THE DEMONSTRATIVE PRONOUNS

MEANING OF DEMONSTRATIVE PRONOUNS

The demonstrative pronoun is used to show, indicate, represent or point towards a thing or things which include near in distance/time and far in distance/time.

• We will use the word ‘this’ to point out a thing which is SINGULAR and is near.
• We will use the word ‘that’ to point out a thing which is SINGULAR but is far away.
• We will use the word ‘these’ to point out things which are PLURAL and are near.
• We will use the word ‘those’ to point out things which are PLURAL but are far away.

EXAMPLES

1. This is a dress.
2. Have you heard this?
3. These will taste good.
4. Do you know these? 

1. This dress is beautiful.
2. Did you hear that?
3. Those were the times.
4. Are you able to hear those?

1. This is worse than that.
2. These are heavier than those.

IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER

Remember that Demonstrative pronouns are different from demonstrative adjectives. They look similar but they are different. A noun is qualified by a demonstrative adjective.

For example:

1. That stinks. (The statement is a demonstrative pronoun)
2. That perfume smells good. (The statement is an adjective+noun)

Usually, we use the demonstrative pronouns for things only. However, we can use them for people when the person is identified. Let us understand with some examples:

1. This is Andrew Bernard. Is that Erina? 
2. That party sounds awesome.