much” or “little.”
- How do I choose between “this” and “that”?
“This” is used for singular nouns that are near the speaker, while “that” is used for singular nouns that are farther away.
- Is it correct to say “This here book”?
No, “This here book” is considered grammatically incorrect and redundant. “This book” is sufficient.
- Can demonstrative adjectives be used with proper nouns?
Yes, but it’s less common. For example, “This London is different from the one I remember.”
Conclusion
Mastering demonstrative adjectives is crucial for enhancing clarity and precision in your English communication. By understanding the types, usage rules, and common mistakes associated with this, that, these, and those, you can effectively specify which nouns you are referring to, avoid ambiguity, and improve your overall language proficiency. This guide has provided a comprehensive overview of demonstrative adjectives, complete with examples, exercises, and advanced topics to help you deepen your understanding and refine your skills.
Continue to practice and apply these concepts in your everyday speaking and writing to further solidify your knowledge. With consistent effort and attention to detail, you will become proficient in using demonstrative adjectives and elevate the quality of your communication.
Whether you’re a student, teacher, or language enthusiast, mastering demonstrative adjectives is a valuable step towards achieving fluency and confidence in English.