Demonstrative pronoun definition and examples

Demonstrative pronouns are used to indicate or point out specific people, places, or things in relation to the speaker or context. They help draw attention to and clarify the referents in a sentence. In English, the four demonstrative pronouns are “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those.”

How Demonstrative Pronouns Are Used

“This” and “These”

• “This” refers to a singular object or person close to the speaker.
• “These” is the plural form of “this” and refers to multiple objects or people nearby.

Examples:

• This jacket is very comfortable.
• These shoes are brand new.

“That” and “Those”

• “That” refers to a singular object or person farther away from the speaker.
• “Those” is the plural form of “that” and refers to multiple objects or people farther away.

Examples:

• That painting is stunning.
• Those houses were built decades ago.

Features of Demonstrative Pronouns

1. Substituting for Nouns: Demonstrative pronouns can replace a noun or noun phrase to avoid repetition.

   Examples:

   • I like this. (instead of saying “this design” again)
   • Those are my favorite.
2. Clarity Through Context: They specify or identify particular objects or individuals based on proximity to the speaker.
3. Physical or Abstract Use: They can refer to tangible items (e.g., This chair is mine.) or abstract concepts (e.g., That idea is brilliant.).

Guidelines for Choosing the Right Pronoun

1. Use “this” and “these” for things close to you.

   Examples:

   • This coffee is freshly brewed.
   • These keys belong to me.
2. Use “that” and “those” for things farther away.

   Examples:

   • That mountain is breathtaking.
   • Those clouds look like they’re bringing rain.

Using demonstrative pronouns effectively helps improve clarity, precision, and flow in communication. They eliminate unnecessary repetition and draw attention to specific objects or ideas. Often, demonstrative pronouns are accompanied by gestures or contextual cues to enhance understanding.