Understanding the difference between demonstrative pronouns and demonstrative adjectives is essential for writing correct and natural English. Although they use the same words—this, that, these, those—their functions in a sentence are different.
What is a Demonstrative Pronoun?
A demonstrative pronoun is a word used to point to specific people or things while replacing a noun in a sentence. The main demonstrative pronouns are this, that, these, and those. We use “this” and “these” to refer to things that are near (in distance, time, or idea), and “that” and “those” for things that are farther away. Unlike demonstrative adjectives, a demonstrative pronoun does not come before a noun; it stands alone and takes the place of the noun. For example, in the sentence “This is my book,” the word “this” replaces the noun (book), and in “Those are very expensive,” “those” replaces the items being referred to. In short, demonstrative pronouns help avoid repetition and make sentences clearer by directly pointing to something specific.
Words Used as Demonstrative Pronoun:
- This (singular, near)
- That (singular, far)
- These (plural, near)
- Those (plural, far)
Examples:
- This is my favorite book. (“This” replaces the noun.)
- Those are very expensive. (“Those” replaces the noun.)
- I don’t like that.
- These look delicious.
What is a Demonstrative Adjective?
A demonstrative adjective is a word used to point out or identify a specific noun in a sentence. The main demonstrative adjectives are this, that, these, and those, and they always come before a noun to describe it. We use “this” and “these” for things that are near, and “that” and “those” for things that are farther away. Unlike demonstrative pronouns, demonstrative adjectives do not stand alone; they must be followed by a noun. For example, in “This book is interesting,” the word “this” describes the noun book, and in “Those shoes are expensive,” “those” describes shoes. In short, demonstrative adjectives help specify exactly which person or thing we are talking about.
Words Used as Demonstrative Adjectives:
- This + noun (singular, near)
- That + noun (singular, far)
- These + noun (plural, near)
- Those + noun (plural, far)
Examples:
- This book is interesting.
- I like those shoes.
- These apples are fresh.
- That car is very fast.
Final Summary
- Demonstrative pronouns replace nouns.
- Demonstrative adjectives describe nouns.
Both use the same words: this, that, these, those. The difference depends on sentence structure, not vocabulary.