Language is all about clarity. When we speak or write, we often need to point out specific things to avoid confusion. That’s where demonstrative adjectives come in. They help us specify which object or person we’re referring to in a sentence.
Imagine you’re in a bookstore with a friend. You pick up a novel and say:
- “This book looks interesting.”
But your friend, holding another book, asks:
- “Do you mean that book?”
Here, the words “this” and “that” are demonstrative adjectives because they describe which book we’re talking about. Without them, we might get lost in confusion.
Why Are Demonstrative Adjectives Important?
- They help us pinpoint specific things in a sentence.
- They avoid vagueness and make communication clearer.
- They are used daily in both spoken and written English.
By the end of this guide, you’ll fully understand how to use demonstrative adjectives correctly, avoid common mistakes, and improve your overall grammar.
What Is a Demonstrative Adjective?
A demonstrative adjective is a word that modifies a noun by indicating which specific noun we are referring to. It provides more detail about location (near or far) and quantity (singular or plural).
Key Demonstrative Adjectives in English:
- This (Singular, near) → “This chair is comfortable.”
- That (Singular, far) → “That mountain looks tall.”
- These (Plural, near) → “These apples are fresh.”
- Those (Plural, far) → “Those houses need renovation.”
Common Confusion: Demonstrative Adjectives vs. Demonstrative Pronouns
Many people confuse demonstrative adjectives with demonstrative pronouns, but the difference is simple:
| Type | Example | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Demonstrative Adjective | “This car is fast.” | Modifies the noun “car” |
| Demonstrative Pronoun | “This is fast.” | Replaces the noun entirely |
💡 Quick Trick to Remember: If the word is followed by a noun, it’s an adjective. If not, it’s a pronoun.
The Four Demonstrative Adjectives in English
There are only four demonstrative adjectives in English, and they work based on distance and quantity.
| Demonstrative Adjective | Number | Proximity | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| This | Singular | Near | This laptop is expensive. |
| That | Singular | Far | That building is old. |
| These | Plural | Near | These flowers smell nice. |
| Those | Plural | Far | Those birds are migrating. |
How to Use Them Correctly?
- Use “this” and “these” for things that are nearby.
- “I love this song!” (You are currently listening to it.)
- “These shoes are comfortable.” (You are wearing them now.)
- Use “that” and “those” for things farther away.
- “That house looks haunted.” (You are pointing at a distant house.)
- “Those cars are classic models.” (They are across the street.)
💡 Helpful Tip: Think about pointing at something while speaking. If it’s close, use this/these. If it’s far, use that/those.
How to Use Demonstrative Adjectives in Sentences
Using demonstrative adjectives correctly depends on context. Let’s explore three main factors that affect usage.
1. Distance: Near vs. Far
| Near Objects | Far Objects |
|---|---|
| This dog is cute. | That dog is barking. |
| These cookies taste amazing. | Those cookies look burnt. |
💡 Pro Tip: Use this/these when you can touch the object. Use that/those when it’s farther away.
2. Singular vs. Plural
| Singular | Plural |
|---|---|
| This dress fits well. | These dresses are beautiful. |
| That song is catchy. | Those songs are my favorite. |
💡 Trick to Remember: If the noun is singular, use this/that. If the noun is plural, use these/those.
3. Formal vs. Informal Usage
- Formal: “These documents are required for verification.”
- Informal: “This stuff is so cool!”
💡 Avoid saying “these ones” or “those ones.” Instead of “these ones are nice,” simply say “these are nice.”
Demonstrative Adjectives in Different Tenses
Demonstrative adjectives can be used in past, present, and future tense.
| Tense | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Present | This meal is delicious. |
| Past | That trip was amazing. |
| Future | Those decisions will affect us all. |
💡 Important Note: Demonstrative adjectives do not change their form based on tense.
6. Demonstrative Adjectives vs. Possessive Adjectives
One of the most common mistakes learners make is confusing demonstrative adjectives with possessive adjectives. While they may seem similar, they serve different functions.
| Type | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Demonstrative Adjective | Points out a specific noun | “I love this dress.” |
| Possessive Adjective | Shows ownership | “I love my dress.” |
Key Differences:
- Demonstrative adjectives (this, that, these, those) indicate which object or person is being referred to.
- Possessive adjectives (my, your, his, her, our, their) show who owns the object.
Examples to Highlight the Difference
- “This phone is mine.” (Demonstrative adjective: points to a specific phone)
- “My phone is expensive.” (Possessive adjective: shows ownership of the phone)
- “That house looks haunted.” (Demonstrative: refers to a distant house)
- “Their house is huge.” (Possessive: shows ownership of the house)
💡 Pro Tip: If the adjective answers “Which one?” → It’s demonstrative.
If it answers “Whose?” → It’s possessive.
Demonstrative Adjectives in Questions & Commands
Demonstrative adjectives are commonly used in questions and commands, making communication more precise.
Using Demonstrative Adjectives in Questions
When asking a question, demonstrative adjectives help clarify which person or thing is being referred to.
| Question Type | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Clarification | “Do you like this movie or that one?” |
| Choice-Based | “Which of these dresses do you prefer?” |
| General Inquiry | “Are those papers yours?” |
Using Demonstrative Adjectives in Commands
When giving instructions or orders, demonstrative adjectives make the directive clearer.
| Command Type | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Immediate Action | “Take this medicine twice a day.” |
| Instructional | “Sign these documents before leaving.” |
| Warning | “Avoid that area at night.” |
💡 Pro Tip: In commands, “this/these” often imply something close or urgent, while “that/those” can refer to something less immediate or farther away.
Demonstrative Adjectives in Other Languages
Demonstrative adjectives exist in most languages, but their usage can vary. Let’s compare English with Spanish, French, and German.
English vs. Spanish Demonstrative Adjectives
In Spanish, demonstrative adjectives have three levels of distance (instead of two in English).
| English | Spanish (Near – Middle – Far) | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| This (singular) | Este / Esta | “Este libro es interesante.” (This book is interesting.) |
| These (plural) | Estos / Estas | “Estos zapatos son nuevos.” (These shoes are new.) |
| That (singular) | Ese / Esa | “Esa película fue aburrida.” (That movie was boring.) |
| Those (plural) | Esos / Esas | “Esos coches son caros.” (Those cars are expensive.) |
| (Farther away) | Aquel / Aquella | “Aquel edificio es muy alto.” (That building over there is very tall.) |
💡 Note: Spanish has an extra level of distance, using aquel/aquella for things that are even farther away than ese/esa.
English vs. French Demonstrative Adjectives
In French, demonstrative adjectives change based on gender and number.
| English | French | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| This (singular, masculine) | Ce | “Ce chien est mignon.” (This dog is cute.) |
| This (singular, feminine) | Cette | “Cette robe est belle.” (This dress is beautiful.) |
| These (plural) | Ces | “Ces livres sont intéressants.” (These books are interesting.) |
| That (singular) | Ce / Cette | “Cette maison est ancienne.” (That house is old.) |
| Those (plural) | Ces | “Ces films sont populaires.” (Those movies are popular.) |
💡 French does not differentiate between “these” and “those”; both use “ces.”
English vs. German Demonstrative Adjectives
In German, demonstrative adjectives change based on case (nominative, accusative, dative, genitive), gender, and number.
| English | German (Nominative Case) | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| This (singular, masculine) | Dieser | “Dieser Stuhl ist bequem.” (This chair is comfortable.) |
| This (singular, feminine) | Diese | “Diese Katze ist süß.” (This cat is cute.) |
| These (plural) | Diese | “Diese Bücher sind teuer.” (These books are expensive.) |
| That (singular, masculine) | Jener | “Jener Berg ist hoch.” (That mountain is high.) |
| Those (plural) | Jene | “Jene Bäume sind alt.” (Those trees are old.) |
💡 German also has “jener” for “that,” but it’s not commonly used in modern speech.
Advanced Usage & Special Cases
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore some advanced uses of demonstrative adjectives.
1. Using Demonstrative Adjectives for Emphasis
Sometimes, demonstrative adjectives add extra emotion or emphasis to a statement.
- “I can’t believe that excuse you just gave me!”
- “I will never forget those words you said.”
- “Listen to this idea—it’s genius!”
2. Abstract vs. Concrete Usage
| Concrete | Abstract |
|---|---|
| “This car is expensive.” | “This thought is troubling me.” |
| “That phone is broken.” | “That moment changed my life.” |
💡 Tip: Concrete nouns (things you can touch) work well with demonstratives, but abstract nouns (ideas, emotions) can also be emphasized using demonstrative adjectives.
3. Colloquial & Regional Variations
In informal English, some people use demonstrative adjectives in unexpected ways.
- “I don’t like them apples.” (Instead of “those apples“)
- “This here dog is the best!” (Instead of “this dog“)
💡 Note: While these variations exist, they are considered grammatically incorrect in formal writing.
Common Mistakes with Demonstrative Adjectives
Even fluent speakers sometimes make errors when using demonstrative adjectives. Let’s break down the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Using a Demonstrative Adjective Without a Noun
A demonstrative adjective must always be followed by a noun. Otherwise, it becomes a demonstrative pronoun.
✅ Correct:
- “I like this book.”
- “She wants to buy those shoes.”
❌ Incorrect:
- “I like this.” (This is a demonstrative pronoun, not an adjective.)
- “She wants to buy those.”
💡 Fix: If you’re referring to a noun, always include it. If you’re using the word alone, it’s a demonstrative pronoun, not an adjective.
2. Confusing “That” and “Those”
Since “that” is singular and “those” is plural, mixing them up is a common mistake.
✅ Correct:
- “I don’t understand that question.” (Refers to one question.)
- “Those ideas are brilliant.” (Refers to multiple ideas.)
❌ Incorrect:
- “I don’t understand those question.” (❌ “Those” is plural, but “question” is singular.)
- “That people are annoying.” (❌ “That” is singular, but “people” is plural.)
💡 Fix: Always match singular adjectives with singular nouns and plural adjectives with plural nouns.
3. Using “These” and “Those” for Non-Countable Nouns
Remember that uncountable nouns (like water, advice, or furniture) don’t work with plural demonstrative adjectives.
✅ Correct:
- “This information is helpful.”
- “That advice saved me.”
❌ Incorrect:
- “These information is helpful.”
- “Those advice saved me.”
💡 Fix: Use “this” or “that” with singular, uncountable nouns.
4. Using Demonstrative Adjectives Incorrectly in Comparisons
When making comparisons, people sometimes misuse demonstrative adjectives.
✅ Correct:
- “I prefer this dress over that one.”
- “These shoes are better than those boots.”
❌ Incorrect:
- “I prefer this than that.” (❌ Missing “one” after “that.”)
- “These are better than those.” (❌ If used as an adjective, “these” must modify a noun.)
💡 Fix: When comparing, ensure demonstrative adjectives are followed by nouns, or switch to demonstrative pronouns if needed.
50 Examples of Demonstrative Adjectives
Understanding grammar rules is important, but let’s see how demonstrative adjectives appear in everyday life. Here are 50 examples of demonstrative adjectives used in sentences:
Singular (This / That)
- This book is my favorite.
- That movie was amazing!
- Can you believe this weather?
- That cat looks sleepy.
- This sandwich tastes delicious.
- I don’t like that tone you’re using.
- This chair is very comfortable.
- That idea sounds interesting.
- Why is this room so cold?
- That phone is too expensive.
Plural (These / Those)
- These shoes fit perfectly.
- I need to return those pants; they’re too big.
- These flowers smell amazing.
- Those kids are very loud.
- These cookies are homemade.
- I can’t believe those tickets sold out so fast!
- These pictures bring back so many memories.
- Those lessons were really helpful.
- These apples are fresher than those apples.
- Those buildings are historical landmarks.
Everyday Conversations
- I’ll take this jacket in a larger size.
- Did you hear that noise just now?
- These seats are reserved.
- I don’t trust that man.
- Can you help me carry these bags?
- Those clouds look like they’re about to burst.
- This pen doesn’t work.
- That song is stuck in my head!
- These chairs need to be cleaned.
- Those cars are parked illegally.
Comparisons & Preferences
- I prefer this restaurant over that one.
- These earrings are prettier than those earrings.
- Why is this coffee so bitter?
- I miss those days when life was simpler.
- These stories are more exciting than those stories.
- That house is bigger than this one.
- These paintings are more expensive than those paintings.
- Would you rather have this job or that job?
- Those songs remind me of my childhood.
- This lesson is easier than that lesson.
Expressing Feelings & Opinions
- I’ll never forget that day.
- This moment feels so special.
- I can’t stand that behavior.
- These experiences have shaped who I am.
- That decision changed my life.
- I appreciate these opportunities.
- Those mistakes taught me valuable lessons.
- This feeling is hard to describe.
- That memory still makes me smile.
- These times are challenging but rewarding.
These examples cover a wide range of real-life situations where demonstrative adjectives help clarify, specify, and emphasize.
Demonstrative Adjective Exercises (With Answers)
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the sentences using the correct demonstrative adjective:
- I want to buy ______ shoes. (near me)
- ______ book over there is mine. (far from me)
- Can you pass me ______ pencil? (close to me)
- ______ apples taste amazing! (plural, far away)
- ______ chair is broken, but that one is fine. (singular, close)
Answers:
- these
- that
- this
- those
- this
Exercise 2: Identify the Error
Find the mistake in each sentence and correct it:
- Those cat is very fluffy.
- I like this apples better than those ones.
- Could you grab that books from the shelf?
- These news is shocking!
- I will take these dress, please.
Corrections:
- That cat is very fluffy. (“Cat” is singular, so “that” is correct instead of “those.”)
- I like these apples better than those ones. (“Apples” is plural, so “these” is correct instead of “this.”)
- Could you grab those books from the shelf? (“Books” is plural, so “those” is correct instead of “that.”)
- This news is shocking! (“News” is uncountable, so “this” is correct instead of “these.”)
- I will take this dress, please. (“Dress” is singular, so “this” is correct instead of “these.”)
Demonstrative adjectives are small but powerful words that help clarify what we’re talking about. Whether you’re pointing out an object, asking a question, giving instructions, or sharing a story, using them correctly makes your speech and writing more precise.
💡 Key Takeaways:
- Demonstrative adjectives always modify a noun (e.g., “this book”).
- Singular: this (near), that (far).
- Plural: these (near), those (far).
- Avoid common mistakes like using plural adjectives with singular nouns or misplacing them in a sentence.
- Practice using demonstrative adjectives in real-life conversations to become more fluent.
Now that you’ve mastered demonstrative adjectives, try to notice them in books, movies, and everyday conversations! The more you practice, the more natural they’ll become.