Demonstrative pronouns are words we use to point out specific people or things. They help us show exactly which one we mean in a sentence. In this blog post, you will learn how to use these pronouns in a clear and easy way to make your English sound more natural.
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What are Demonstrative Pronouns?
Demonstrative pronouns are used to point out something near or far in distance or time.
The main demonstrative pronouns are:
| Singular | Plural |
|---|---|
| This (near) | These (near) |
| That (far) | Those (far) |
Types of Demonstrative Pronouns
Demonstrative pronouns point to specific things or people. There are 4 main demonstrative pronouns in English:
| Type | Pronoun | Number | Distance | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Singular & Near | This | One thing | Close to speaker | This is my book. |
| Singular & Far | That | One thing | Far from speaker | That is your pen. |
| Plural & Near | These | Many things | Close to speaker | These are my shoes. |
| Plural & Far | Those | Many things | Far from speaker | Those are old houses. |
Use of Each Demonstrative Pronoun
➤ This
-
Used for one thing that is near you.
-
Example: This is my pen.
➤ That
-
Used for one thing that is far from you.
-
Example: That is your bag.
➤ These
-
Used for more than one thing that are near you.
-
Example: These are my shoes.
➤ Those
-
Used for more than one thing that are far from you.
-
Example: Those are your books.
Quick Rules to Remember
- Use “this” and “these” for nearby things.
- Use “that” and “those” for things far away.
- Use “this” and “that” for singular things.
- Use “these” and “those” for plural things.
Examples in Sentences
| Pronoun | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| This | This is a red apple. |
| That | That is my uncle’s car. |
| These | These are fresh flowers. |
| Those | Those are old buildings. |
Practice Exercise
Try to complete these with the correct pronoun:
-
_______ is my favorite dress. (near)
-
_______ are my friends. (far)
-
_______ is not your pencil. (far)
-
_______ are tasty mangoes. (near)
Answers:
-
This
-
Those
-
That
-
These
Summary on Demonstrative Pronouns
| Pronoun | Number | Near or Far | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| This | Singular | Near | This is my phone. |
| That | Singular | Far | That is your jacket. |
| These | Plural | Near | These are nice cookies. |
| Those | Plural | Far | Those are new shoes. |
Mistakes with Demonstrative Pronouns
-
Using the wrong number (singular/plural)
❌ This apples are fresh.
✅ These apples are fresh.
“This” is singular, but “apples” is plural. Use “these” for plural nouns. -
Mixing up near and far demonstratives
❌ That book is here on the table.
✅ This book is here on the table.
Use “this/these” for things near, and “that/those” for things far. -
Using demonstratives without a noun (when unclear)
❌ I don’t like this. (What is “this”?)
✅ I don’t like this movie.
Be clear when using “this” or “that” alone. Sometimes a noun helps avoid confusion. -
Incorrect agreement with verbs
❌ These is my friends.
✅ These are my friends.
Plural demonstratives go with plural verbs (these are, not is). -
Overusing demonstratives
❌ This, that, these, those in every sentence can sound awkward.
Mix with regular nouns or pronouns when possible.
Example Sentences of Demonstrative Pronouns
This (singular, near)
- This book is very interesting.
Refers to one book that is close to the speaker. - This is my favorite pen.
Used when holding or pointing to a nearby item.
That (singular, far)
- That car across the street looks new.
Refers to one car that is far from the speaker. - That was a great movie.
Refers to a past experience or something not nearby.
These (plural, near)
- These shoes are comfortable.
Refers to more than one item close to the speaker. - These are my classmates.
Used when pointing to a group of people nearby.
Those (plural, far)
- Those birds in the tree are singing.
Refers to multiple items far from the speaker. - Those were the best days of my life.
Refers to a group of things or times in the past or at a distance.
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