What are Demonstratives (This, That, These, Those)?
In English, Demonstratives are specific words used to point to nouns in a sentence. There are four main demonstratives: this, that, these, and those. They communicate two critical pieces of information simultaneously: the distance of the object (near or far) and the number of objects (singular or plural). They can act as either determiners (placed before a noun) or pronouns (replacing the noun entirely).
Demonstratives Structure and Formula
The grammatical formula dictates whether the verb in the sentence should be singular or plural, regardless of whether the demonstrative acts as a determiner or a pronoun.
As a Determiner Formula:
- This / That + Noun (singular) + V (singular)
- These / Those + Noun (plural) + V (plural)
As a Pronoun Formula:
- This / That + V (singular)
- These / Those + V (plural)
Determiner Example: These shoes are comfortable. (S + V + Adj)
Pronoun Example: These are comfortable. (S + V + Adj)
How to Identify Distance and Time with Demonstratives
"Near" and "far" don't just refer to physical space; they also apply to time constraints (current vs. past/future).
| Demonstrative | Number | Distance / Time Frame | Context Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| this | Singular | near me now | This book on my desk is new. |
| that | Singular | far from me | That building over there is a hospital. |
| these | Plural | near me now | These shoes are comfortable. |
| those | Plural | far from me | Those clouds look dark. |
Time Frame Examples:
- This week is very busy. (the current/near week)
- That summer was unforgettable. (a past summer, distant in time)
- These days, everyone has a smartphone. (current era)
- Those were difficult times. (past era)
How to Form Demonstratives as Determiners (Before a Noun)
When acting as determiners, demonstratives are placed directly in front of the noun to modify it.
- Formula: Demonstrative + Noun
- This car is expensive.
- That restaurant is excellent.
- These students are hardworking.
- Those mountains are beautiful.
When to Use Demonstratives as Pronouns (Replacing a Noun)
When the object you are pointing to is obvious from the context, you can drop the noun completely. The demonstrative now functions as a pronoun.
- Formula: Demonstrative + Verb
- A: "Which bag do you want?" B: "This." / "That." / "These." / "Those."
- This is my brother. (Introducing someone next to you)
- That was a great idea! (Referring to an abstract idea just spoken)
- Are these yours? (Pointing at objects)
Common Signal Words and Telephone Usage for Demonstratives
On the Telephone
English has a very specific rule for introducing yourself and asking for others over phone calls or intercoms.
- To introduce yourself: Hello? This is Anna. (Never say: I am Anna)
- To ask who is speaking: Is that John? (Never say: Are you John?)
Real-life Examples of Demonstratives Usage
- This (pronoun) is delicious! What did you put in it?
- These (pronoun) are the documents you need to sign.
- Look at those stars (determiner) — they're amazing.
- I remember that day (determiner - time) like it was yesterday.
- This year has been very productive.
Summary & Cheatsheet for Demonstratives
| Word | Number | Proximity (Space & Time) | Example | Verb Agreement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| this | Singular | Near / Present | This pen is mine. | Singular (is, does, V-s/es) |
| that | Singular | Far / Past | That tree is old. | Singular (is, does, V-s/es) |
| these | Plural | Near / Present | These keys are heavy. | Plural (are, do, V-bare) |
| those | Plural | Far / Past | Those people are happy. | Plural (are, do, V-bare) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I say "these book" or "those car"?
No. The demonstrative must agree with the noun's number. "These" and "those" must be followed by a plural noun (these books, those cars), while "this" and "that" must be followed by a singular noun.
Why do we say "this is my friend" instead of "that is my friend" when introducing someone?
When you introduce someone standing next to you, they are physically "near" you. Therefore, "this" is the correct demonstrative. If you were pointing out a friend standing across the room, you would say, "that is my friend."
Is it correct to point and say "that are mine"?
No. "That" is singular. If you are pointing to multiple items across the room, you must use the plural pronoun "those" and the plural verb "are" (e.g., Those are mine.).
Can demonstratives refer to entire sentences?
Yes! When used as a pronoun, "that" often refers back to an entire idea, sentence, or situation just mentioned. (e.g., A: I got promoted! B: Wow, that is amazing!)