Demonstrative determiners are a subset of determiners that play a crucial role in indicating the location, quantity, and proximity of nouns in a sentence. By utilizing these determiners effectively, writers and speakers can provide context and clarity to their communication. This guide outlines the various uses of demonstrative determiners in different contexts.
The guide includes:
- What are demonstrative determiners?
- How demonstrative determiners are used to indicate distance?
- How demonstrative determiners are used to indicate quantity?
- How demonstrative determiners are used with other determiners?
- How demonstrative determiners are used in other parts of speech?
- Tips for effective uses of demonstrative determiners
- Frequently Asked Questions
What are demonstrative determiners?
Demonstrative determiners are words that point to something specific. They are used to identify a noun or noun phrase and to indicate its distance from the speaker or writer. Demonstrative determiners include the words “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those.” These words help establish context and clarify which objects or ideas are being referred to in a conversation or written text.
How demonstrative determiners are used to indicate distance?
Demonstrative determiners are used to indicate distance by conveying whether the nouns they modify are close to the speaker (nearness) or farther away from the speaker (farness). There are two pairs of demonstrative determiners that serve this purpose: “this” and “these” for nearness, and “that” and “those” for farness.
1. Nearness: “this” and “these”
- “This” is used to refer to a singular noun that is close to the speaker.
Example: “This book is really interesting.”
- “These” is used to refer to plural nouns that are close to the speaker.
Example: “These flowers are beautiful.”
2. Farness: “that” and “those”
- “That” is employed to point out a singular noun that is farther away from the speaker.
Example: “Look at that mountain in the distance.”
- “Those” is used to indicate plural nouns that are farther away from the speaker.
Example: “Those birds are migrating south for the winter.”
How demonstrative determiners are used to indicate quantity?
Demonstrative determiners are used to indicate quantity by specifying whether the nouns they modify are singular or plural. They help in clarifying whether you are referring to one item or multiple items. There are two pairs of demonstrative determiners used for this purpose: “this” and “that” for singular, and “these” and “those” for plural.
1. Singular: “this” and “that”
- “I want to buy this car.” (Referring to a specific car.)
- “Have you read that book?” (Referring to a particular book.)
In these examples, “this” and “that” are used to point out individual objects or ideas. “This” refers to a singular noun (car), and “that” refers to a singular noun (book).
2. Plural: “these” and “those”
- “These cookies are delicious.” (Referring to multiple cookies.)
- “Those birds are chirping loudly.” (Referring to a group of birds.)
In these sentences, “these” and “those” are employed to indicate multiple objects or ideas. “These” refers to plural nouns (cookies), and “those” refers to plural nouns (birds).
More examples:
Here are some more examples of how demonstrative determiners are used to indicate quantity:
Singular: “this” and “that”
- “I found this ring on the beach.”
The speaker is referring to a single ring that they found, using “this” to indicate the specific object.
- “Can you pass me that pencil?”
The speaker is asking for a single pencil that is not close to them, using “that” to specify the object.
- “This movie is really entertaining.”
The speaker is expressing their opinion about a single movie they find entertaining, using “this” to highlight the specific movie.
- “Have you seen that cat in the backyard?”
The speaker is asking about a single cat that is located in the backyard, using “that” to identify the cat.
- “I remember that day vividly.”
The speaker is recalling a specific day, using “that” to emphasize the particular day they remember.
Plural: “these” and “those”
- “These shoes are comfortable.”
The speaker is talking about multiple pairs of shoes that are comfortable, using “these” to refer to the plural noun.
- “Those flowers bloom in spring.”
The speaker is referring to a group of flowers that bloom in spring, using “those” to indicate the plural noun.
- “I love those books on the shelf.”
The speaker is expressing affection for multiple books on the shelf, using “those” to denote the plural noun.
- “These dogs are playful and friendly.”
The speaker is describing a group of dogs that are playful and friendly, using “these” to indicate the plural noun.
- “Do you see those mountains in the distance?”
The speaker is pointing out multiple mountains that are far away, using “those” to specify the plural noun.
How demonstrative determiners are used with other determiners?
Demonstrative determiners can be combined with other determiners, such as articles (definite and indefinite) and quantifiers, to provide additional information and context to the nouns they modify. Here’s how demonstrative determiners are used in conjunction with these other determiners:
1. With Articles: “this” book, “that” car
- “This is the best pizza I’ve ever had.”
The speaker is asserting that the pizza they’re currently eating is the best they’ve had, using the demonstrative determiner “this” along with the definite article “the.”
- “That was an interesting documentary.”
The speaker is referring to a specific documentary they found interesting, using the demonstrative determiner “that” and the indefinite article “an.”
2. With Quantifiers: “these” many people, “those” few cars
“These many people attended the event.” (Referring to a specific group of people.)
“I can’t believe those few cars caused a traffic jam.” (Referring to a small number of cars.)
In these sentences, demonstrative determiners (“these” and “those”) are combined with quantifiers (“many” and “few”) to provide information about quantity. The combination emphasizes the specific number of items while also indicating their distance or context.
How demonstrative determiners are used in other parts of speech?
Demonstrative determiners are versatile elements of language that can be used in various parts of speech to add specificity, clarity, and context. Here’s how demonstrative determiners are used in different grammatical roles:
1. As Adjectives: “this” red book, “those” tall trees
“I bought this red book.” (Describing a specific book that is red.)
“Look at those tall trees.” (Describing a group of trees that are tall.)
In these examples, demonstrative determiners (“this” and “those”) are used as adjectives to provide additional information about the nouns they modify. They help specify the attributes of the nouns, such as color or height.
2. As Pronouns: “This” is mine. “Those” are theirs.
- “This is my pen; that is yours.” (Using “this” and “that” as substitutes for “pen.”)
- “Those are their belongings.” (Using “those” to replace “belongings.”)
In these sentences, demonstrative determiners are used as pronouns to replace previously mentioned or understood nouns. They help avoid repetition and maintain clarity while referring back to specific items or ideas.
3. As Noun Modifiers: This way, that idea
- “Let’s go this way.” (Modifying “way” to indicate a specific direction.)
- “I’m intrigued by that idea.” (Modifying “idea” to refer to a specific concept.)
Demonstrative determiners modify nouns (in this case, “way” and “idea”) to indicate a particular choice or option among many.
4. In Comparisons: “This” is better than “that.”
- “This option is better than that one.” (Comparing two options.)
- “I prefer those apples to these.” (Comparing two sets of apples.)
Demonstrative determiners can be used to compare two or more objects, emphasizing the differences or preferences between them.
5. In Direct Address: “This,” I have to tell you, is incredible.
- “This, my friends, is a remarkable achievement.” (Addressing the audience directly.)
- “Those of you who enjoy history will find this lecture fascinating.” (Addressing a specific group of people.)
Demonstrative determiners are used in direct address to engage the audience or specify the individuals being referred to.
Tips for effective uses of demonstrative determiners
Using demonstrative determiners effectively can significantly enhance your communication’s clarity and precision. Here are some tips along with examples to help you use demonstrative determiners with confidence:
Context Matters: Choose the appropriate demonstrative determiner based on the distance and context of the nouns you’re referring to.
- Example: “I loved that movie.” (Referring to a movie discussed earlier.)
- Example: “This cake is delicious.” (Pointing to a cake on the table.)
Be Clear and Specific: Use demonstrative determiners to provide clear details about the noun you’re referring to.
- Example: “I prefer these oranges.” (Pointing to specific oranges.)
- Example: “That dress is on sale.” (Referring to a particular dress.)
Use with Other Determiners: Combine demonstrative determiners with articles (definite or indefinite) and quantifiers for more detailed descriptions.
- Example: “I enjoyed reading this interesting article.” (Combining “this” with the indefinite article “an.”)
- Example: “I’ve seen those few movies you recommended.” (Using “those” with the quantifier “few.”)
Provide Context in Writing: When writing, offer sufficient context so readers can understand which objects you’re referring to.
- Example: “In the corner of the room, those old books caught my attention.”
Use in Dialogue: Demonstrative determiners can make dialogues more engaging by clarifying what characters are discussing.
- Example: “This is the map we need to follow.” (Character showing a map.)
- Example: “That’s the place I told you about.” (Character referring to a previously mentioned location.)
Avoid Ambiguity: Make sure your choice of demonstrative determiner leaves no room for confusion about the intended noun.
- Example: “Give me that book.” (Ensuring it’s clear which book is being requested.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) that might address additional doubts related to the uses of demonstrative determiners:
No, demonstrative determiners can also be used with other parts of speech. They can function as adjectives, pronouns, noun modifiers, and even in direct addresses.
“This” is used for a singular noun close to the speaker, while “these” is used for multiple nouns close to the speaker.
No, they are not the same. Demonstrative determiners modify nouns, while demonstrative pronouns replace nouns in a sentence.
Yes, demonstrative determiners are suitable for formal writing as well. They add precision and clarity to your language.
“As I walked through the forest, I spotted this unusual flower. Those tall trees provided a comforting shade.”
Explore more:
- Rules of Using Articles
- Placement of Adjectives
- Functions of Adjectives
- Degrees of Comparison of Adjectives
- Nouns as Adjectives
Helpful Links:
- Demonstrating How to Use Demonstratives – Learning English
- Demonstrative Pronouns and Determiners – ESLbase
- This / That / These / Those – Demonstrative Determiners – Talking English
- Demonstrative Pronouns | Definition, List & Examples – Scribbr
