Being able to effectively use demonstrative adjectives in your spoken and written English is an excellent way to make your sentences more clear and descriptive. There are various different demonstrative adjectives in English which can be used to talk about the position of the noun in either space or time.
In this section, we will be learning how to use the demonstrative adjective as well as looking at how they work within a sentence.
Demonstrative Adjectives
What Are Demonstrative Adjectives?
Demonstrative adjectives are words that are used to differentiate and identify specific objects, people, or ideas. They can also point out the distance between different objects and people. In addition to this information, they show feelings and attitudes toward the mentioned items.
In English grammar, this, that, these, and those are demonstrative adjectives.
For example:
- This train conveys passengers to London.
- I think that book is mine.
- These cakes are very quick and easy to make.
- Let me give you a hand with those bags.
Types of Demonstrative Adjectives
This & That
This and that are used with singular nouns.
For example:
- this apple
- that table
This is used with someone or something near the speaker.
For example:
- This car is cheap.
That is used with someone or something far from the speaker.
For example:
- That man irritates me!
These & Those
These and those are used with plural nouns.
For example:
- These boys
- Those books
These to indicate someone or something near the speaker.
For example:
- These shoes need to be repaired.
Those to indicate someone or something far from the speaker.
For example:
- Do you need any help with those boxes?
Commonly Confused This vs. These
“This” is used when referring to a singular object that is close by.
For example:
- This sandwich tastes delicious.
Alternatively, “these” is used when referring to plural objects that are both close by
Example:
- These carrots are fresh.
Examples and Sentence Structures:
- This pumpkin pie smells amazing
- These apples look ripe
Demonstrative Adjectives vs. Demonstrative Pronouns
While both serve similar purposes – understanding distinctions between them proves incredibly important for correctly using either in spoken/written language!
In English grammar, the demonstrative pronouns are also this, that, these, and those. However, they do not modify nouns or pronouns as demonstrative adjectives.
For example:
- This is a course in mechanics.
- That‘s a nice dress.
- These are great shoes for muddy weather.
- I’m not joking. Those were his actual words.
Demonstrative Adjectives | Image
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Demonstrative Adjectives
- Confusing the words “this” and “these” with “that” and “those”.
To make sure you get it right, remember that the words beginning with T refer to something further away from you than the words beginning with Th.
For example, if someone is standing next to you and you want to refer to them, use the word “this; if they are further away, use the word “that”.
- Using demonstrative adjectives as pronouns.
This means using words like this/these/that/those without pairing them up with a noun or pronoun.
For example, saying “I like that” instead of saying “I like that car”.
To make sure you don’t make this mistake, always make sure a demonstrative adjective is used in conjunction with a noun or pronoun.
- Placing demonstrative adjectives in front of nouns.
Demonstratives should always come after determiners such as articles (the/a) or possessive adjectives (my/your).
Thus, the correct way of saying something would be: “This apple”, rather than “This an apple”.
Following this rule will help your sentences sound more natural and grammatically correct.
Demonstrative Adjective Quizzes
Here are some quizzes to practice demonstrative adjectives:
Quiz 1: Identify the Demonstrative Adjective
Choose the correct demonstrative adjective that completes each sentence.
- _________ book on the table is mine. a) This b) That c) These d) Those
- _________ shirt is too small for me. a) This b) That c) These d) Those
- _________ dogs are always barking at night. a) This b) That c) These d) Those
- _________ flowers in the vase are wilting. a) This b) That c) These d) Those
- _________ car in the parking lot is new. a) This b) That c) These d) Those
Answers:
- b) That
- a) This
- d) Those
- c) These
- b) That
Quiz 2: Complete the Sentence with the Correct Demonstrative Adjective
Choose the correct demonstrative adjective to complete each sentence.
- _________ book is mine. a) This b) That c) These d) Those
- _________ dog is sleeping on the couch. a) This b) That c) These d) Those
- _________ shoes are too big for me. a) This b) That c) These d) Those
- _________ clouds in the sky look like cotton candy. a) This b) That c) These d) Those
- _________ cupcakes are the best I’ve ever tasted. a) This b) That c) These d) Those
Answers:
- a) This
- b) That
- d) Those
- c) These
- c) These
Last Updated on March 14, 2023
Do not approach those cat? the correct one is ‘Do not approach those cats’ .
Do not approach those cat? the corect one is “Do not approach those cats”