A demonstrative pronoun is a pronoun that is used to point to a specific noun within a sentence. These pronouns are used to describe the position of something or someone in space or time. There are four demonstrative pronouns:
- this
- that
- these
- those
What they tell us:
- This and that tell us about singular nouns.
- These and those tell us about plural nouns.
- This and these tell us about the thing which is near in space or time.
- That and those tell us the thing which is far away in space or time.
As in these examples:
- Is this is your book?
(This points to the noun pen and expresses its position as near.) - I need to buy some apples. Those look fresher than these.
(Those represents the noun apples and expresses their position as far away. These also represents the noun apples and expresses their position as near.)
A demonstrative pronoun represents something that has been previously mentioned or is understood from context.
- The ball under the car. Is that yours?
- I had two drinks earlier. Can I order those again, please?
- I will eat these tonight.
(These could talk about some chocolates in my hand.)
Compare with demonstrative adjectives.
Common mistakes with pronouns.
