Demonstratives

Demonstrative pronouns and adjectives are used to point to specific things or people. They help specify which one(s) we are talking about and indicate whether they are near or far in relation to the speaker.

Types of Demonstratives

Demonstrative Pronouns

These pronouns stand alone and replace the noun they are referring to.

• This: Refers to a singular noun that is near the speaker.
  • Example: This is my favorite book.
• That: Refers to a singular noun that is far from the speaker.
  • Example: That is the house I grew up in.
• These: Refers to a plural noun that is near the speaker.
  • Example: These are delicious cookies.
• Those: Refers to a plural noun that is far from the speaker.
  • Example: Those are her children playing in the yard.

Demonstrative Adjectives

These adjectives modify nouns and are placed before the noun they refer to.

• This: Used with singular nouns that are near.
  • Example: This book is very interesting.
• That: Used with singular nouns that are far.
  • Example: That house is for sale.
• These: Used with plural nouns that are near.
  • Example: These shoes are very comfortable.
• Those: Used with plural nouns that are far.
  • Example: Those trees need to be trimmed.

Usage of Demonstratives

Indicating Proximity

• Near (This/These): Use "this" for singular and "these" for plural to indicate objects that are close to the speaker.

  • Examples:
    • "This pen is mine."
    • "These apples are fresh."

• Far (That/Those): Use "that" for singular and "those" for plural to indicate objects that are far from the speaker.

  • Examples:
    • "That car is fast."
    • "Those mountains are beautiful."

Referring to Specific Items

Demonstratives help specify and distinguish particular items from a group.

• Example: "I don't like these shoes, but I love those."

Emphasizing Importance

Demonstratives can add emphasis or focus to a noun.

• Example: "This is exactly what I was looking for!"

Clarifying Context

Demonstratives help clarify which specific items or people are being talked about, especially in conversations.

• Example: "Are you referring to this report or that one?"

Common Mistakes

• Confusing Proximity: Using "this" and "these" for far objects or "that" and "those" for near objects.

  • Incorrect: "This is the building we will visit tomorrow." (If the building is far)
  • Correct: "That is the building we will visit tomorrow."

• Incorrect Agreement: Using singular demonstratives with plural nouns and vice versa.

  • Incorrect: "These book is good."
  • Correct: "This book is good." or "These books are good."

Conclusion

Demonstratives are crucial for specifying and distinguishing objects and people in conversation and writing. Understanding how to use "this," "that," "these," and "those" accurately will help you communicate more clearly and effectively.