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Demonstrative Adjectives
What Are Demonstrative Adjectives?
Demonstrative adjectives are words used to indicate which specific noun or noun phrase you’re referring to. They are a type of adjective that helps distinguish between different options and provide clarity in communication. The four main demonstrative adjectives in English are:
- This
- That
- These
- Those
These adjectives belong to a broader category of types of adjectives used in English.
How to Use Demonstrative Adjectives
Demonstrative adjectives are always used with nouns to specify which particular item or items are being referred to.
Singular Demonstrative Adjectives
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This: Used for singular nouns that are near in space or time.
- Example: This book is interesting.
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That: Used for singular nouns that are farther away in space or time.
- Example: That car across the street is red.
Plural Demonstrative Adjectives
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These: Used for plural nouns that are near in space or time.
- Example: These apples are fresh.
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Those: Used for plural nouns that are farther away in space or time.
- Example: Those trees in the distance are very tall.
It’s important to use the correct form based on the noun pluralization rules of the noun being described.
Examples in Context
To better understand how demonstrative adjectives work, let’s look at some examples in different contexts:
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In a classroom:
- This pencil is sharp.
- That whiteboard needs cleaning.
- These chairs are comfortable.
- Those desks by the window are new.
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At a grocery store:
- This apple looks ripe.
- That aisle has the cereals.
- These bananas are on sale.
- Those melons in the back are expensive.
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Discussing time:
- This week has been busy.
- That year was challenging.
- These days, people prefer online shopping.
- Those times were different.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When using demonstrative adjectives, be aware of these common errors:
-
Confusion with demonstrative pronouns: Remember that demonstrative adjectives always come before a noun, while demonstrative pronouns stand alone.
- Correct: This car is fast. (adjective)
- Correct: This is fast. (pronoun)
- Incorrect: This fast. (missing noun)
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Mismatching singular and plural forms: Ensure you use the correct form based on the noun’s number.
- Correct: These books are heavy.
- Incorrect: This books are heavy.
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Overusing demonstrative adjectives: While they’re useful, don’t overuse them. Vary your language for better readability.
Key Takeaways
- Demonstrative adjectives (this, that, these, those) point out specific nouns in sentences.
- Use “this” and “that” for singular nouns, “these” and “those” for plural nouns.
- “This” and “these” indicate nearness, while “that” and “those” indicate distance.
- Always use demonstrative adjectives before a noun or noun phrase.
- Be mindful of common mistakes, such as confusing adjectives with pronouns or mismatching singular and plural forms.
FAQs
What’s the difference between demonstrative adjectives and demonstrative pronouns?
Demonstrative adjectives modify nouns and are always followed by a noun (e.g., “this book,” “those cars”). Demonstrative pronouns, on the other hand, replace nouns and stand alone in a sentence (e.g., “This is interesting,” “Those are expensive”). To learn more about pronouns in general, check out our pronouns guide.Can demonstrative adjectives be used with uncountable nouns?
Yes, demonstrative adjectives can be used with uncountable nouns. Use “this” or “that” for uncountable nouns, as they are considered singular. For example, “This water is clean,” or “That information is useful.”How do demonstrative adjectives differ from possessive adjectives?
Demonstrative adjectives (this, that, these, those) point out specific nouns, while possessive adjectives (my, your, his, her, its, our, their) show ownership or possession of nouns. For example: “This car is fast” (demonstrative) vs. “My car is fast” (possessive). For more information on possession, you can read about possessive pronouns.Are there any other demonstrative adjectives besides this, that, these, and those?
While “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those” are the primary demonstrative adjectives in English, some consider “the” and “such” as additional demonstrative adjectives in certain contexts. However, “the” is more commonly classified as a definite article, and “such” is often considered an intensifier.For a broader understanding of English grammar and its various components, explore our parts of speech guide.
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Numeral Adjectives