Pointing It Out: How to Use Demonstrative Pronouns

What are the demonstrative pronouns?

Demonstrative pronouns are pronouns we use to refer clearly to specific objects. They take the place of a noun. We use these pronouns to refer specifically to a person, place, or thing. The word we use to replace the name of a specific person, place, or thing is called a demonstrative pronoun.

Which are the demonstrative pronouns?

English has very few demonstrative pronouns, but they are common in writing and communication.
Here is a list of these pronouns
⦁ this
⦁ that
⦁ these
⦁ those
⦁ none
⦁ such
⦁ neither

What are the four demonstrative pronouns?

Demonstrative pronouns tell us whether they are replacing singular or plural nouns. We most often use four demonstrative pronouns to replace nouns in the English language.
Those are
1. this
2. that
3. these
4. those
They can be either singular or plural. Among the above pronouns,
1. This and that are singular demonstrative pronouns.
2. These and those are plural demonstrative pronouns.

How to use Demonstrative Pronouns?

We know which pronouns are singular and which are plural. So, the question is how to select the right pronoun. Choosing the right pronoun in a sentence is easy.
⦁ We use ‘this’ (singular) and ‘these’ (plural) to replace a noun that is near the speaker.
⦁ We use ‘that’ (singular) and ‘those’ (plural) to replace a noun that is away from the speaker.
The table below clarifies the distinction.

Demonstrative Pronouns

Examples of Demonstrative Pronouns with Explanation

Here are some examples of demonstrative pronouns. Each sentence includes an explanation of the demonstrative pronoun used.
Have a look.
⦁ He scores more; that’s an intelligent student.
Here, ‘that’ means a student who scores more.
⦁ She is the principal of a school, and as such, we should respect her.
Here ‘such’ means the principal of a school.

More examples of demonstrative pronouns

This, that, these, and those are used to avoid repetition of a noun.
Here are some examples:
1. The streets of Borivali are better than those of Bandra.
2. This computer is mine.
3. Bring me those printed shirts.
4. This bag is heavier than that.
5. She brought this from home.
6. She was not sure how I did it.
7. That smells sweet.
8. The culture of Mumbai is like that of Pune.
9. Look at that yellow flower.
10. This flower is more beautiful than that.
11. Can you see those tall buildings?
12. This is my house.
13. Do you like these types of clothes?
14. That flower is very beautiful.
15. Those clothes belong to my sister.
16. We can see that from here.
17. She brought that flower from a garden.
18. This is Sam. Are you Tom?
19. Could you hand me that pen?
20. That is your painting.
21. I would like those bedsheets.
22. These noodles are very yummy!