Demonstrative Pronouns | Basic Grammar for IELTS PDF Download

Demonstrative Pronouns – Definition and Examples

What is a Demonstrative Pronoun?

• In English, pronouns replace nouns. Demonstrative pronouns express the position of nouns in terms of distance, indicating how near or far the noun is located.
• Demonstrative pronouns can be singular or plural, and the choice between them affects the verb forms used in the sentence.

Definition of Demonstrative Pronouns

• Demonstrative Pronoun Definition: Demonstrative pronouns are used to demonstrate or introduce a person, animal, or thing.
• In simpler terms, demonstrative pronouns are those used to point out or demonstrate persons or things. Examples include 'this,' 'that,' 'these,' 'those,' 'such,' and 'the same.'
• When used before nouns, demonstrative pronouns become demonstrative adjectives.

Examples of Demonstrative Pronouns in Sentences

• This was my father's ring.
• That looks like the cycle I used to ride.
• These are nice slippers, but they look uncomfortable.
• Those mangoes look riper than the ones on my tree.
• Such was her command over Hindi and French languages.

Note: Demonstrative pronouns help in avoiding the repetition of nouns in sentences, making them more concise and meaningful.

Demonstrative Pronouns

• This was my father’s ring.
This
• That looks like the cycle I used to drive.
That
• These are nice slippers, but they look uncomfortable.
These
• Those look riper than the mangoes on my tree.
Those
• Such was her command over the Hindi and French languages.
Such

Examples and Usage of Demonstrative Pronouns

Students often find it challenging to differentiate between the usage of 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' as they can function as both pronouns and adjectives. Let's delve into some rules to clarify their usage.

Rule 1

• If two singular nouns are connected by "and" in a sentence or clause, 'this' refers to the last singular noun, and 'that' refers to the first singular noun.
Rule 1.
• Example: Both work and play are essential for health; 'this' provides exercise to the body and 'that' exercises the brain.
Example:

Rule 2

• When comparing two nouns of the same class, 'that of' is used for singular nouns and 'those of' for plural nouns to avoid repetition.
Rule 2.
• In other words, 'that of' and 'those of' are employed to prevent the repetition of singular and plural nouns, respectively.
In other words
• Example: The climate of Uttar Pradesh is superior to that of Bengaluru. The streets of Kanpur are broader than those of Agra.
Example:

Key Language Rules

• The climate of Uttar Pradesh is more favorable compared to Bengaluru.
• The streets of Kanpur are broader than those of Agra.

Rule 3: Usage of "Such"

• Such is utilized as Demonstrative Pronouns in both Singular and Plural contexts.
• He is the flat owner and, as such, has the right to maintain the flat.
• Offenders are constrained as such by law.
• Your mistake is not such that everybody can forgive you.

Note: When "Such" is used before a noun, it functions as a Demonstrative Adjective.

Note regarding "Such"

• Everybody can forgive you for such a mistake.

Rule 4: Usage of "This/That" and "These/Those" with "Sort of" or "Kind of"

• This kind of pen is costly.
• That sort of man is repulsive.
• These kinds of novels are genuine.
• Those sorts of people are industrious.

Rule 5: Differentiation between "This" and "These"

• This refers to a nearby singular person or thing.
• These are employed for more than one nearby person or thing.
• For example: This is the rat. (Singular) These are rats. (Plural)
• This is a table. (Singular) These are tables. (Plural)

Rules for Demonstrative Pronouns

• This represents a single object that is near. (Singular)
• These represent multiple objects that are near. (Plural)
• This is an example: "This is a table." (Singular)
• These are examples: "These are tables." (Plural)

Rule 6

When referring to one person or thing at a distance:

• Use "that" for singular objects far away. Example: "That is a novel." (Singular)
• Use "those" for plural objects far away. Example: "Those are novels." (Plural)
• Another example: "That is a cycle." (Singular)
• And: "Those are cycles." (Plural)

Rule 7

When two plural nouns are mentioned with "and" in a sentence:

• Use "these" for the last plural noun mentioned. Example: "These carry our luggage."
• Use "those" for the first plural noun mentioned. Example: "Those give us milk."
• Illustration: "Buffalo and mule are both useful animals; these carry our luggage, and those give us milk."

Examples of Demonstrative Pronouns

• These are delicious sweets.
• This was my brother's ring.
• Everything seems vague. Such is the reality of living relationships.
• That is beautiful nature.
• These are bigger sizes than those.
• This is a better size than that.
• Those were the good days.
• That is the Himalayas.
• These are nice sports shoes, but they feel uncomfortable.

Practice Questions of Demonstrative Pronouns

Exercise-1

Choose the appropriate answer to complete each sentence.

• ___________ was such an interesting experience in life. (Answer: A)
• Are ___________ your black sports shoes? (Answer: C)
• You will have to get your parker pen. ______________ is mine. (Answer: D)
• There is no end to ___________. (Answer: A)
• Because of their bad habits, ____________ of the children were given allowances. (Answer: C)
• ____________ of them had seen it before coming. (Answer: B)
• Is ____________ yours?
• Everyone ate early. When we arrived at the garden, ____________ was left. (Answer: B)
• Please give me one of ____________ pens.
• ____________ are nice-looking toys. (Answer: C)

Exercise:- 2

Correct the following sentences.

• He plans to complete this work rapidly.
• He is working hard with a view to winning this cricket match.
• The roads of Mumbai are wider than those of Lucknow.
• The climate of Shimla is better than that of Goa.
• Will you be at home this Sunday evening?
• Your TET exams are this month.
• This is my second visit to the Delhi.
• This is not such a good room as I expected.
• How will these children be intelligent?
• What is this? and What are these?

Answer:-

• He plans to complete this work rapidly.
• He is working hard with a view to winning this cricket match.
• The roads of Mumbai are wider than those of Lucknow.
• The climate of Shimla is better than that of Goa.
• Will you be at home this Sunday evening?
• Your TET exams are this month.
• This is my second visit to the Delhi.
• This is not such a good room as I expected.
• How will these children be intelligent?
• What is this? and What are these?

Conclusion

• A demonstrative pronoun serves to point out a specific item within a sentence. These pronouns indicate objects in space or time, and can be singular or plural.
• Demonstrative pronouns replace particular nouns and include 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those'. 'This' and 'that' are used with singular nouns, while 'these' and 'those' are used with plural nouns.

Demonstrative Pronouns – FAQs

• What is a demonstrative pronoun?

  A demonstrative pronoun is utilized to indicate, specify, or direct objects or individuals. These pronouns point to specific objects, persons, or things, taking the place of a noun, situation, activity, or noun phrase. Common examples include 'those', 'these', 'this', 'that', and sometimes 'none', 'neither', and 'such'.

• What is the definition of a demonstrative pronoun?

  A demonstrative pronoun is a pronoun used to highlight the object or objects it refers to.

• What are examples of demonstrative pronouns?

  Examples of demonstrative pronouns in English are 'such', 'that', 'those', 'neither', 'these', 'this', and 'none'.

• What is the difference between a demonstrative pronoun and a demonstrative adjective?

  The key distinction lies in the usage of demonstrative pronouns for nouns directly, without preceding them, whereas demonstrative adjectives are employed before nouns.

Summer is upon us, ushering in the perfect opportunity to enhance your skills! Over 5,000 learners have successfully journeyed from the fundamentals of Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA) to advanced development courses like Full-Stack, Backend Development, and Data Science.

Our DSA to Development: Coding Guide equips you to master these skills within a few months. Enroll in our DSA to Development Program today, and let our counselors provide you with the necessary guidance and support.

Follow Improve

Please Login to comment...

Login

• Parts of Speech
• English
• SSC/Banking

Paraphrased Content

• Parts of Speech

  • Parts of speech are the basic building blocks of sentences.
  • They categorize words based on their function in a sentence.
  • Examples include nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, etc.

• English

  • English is a widely spoken language with a rich vocabulary.
  • It is essential for communication in various fields globally.
  • Proficiency in English can enhance job prospects and social interactions.

• SSC/Banking

  • SSC/Banking exams often include questions on English language skills.
  • These exams assess candidates' understanding of grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension.
  • Preparation in English is crucial for success in SSC/Banking competitive exams.