Imagine this scenario: You’re shopping, and you see two jackets. You tell your friend:
“This jacket looks stylish, but that is too expensive.”
Did you notice how “this” and “that” were used differently?
- This jacket (modifies jacket)
- That (replaces jacket)
Many people mix up demonstrative adjectives and demonstrative pronouns because they use the same words—this, that, these, and those. But how you use them matters!
By the end of this guide, you’ll never confuse them again!
What Are Demonstrative Adjectives?
Demonstrative adjectives are words that describe or modify a noun. They tell us which one we’re talking about.
Key rule: A demonstrative adjective is ALWAYS followed by a noun.
Examples of Demonstrative Adjectives:
- This book is very interesting.
- That dress looks amazing on you!
- These cookies taste delicious.
- Those houses are very expensive.
In each case, this, that, these, and those describe the noun that comes after them.
How Do Demonstrative Adjectives Work?
1. They show distance (near or far).
| Demonstrative Adjective | Used for… | Example |
|---|---|---|
| This | Singular & Near | This chair is comfy. (1 chair, close) |
| That | Singular & Far | That mountain is huge. (1 mountain, far) |
| These | Plural & Near | These apples are fresh. (multiple apples, close) |
| Those | Plural & Far | Those stars are bright. (multiple stars, far) |
2. They must always come before a noun.
Wrong: That is dress beautiful.
Right: That dress is beautiful.
How to Remember Demonstrative Adjectives?
- Always followed by a noun.
- They answer “which one?”
💡 Memory Trick: If you can remove the noun and the sentence stops making sense, it’s a demonstrative adjective!
Example:
- This car is fast. (Makes sense)
- This is fast. ( Doesn’t make sense without the noun)
What Are Demonstrative Pronouns?
Demonstrative pronouns replace a noun instead of modifying it. They stand alone.
Key rule: A demonstrative pronoun NEVER comes before a noun.
Examples of Demonstrative Pronouns:
- This is my favorite movie.
- That was a great party!
- These belong to me.
- Those were the best days of my life.
Each bolded word replaces a noun instead of describing it.
How Do Demonstrative Pronouns Work?
| Demonstrative Pronoun | Used for… | Example |
|---|---|---|
| This | Singular & Near | This is delicious! (refers to a nearby item) |
| That | Singular & Far | That was amazing! (refers to something farther away) |
| These | Plural & Near | These are mine. (refers to multiple nearby things) |
| Those | Plural & Far | Those were fun times. (refers to multiple distant things) |
How to Identify Demonstrative Pronouns?
- They replace a noun.
- They can stand alone.
💡 Memory Trick: If you can remove the word and the sentence still makes sense, it’s a demonstrative pronoun!
Example:
- This is exciting! (Still makes sense)
- This game is exciting! ( Now it’s a demonstrative adjective)
Key Differences Between Demonstrative Adjectives & Demonstrative Pronouns
At first glance, this, that, these, and those look the same whether used as adjectives or pronouns. However, the way they function in a sentence is what sets them apart.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Demonstrative Adjectives | Demonstrative Pronouns |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Describes or modifies a noun | Replaces a noun |
| Position | Always comes before a noun | Stands alone in the sentence |
| Example | This book is mine. | This is mine. |
| Test Tip | Remove the noun; if the sentence doesn’t make sense, it’s an adjective. | Remove the noun; if the sentence still makes sense, it’s a pronoun. |
Breaking It Down with Examples
| Sentence | Is it an adjective or pronoun? | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| This cake is delicious. | Adjective | “This” modifies “cake.” |
| This is delicious. | Pronoun | “This” replaces the noun (e.g., “cake”). |
| I love those shoes! | Adjective | “Those” describes “shoes.” |
| I love those! | Pronoun | “Those” replaces “shoes.” |
Key Takeaway:
- Adjective = needs a noun
- Pronoun = stands alone
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Even native speakers sometimes get confused, so let’s look at some common mistakes and easy fixes!
Mistake #1: Using a Demonstrative Pronoun Instead of an Adjective
🚫 Incorrect: I like these. (when the noun isn’t obvious)
✅ Correct: I like these shoes. (adds clarity)
Why? If the listener doesn’t know what “these” refers to, they might ask, “These what?”
Mistake #2: Using a Demonstrative Adjective Without a Noun
🚫 Incorrect: That are my books.
✅ Correct: Those are my books.
Why? That is singular and needs a noun, while those is plural and stands alone as a pronoun.
Mistake #3: Confusing “That” and “Those” in Plural Sentences
🚫 Incorrect: That are my friends.
✅ Correct: Those are my friends.
Why? That is for singular things, while those is for plural things.
Mistake #4: Forgetting That Pronouns Can Stand Alone
🚫 Incorrect: These books are mine, and these are too.
✅ Correct: These books are mine, and these are mine too.
Why? The second these replaces “books,” so the sentence needs to be complete.
Real-Life Applications (Why This Matters)
Understanding the difference between demonstrative adjectives and pronouns isn’t just about grammar tests. It improves communication in everyday life.
1. In Speaking & Conversations
Imagine you’re at a store, and you say:
“I want that.”
If you don’t point or clarify, the cashier might ask:
“That what?”
Instead, say: “I want that jacket.” (Adjective)
2. In Writing
Good writing avoids ambiguity. Look at this sentence:
“I don’t like those.” (Unclear)
“I don’t like those shoes.” (Clear)
If the reader doesn’t know what “those” refers to, the sentence feels incomplete.
3. In Exams (TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, etc.)
Grammar-based tests love testing demonstratives! You might see a question like this:
Which sentence is correct?
A) That are my favorite movies. ❌
B) Those are my favorite movies. ✅
💡 Tip: If the subject is plural, use these or those instead of this or that.
Quick Quiz: Test Your Understanding
Let’s see if you can spot the differences! Identify whether the bolded word is an adjective or pronoun.
- These cookies are homemade.
- That is my favorite painting.
- I love those sneakers.
- This is not what I ordered.
(Answers at the end of the article!)
By now, you should be 100% confident about when to use demonstrative adjectives vs. pronouns.
Key Takeaways:
- Adjectives modify nouns. (This book)
- Pronouns replace nouns. (This is mine.)
- Adjectives must be followed by a noun.
- Pronouns can stand alone.
Final Tip: If you’re unsure, remove the noun. If the sentence still makes sense, it’s a pronoun. If not, it’s an adjective.
Now that you’re a pro, try using demonstratives in your next conversation!
Quiz Answers:
- Adjective (These cookies)
- Pronoun (That is my favorite painting.)
- Adjective (Those sneakers)
- Pronoun (This is not what I ordered.
Demonstrative Adjectives vs. Demonstrative Pronouns: FAQ
Here’s a simple FAQ to clear up the confusion between demonstrative adjectives and demonstrative pronouns.
1. What are demonstrative adjectives?
Demonstrative adjectives modify nouns and tell us which one(s) we’re talking about. They must always be followed by a noun.
Examples:
- This book is interesting.
- Those shoes look expensive.
2. What are demonstrative pronouns?
Demonstrative pronouns replace nouns entirely and stand alone in a sentence.
Examples:
- This is my favorite.
- Those were delicious.
3. What are the four main demonstrative words?
The four demonstrative words in English are:
- This (singular, near)
- That (singular, far)
- These (plural, near)
- Those (plural, far)
4. How can I tell the difference in a sentence?
A demonstrative adjective is always followed by a noun, while a demonstrative pronoun stands alone.
- This dress is beautiful. (Adjective)
- This is beautiful. (Pronoun)
5. Can the same word be both?
Yes! The same words (this, that, these, those) can function as either demonstrative adjectives or pronouns depending on how they are used.
6. Do demonstrative pronouns always refer to something previously mentioned?
Usually, yes. They point to something understood from context.
Example: She likes mangoes, but I don’t like those. (It’s clear from context what “those” refers to.)
7. Can demonstrative adjectives and pronouns be used for time?
Yes, they can indicate time in phrases like:
- This morning (adjective)
- That was a great day (pronoun)
