Pronouns

Demonstrative Pronoun: Definition, List and Examples of Demonstrative Pronouns

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Published on by Grammargeek
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A1 EnglishA2 English

Demonstrative pronouns are an important part of English grammar, used to point to specific things. For example, in the sentence “this is an apple,” the word “this” is a demonstrative pronoun. These pronouns are common in both spoken and written English and follow specific rules for proper use.

You will explore the details of demonstrative pronouns to help you use them correctly in your sentences. This knowledge will make your speech and writing more fluent. Topics included will cover the difference between demonstrative pronouns and demonstrative adjectives, as well as a list of all pronouns in English.

Demonstrative Pronouns

Demonstrative PronounsPin
Demonstrative Pronouns โ€“ Created by 7ESL

What Are Demonstrative Pronouns?

The demonstrative pronouns are the same words as the demonstrative adjectives (this, that, these, and those). They are used to point out specific people or things. They can be either near or far in distance or time, specifically:

  • Near in time / distance: this & these
  • Far in time / distance: that & those

The demonstrative pronouns this and that are singular and these and those are plural.

Examples:

  • This is an enormous field.
  • Can you see that?
  • These are my suitcases.
  • Do not approach those.

How to Use Demonstrative Pronouns

To Identify Objects

  • What is this? (close)
  • What is that? (far)

To Show Distance

  • This apple is fresh. (near)
  • That car is expensive. (far)

To Replace a Previously Mentioned Noun

  • I like these. (referring to some flowers nearby)
  • She prefers those. (referring to flowers far away)

Common Mistakes

Mixing up singular and plural forms:

  • Incorrect: This are my books.
  • Correct: These are my books.

Forgetting to clarify context:

  • Avoid: I want this.
  • Better: I want this apple.

Demonstrative Pronoun vs. Demonstrative Adjective

Demonstrative pronouns point to the object they are replacing and can stand alone and function as a noun. Demonstrative adjectives describe a noun and cannot stand alone.

Examples:

  • These are delicious cookies. (“These” is used as a demonstrative pronoun that stands alone.)
  • These tomatoes are fresh. (“These” is used as a demonstrative adjective qualifying the plural noun tomatoes.)

Related terms:

English Pronoun List

A1 Knowledge Check ยท 5 questions

Demonstrative Pronouns This That These Those Practice Quiz (A1-A2)

1 / 5
Q1

Question 1: The book is right here on the table. ___ is my favourite book.

Question 1 options
'This' is correct because the book is nearby (close in distance). 'That' refers to something far away. 'These' and 'those' are plural, but 'book' is singular.
Q2

Question 2: A student points to a dog standing far away and says '___ is very big.' Which option correctly uses a demonstrative pronoun here?

Question 2 options
'That' is correct because it refers to a single thing (the dog) that is far away. Demonstrative pronouns match both the distance and number of the noun they replace.
Q3

Question 3: A: What is on the table next to you? B: Oh, ___ is my phone.

Question 3 options
'This' is correct because the phone is close to the speaker (next to them). 'That' refers to something far away. 'These' and 'those' are plural, but 'phone' is singular.
Q4

Question 4: There are three apples in front of you on the desk. You say: '___ are very fresh today.'

Question 4 options
'These' is correct because the apples are plural and close to the speaker. 'Those' is plural but refers to things far away. 'This' and 'that' are singular and cannot refer to three apples.
Q5

Question 5: Match each sentence to the correct grammar label.

Question 5 options
This is a good idea.
That was a great film!
These are my friends.
I don't like those.
Singular demonstrative pronoun โ€“ near
Plural demonstrative pronoun โ€“ far
Plural demonstrative pronoun โ€“ near
Singular demonstrative pronoun โ€“ far

Select an item on the left, then tap its match on the right.

'This' = singular, near; 'That' = singular, far; 'These' = plural, near; 'Those' = plural, far. Demonstrative pronouns show both number and distance.

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