In our daily conversations and written expressions, demonstrative pronouns play a vital role in pointing out specific objects, people, or ideas, allowing us to communicate efficiently and effectively in the English language. In this post, explore the various aspects of the demonstrative pronoun. We will unravel their definitions, functions, different forms, examples, and common mistakes to avoid, and provide practical tips for their correct usage. Let the journey begin!
This post includes:
- What is a demonstrative pronoun?
- List of demonstrative pronouns and their usage
- Functions of demonstrative pronouns
- Types of Demonstrative Pronouns
- Examples of demonstrative pronouns
- Use of demonstrative pronouns in different cases
- Use of demonstrative pronouns in different tenses
- Common mistakes and tips
- Exercises to practice
- FAQs
What is a demonstrative pronoun?
A demonstrative pronoun is a type of pronoun that is used to point to or refer to a specific person, thing, or group of things. It helps us identify and distinguish objects or people in relation to the speaker and the listener. Demonstrative pronouns can replace nouns in a sentence to avoid repetition and make our speech or writing more concise.
Here’s an example to illustrate it:
Original sentence: “The cat is on the table.”
Using a demonstrative pronoun: “That is on the table.”
In this example, the demonstrative pronoun “that” replaces the noun “cat” and points to a specific object (the cat) that is on the table. It helps us avoid repeating the noun and makes the sentence shorter.
List of demonstrative pronouns and their usage
There are four main demonstrative pronouns. Here’s a breakdown of their usage:
- “This”: Used to refer to a singular object or person that is close to the speaker.
Example: This is my book.
- “That”: Used to refer to a singular object or person that is farther away from the speaker.
Example: That car belongs to John.
- “These”: Used to refer to multiple objects or people that are close to the speaker.
Example: These are my friends.
- “Those”: Used to refer to multiple objects or people that are farther away from the speaker.
Example: Those flowers are beautiful.
What are the functions of demonstrative pronouns in sentences?
1. Pointing to Specific Objects or People: Demonstrative pronouns are used to point to or identify specific objects or people in a sentence. They help us indicate which person or thing we are talking about. We can avoid repeating the noun and make our speech or writing more concise by using demonstrative pronouns.
Example:
Original sentence: “The cake is delicious.”
Using a demonstrative pronoun: “This is delicious.”
In this example, the demonstrative pronoun “this” replaces the noun “cake” and points to the specific object (the cake) being referred to.
2. Expressing Proximity or Distance: Demonstrative pronouns also convey the proximity or distance of the object or person being referred to in relation to the speaker and the listener. They help us indicate whether the object or person is close or far away.
Example:
“This cat is adorable.” (Close to the speaker)
“That cat is adorable.” (Farther away from the speaker)
In these examples, the demonstrative pronouns “this” and “that” indicate the distance of the cat from the speaker.
3. Substituting for Nouns: Demonstrative pronouns act as substitutes for nouns, allowing us to avoid repetition in sentences. They help us refer back to a previously mentioned object or person or introduce a new object or person without explicitly stating the noun again.
Example:
Original sentence: “The dress is on sale. The dress is blue.”
Using a demonstrative pronoun: “The dress is on sale. This is blue.”
In this example, the demonstrative pronoun “this” replaces the noun “dress” in the second sentence, avoiding repetition.
Types of Demonstrative Pronouns
There are two main types of demonstrative pronouns: singular demonstrative pronouns and plural demonstrative pronouns. Let’s explore each type:
Singular Demonstrative Pronouns:
Singular demonstrative pronouns are used to refer to a single object or person. They indicate the proximity or distance of the object or person in relation to the speaker.
a. “This”: It is used to refer to a singular object or person that is close to the speaker.
Example: “This is my favorite book.”
b. “That”: It is used to refer to a singular object or person that is farther away from the speaker.
Example: “That car belongs to my neighbor.”
Plural Demonstrative Pronouns:
Plural demonstrative pronouns are used to refer to multiple objects or people. Like singular demonstrative pronouns, they also indicate proximity or distance.
a. “These”: It is used to refer to multiple objects or people that are close to the speaker.
Example: “These are my friends.”
b. “Those”: It is used to refer to multiple objects or people that are farther away from the speaker.
Example: “Those are beautiful flowers.”
It’s important to note that the choice between singular and plural demonstrative pronouns depends on the number of objects or people being referred to and their proximity to the speaker.
Examples:
- “This is my cat, and these are her kittens.”
- “That book on the shelf is mine, and those books on the table are yours.”
Examples of demonstrative pronouns used in sentences
Here are some examples of demonstrative pronouns that will help you understand their usage easily:
Singular Demonstrative Pronouns:
- This is my laptop.
- That is his car.
- Is this your pen?
- Do you like that movie?
Plural Demonstrative Pronouns:
- These are my friends.
- Look at those beautiful flowers.
- Are these your books?
- I don’t like those shoes.
Demonstrative Pronouns as Substitutes for Nouns:
- The book is on the table. This is interesting.
- I bought a new phone. That is expensive.
- The keys are missing. Are these yours?
- I want to try that cake. Is it delicious?
Demonstrative Pronouns Indicating Proximity:
- This is my room.
- I can see that bird in the tree.
- These apples are fresh from the farm.
- Can you hand me those books?
Demonstrative Pronouns to Point Out Specific Objects:
- Look at this painting. It’s beautiful.
- That house over there is for sale.
- These cupcakes are for the party.
- I need to return those borrowed books.
How demonstrative pronouns are used in different cases?
Demonstrative pronouns can be used in different cases depending on their function in a sentence. The four main cases in which demonstrative pronouns are used are the nominative case, accusative case, genitive case, and dative case. Let’s explore how demonstrative pronouns are used in each case:
Nominative Case:
In the nominative case, demonstrative pronouns function as the subject of a sentence or clause.
Examples:
- This is my book. (“This” is the subject of the sentence)
- That car is expensive. (“That” is the subject of the sentence)
- These are my friends. (“These” is the subject of the sentence)
In these examples, the demonstrative pronouns are used to introduce or identify the subject of the sentence.
Accusative Case:
In the accusative case, demonstrative pronouns function as the direct object of a verb or the object of a preposition.
Examples:
- I saw this movie. (“This” is the direct object of the verb “saw”)
- He bought that car for me. (“That” is the object of the preposition “for”)
- She gave these books to him. (“These” is the object of the preposition “to”)
In these examples, the demonstrative pronouns are used to indicate the object of an action or the object of a preposition.
Genitive Case:
In the genitive case, demonstrative pronouns indicate possession or a relationship of belonging.
Examples:
- Is this book yours? (“This” is used to show possession)
- I saw that man’s car. (“That” is used to show the relationship of belonging)
- These are my sister’s shoes. (“These” is used to indicate possession)
In these examples, the demonstrative pronouns are used to indicate ownership or the relationship between two entities.
Dative Case:
In the dative case, demonstrative pronouns function as the indirect object of a verb or are used with certain prepositions.
Examples:
- I gave this gift to him. (“This” is the indirect object of the verb “gave”)
- She talked about that with me. (“That” is used with the preposition “with”)
- These flowers are for her. (“These” is used with the preposition “for”)
In these examples, demonstrative pronouns are used to indicate the recipient of an action or to show a relationship with a preposition.
How demonstrative pronouns are used in different tenses?
Demonstrative pronouns can be used in different tenses to indicate time and provide context in a sentence. Let’s explore:
Present Tense:
In the present tense, demonstrative pronouns are used to refer to objects or people in the current time frame.
Examples:
- This is my favorite book.
- That car belongs to my neighbor.
- These are my friends.
- Those flowers look beautiful.
In these examples, the demonstrative pronouns “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those” are used to refer to objects or people in the present.
Past Tense:
In the past tense, demonstrative pronouns can be used to refer to objects or people that were present or existed in the past.
Examples:
- This was my childhood home.
- That was an amazing concert.
- These were his old belongings.
- Those were happy memories.
In these examples, the demonstrative pronouns indicate objects or people that were present or relevant in the past.
Future Tense:
In the future tense, demonstrative pronouns can be used to refer to objects or people that will be present or exist in the future.
Examples:
- This will be my new car.
- That will be our destination.
- These will be the upcoming events.
- Those will be his future responsibilities.
In these examples, demonstrative pronouns indicate objects or people that will be relevant or present in the future.
Common mistakes and tips for demonstrative pronouns
There are some common mistakes that people make when using demonstrative pronouns. Here are a few tips to help you avoid those mistakes and use demonstrative pronouns correctly:
1. Use the correct form of the demonstrative pronoun:
Make sure to use the appropriate form of the demonstrative pronoun based on the number and proximity of the objects or people you are referring to.
For singular objects or people:
- Use “this” for objects or people that are close to you.
- Use “that” for objects or people that are farther away.
For plural objects or people:
- Use “these” for objects or people that are close to you.
- Use “those” for objects or people that are farther away.
Example: “These are my friends.” (correct) vs. “This are my friends.” (incorrect)
2. Pay attention to the agreement:
Demonstrative pronouns should agree in number with the noun they are replacing or referring to.
Example: “That book is interesting.” (singular) vs. “Those books are interesting.” (plural)
3. Use demonstrative pronouns consistently:
Once you introduce a specific object or person using a demonstrative pronoun, continue to use the same pronoun throughout the conversation or paragraph to refer to that object or person.
Example: “This is my phone. It is brand new.” (consistent use of “this” to refer to the phone)
4. Be mindful of the context:
Consider the context and the intended meaning when using demonstrative pronouns. Ensure that your choice of pronoun accurately reflects the intended proximity or distance of the object or person being referred to.
Example: “These pens are mine.” (correct if referring to pens nearby) vs. “Those pens are mine.” (correct if referring to pens farther away)
5. Use demonstrative pronouns to provide clarity:
Demonstrative pronouns help provide clarity by replacing repeated nouns and pointing out specific objects or people. Use them to avoid unnecessary repetition and make your speech or writing more concise.
Example: “This is my book. I love this book.” (repetitive) vs. “This is my book. I love it.” (concise with the use of the pronoun “it”)
Exercises to practice demonstrative pronouns
Here are a few exercises to practice using demonstrative pronouns:
Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Demonstrative Pronoun
Choose the correct demonstrative pronoun (this, that, these, or those) to complete each sentence.
- _____ is my favorite song.
- _____ dog over there is very friendly.
- Are _____ your shoes?
- I can’t believe _____ happened.
- _____ are my classmates.
Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate demonstrative pronoun.
- I like _____ shirt. It’s very stylish.
- _____ flowers in the garden are blooming beautifully.
- I want to try _____ cake. It looks delicious.
- _____ people over there are waiting for the bus.
- Do you like _____ new phone?
Exercise 3: Rewrite the Sentences
Rewrite the sentences using demonstrative pronouns to replace the underlined nouns.
- The red car is mine. _____ car is mine.
- The books on the shelf are old. _____ are old.
- This bag belongs to Sarah. _____ belongs to Sarah.
- The pens on the desk are missing. _____ are missing.
- That dog is barking loudly. _____ is barking loudly.
Exercise 4: Identify the Case and Tense
Identify the case (nominative, accusative, genitive, or dative) and the tense (present, past, or future) of the demonstrative pronouns in the following sentences.
- These are my favorite movies. (Case: _____, Tense: _____)
- I saw that in the store yesterday. (Case: _____, Tense: _____)
- Is this your book? (Case: _____, Tense: _____)
- She gave me those flowers. (Case: _____, Tense: _____)
- That will be his new car. (Case: _____, Tense: _____)
Answers:
Exercise 1:
- This is my favorite song.
- That dog over there is very friendly.
- Are these your shoes?
- I can’t believe that happened.
- Those are my classmates.
Exercise 2:
- I like this shirt. It’s very stylish.
- These flowers in the garden are blooming beautifully.
- I want to try this cake. It looks delicious.
- Those people over there are waiting for the bus.
- Do you like that new phone?
Exercise 3:
- The red car is mine. That car is mine.
- The books on the shelf are old. These are old.
- This bag belongs to Sarah. It belongs to Sarah.
- The pens on the desk are missing. They are missing.
- That dog is barking loudly. It is barking loudly.
Exercise 4:
- These are my favorite movies. (Case: Nominative, Tense: Present)
- I saw that in the store yesterday. (Case: Accusative, Tense: Past)
- Is this your book? (Case: Nominative, Tense: Present)
- She gave me those flowers. (Case: Accusative, Tense: Past)
- That will be his new car. (Case: Nominative, Tense: Future)
FAQs
Demonstrative pronouns are words used to replace or refer to specific people, objects, or ideas in a sentence. They indicate proximity, and distance, and help provide context in communication.
The common demonstrative pronouns are “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those.” “This” and “these” are used to refer to objects or people that are close to the speaker, while “that” and “those” refer to objects or people that are farther away.
Demonstrative pronouns stand-alone and replace nouns, while demonstrative adjectives modify nouns. For example, in the sentence “This book is interesting,” “this” is a demonstrative adjective modifying the noun “book,” whereas in “This is interesting,” “this” is a demonstrative pronoun replacing the noun.
Yes, demonstrative pronouns can be used in different tenses to indicate time and provide context. They can be used in the present, past, and future tenses to refer to objects or people in their respective time frames.
Common mistakes to avoid when using demonstrative pronouns include using the wrong form (e.g., using “this” instead of “these”), incorrect agreement with the noun, inconsistent use, and failing to consider the context and intended meaning.
To improve your understanding and usage of demonstrative pronouns, practice using them in sentences, read and analyze sentences containing demonstrative pronouns, and pay attention to their usage in everyday conversations and written materials. Additionally, seeking feedback from teachers or language resources can be helpful.
Yes, demonstrative pronouns exist in various languages, although their forms and usage may differ. It’s important to study the specific demonstrative pronouns in the target language you’re learning to use them accurately.
Also, read:
Some online resources:
- Demonstrative Pronouns – DeltaStep
- Demonstrative Pronouns | Teacher Beth Class TV
- What Is a Demonstrative Pronoun? Examples & Exercises – gingersoftware.com
- What Is A Demonstrative Pronoun? Definition And Examples – thesaurus.com
- Demonstrative Pronouns: Definition and Examples | Grammarly
