Mastering Demonstrative Pronouns: This, That, These, and Those

Demonstrative pronouns are words like ‘this,’ ‘that,’ ‘these,’ and ‘those’ used to point to specific things or people. They replace nouns to indicate whether something is near or far in distance or time. Understanding how to use them correctly is fundamental for clear and effective communication in English, especially in formal writing and competitive examinations.

Introduction to Demonstrative Pronouns

In the vast landscape of English grammar, demonstrative pronouns serve as crucial signposts. These small but mighty words—’this,’ ‘that,’ ‘these,’ and ‘those’—help us point directly to specific nouns, eliminating ambiguity and making our sentences precise. Whether you’re writing an essay, preparing for a competitive exam, or simply refining your language skills, a solid grasp of demonstrative pronouns is non-negotiable. This article will provide a comprehensive guide, complete with rules, tips, and extensive examples to master their usage.

What Are Demonstrative Pronouns?

Demonstrative pronouns are used to indicate or point to specific nouns (people, places, things, or ideas) in relation to the speaker’s position in space or time. They can refer to both physical and abstract things. The four primary demonstrative pronouns in English are:

• This: Refers to a singular noun that is near.
• That: Refers to a singular noun that is far.
• These: Refers to plural nouns that are near.
• Those: Refers to plural nouns that are far.

Important Tips for Using Demonstrative Pronouns

1. Agreement is Key: Ensure your demonstrative pronoun agrees in number with the noun it represents. ‘This’ and ‘that’ are singular; ‘these’ and ‘those’ are plural.
2. Context Matters: “Near” and “far” can be physical distance (“Look at that mountain!”) or psychological/time-based distance (“That was a wonderful year.”).
3. Don’t Confuse with Adjectives: When these words are followed directly by a noun, they are acting as demonstrative adjectives (or determiners). When they stand alone, replacing the noun, they are pronouns.
   • Adjective: This book is interesting.
   • Pronoun: This is interesting.
4. Exam Focus: In competitive exams, error-spotting questions often test subject-verb agreement with demonstrative pronouns. Remember: ‘This/That’ takes a singular verb, while ‘These/Those’ takes a plural verb.
   • Correct: This is my final decision.
   • Correct: These are my friends.

100 Examples of Demonstrative Pronouns

1. This is my favorite coffee mug.
2. That belongs to me.
3. These are the documents we need.
4. Those were the best days of my life.
5. Can you see that?
6. I would like to buy these.
7. What is the meaning of this?
8. Of all the options, that is the most viable.
9. These are more expensive than those.
10. Listen to this.
11. That is a beautiful painting.
12. Are these yours?
13. I don’t understand those.
14. This is exactly what I meant.
15. That will never happen.
16. How much are these?
17. I remember those.
18. This is getting complicated.
19. Is that your car?
20. Can you hand me those?
21. I have never seen this before.
22. That seems unfair.
23. These need to be washed.
24. Who said that?
25. Compare this with that.
26. This tastes delicious.
27. I want those, not these.
28. That is my final offer.
29. These are for the meeting.
30. Do you believe in all that?
31. This is a turning point.
32. I can’t support that.
33. Are these the correct answers?
34. I will never forget those.
35. What do you think of this?
36. That is a long way from here.
37. Please take these.
38. I have outgrown those.
39. This is my brother.
40. That is a great idea.
41. These are the results.
42. I don’t trust those.
43. Look at this.
44. Who is that?
45. How long will these last?
46. I miss those.
47. This is where I draw the line.
48. That is not my problem.
49. These are handmade.
50. I bought those in Paris.
51. Explain this.
52. I heard that.
53. Will these work?
54. I donated those to charity.
55. This is a classic example.
56. That is against the law.
57. These require a signature.
58. I can’t eat all of those.
59. This is my stop.
60. Is that a promise?
61. These are the rules.
62. I found those in the attic.
63. Who is responsible for this?
64. I disagree with that.
65. Do these come in blue?
66. I will take care of those.
67. This is a emergency.
68. That is a different matter.
69. These smell wonderful.
70. I recall those vividly.
71. This is the one.
72. That is a heavy burden.
73. These are on sale.
74. I reject those allegations.
75. Listen carefully to this.
76. I object to that.
77. Can you fix these?
78. I have replaced those.
79. This is the key.
80. That is a risk I’m willing to take.
81. These are the facts.
82. I cherish those memories.
83. What is this?
84. I can’t accept that.
85. Will you pack these?
86. I have completed those.
87. This is unprecedented.
88. That is a powerful statement.
89. These are the consequences.
90. I have learned from those.
91. This is for you.
92. That is a masterpiece.
93. These are the changes.
94. I will investigate those.
95. This is my story.
96. That is a tall order.
97. These are the ingredients.
98. I remember those words.
99. This is the beginning.
100. That is the end of it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Demonstrative Pronouns

Q1: What is the difference between ‘this’ and ‘that’?
A: The primary difference is proximity. ‘This’ is used for singular items close to the speaker, while ‘that’ is for singular items farther away. This can refer to something you are holding, while that often refers to something across the room.

Q2: Can ‘this’ and ‘that’ be used to refer to people?
A: Yes, but typically only when identifying someone. For example, on the phone, you might say, “Hello, is this Sarah?” or when pointing in a photo, “That is my grandfather.” It is generally impolite to say “This is John” while directly introducing him to someone; “This is John” is more common.

Q3: How do I ensure subject-verb agreement with demonstrative pronouns?
A: Always remember that ‘this’ and ‘that’ are singular and take singular verbs (is, was, has). ‘These’ and ‘those’ are plural and take plural verbs (are, were, have). Incorrect: “These is my books.” Correct: “These are my books.”

Conclusion on Demonstrative Pronouns

Mastering demonstrative pronouns is a small but significant step toward achieving fluency and precision in English. By understanding the simple rules of proximity and number, you can use ‘this,’ ‘that,’ ‘these,’ and ‘those’ with confidence. Whether in daily conversation, academic writing, or high-stakes competitive exams, the correct application of demonstrative pronouns will make your communication clearer and more effective.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes. Grammar rules can have exceptions, and usage may vary in different contexts and dialects of English. For specific examination formats, always refer to the latest guidelines and prescribed materials.

Also Read: Independent vs Dependent Clauses: The Ultimate Guide with 100+ Examples

Mastering Reflexive Pronouns: A Guide to Using Myself, Yourself, and Themselves Correctly