What Are Demonstrative Pronouns? Definition and Examples

Just as a map helps you pinpoint locations, demonstrative pronouns act like linguistic pointers.

Words like "this," "that," "these," and "those" aren't just ordinary words—they help us identify specific people, places, or things in conversation. 

Whether something is nearby or far away, demonstrative pronouns make it clear and easy to understand. 

Let’s explore what are demonstrative pronouns, how they function, and how they can add clarity to your everyday speech.

Demonstrative Pronouns Definition

“Demonstrative pronouns are a special type of pronoun used to point out specific persons, objects, or ideas in a sentence.” 

They indicate whether the noun they replace is near or far in distance or time from the speaker or listener.

In English, the primary demonstrative pronoun examples are "this," "that," "these," and "those."

"This" and "That"

• This: Used to refer to a singular noun that is close in proximity to the speaker.
• Example: "This book is interesting."
• That: Used to refer to a singular noun that is farther away from the speaker.
• Example: "That building over there is historic."

"These" and "Those"

• These: Used to refer to plural nouns that are close in proximity to the speaker.
• Example: "These cookies are delicious."
• Those: Used to refer to plural nouns that are farther away from the speaker.
• Example: "Those mountains are breathtaking."

How To Use Demonstrative Pronouns

Here's how to use demonstrative pronouns effectively:

Identifying Proximity

Demonstrative pronouns such as "this," "these," "that," and "those" help clarify the proximity of people, objects, or ideas about the speaker or listener. They distinguish between entities that are close (near) or distant (far) in space or time.

Near Demonstratives:

• This and These: Use "this" for singular nouns close to the speaker ("This book is mine") and "these" for plural nouns nearby ("These pens are blue").

Far Demonstratives:

• That and Those: Use "that" for singular nouns farther away ("That cat is adorable") and "those" for plural nouns at a distance ("Those houses are old").

Distinguishing from Determiners

While determiners precede nouns to specify them, pronouns replace nouns entirely in sentences.

Let’s take a look at the differences between demonstrative determiners (demonstrative adjectives) vs demonstrative pronouns: 

Antecedents of Demonstrative Pronouns

In grammar, the antecedent of a pronoun is the noun or noun phrase that the pronoun refers to or replaces. 

Demonstrative pronouns, like "this," "that," "these," and "those," also have antecedents that they point back to. 

• Example: "I love this song." 

(Here, "this" refers back to the noun "song" mentioned earlier.)

The antecedent can be explicit or implicit, depending on whether the noun or noun phrase is clearly stated or understood from the context.

• Example: "Look at that tree! It's so tall." 

(Here, "that" refers back to the tree that the speaker is pointing to.)

Ambiguous Antecedents

Ambiguity arises when a demonstrative pronoun like "this," "that," "these," or "those" could refer to multiple nouns mentioned earlier.

To avoid ambiguity, ensure that the antecedent of the demonstrative pronoun is clear and unmistakable.

Example of Demonstrative Pronouns: 

Incorrect: "I bought a book and a magazine, and it was very interesting."

• It's unclear whether "it" refers to the book or the magazine.

Correct: "I bought a book and a magazine. The book was very interesting."

• The antecedent of "the book" is clear, removing any ambiguity.

Other Uses of "That"

The word "that" serves multiple functions in the English language beyond being a demonstrative pronoun. Understanding these various uses can help in mastering its application in different contexts. 

Here are some of the other common uses of "that":

Relative Pronoun

• Function: Introduces a relative clause, providing more information about a noun.
• Example: "The book that I borrowed was fascinating."
• Explanation: Here, "that" introduces the relative clause "that I borrowed," giving more information about the book.

Conjunction

• Function: In conjunction, it connects clauses or phrases, often introducing a subordinate clause.
• Example: "She said that she would come to the party."
• Explanation: In this sentence, "that" connects the main clause "She said" with the subordinate clause "she would come to the party."

Adjective Clause Marker

• Function: Introduces an adjective clause that describes a noun.
• Example: "The car that is parked outside is mine."
• Explanation: "That" introduces the adjective clause "that is parked outside," providing more details about the car.

Demonstrative Adjective

• Function: Modifies a noun and points out specific items.
• Example: "I prefer that color."
• Explanation: Here, "that" is used as a demonstrative adjective to specify which color is preferred.

Expletive (Introductory Word)

• Function: Used to introduce a clause without adding specific meaning, often for emphasis or clarity.
• Example: "It is important that you attend the meeting."
• Explanation: "That" introduces the clause "you attend the meeting," emphasizing the importance of attendance.

Demonstrative Pronouns Worksheet

To reinforce your understanding of demonstrative pronouns, try these demonstrative pronouns exercises. 

All in all, demonstrative pronouns, such as "this," "that," "these," and "those," are essential tools in the English language. They serve as linguistic pointers, helping us to specify and identify people, places, and things in our conversations and writing. By understanding their definitions, functions, and proper usage, you can communicate more clearly and effectively.

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