“This” and “that” are the singular forms of “these” and “those.” However, if a specific person is identified, demonstrative adjectives can be used to describe people. They’re Often Used To Describe Places, Things or Animals They Need To Be in the Same Form as the Noun (singular/plural)ģ. Here are the grammar rules for using demonstrative adjectives: 1. In both cases, the demonstrative adjectives tell us which one-which pen and which boys. These (demonstrative) + boys (noun) = demonstrative adjective.Those (demonstrative) + boys (noun) = demonstrative adjective.Those boys have blonde hair, but these boys have red hair.That (demonstrative) + pen (noun) = demonstrative adjective.This (demonstrative) + pen (noun) = demonstrative adjective.However, if a specific person is identified, demonstrative pronouns can also describe people.ĭemonstrative adjectives are different from demonstrative pronouns in that the demonstrative adjectives are followed by nouns, and they express “which one.” They’re Most Often Used To Describe Places, Things or Animals Using “this” indicates that the movie in question is right here, right now.Ĭonsider the grammar rules for using demonstrative pronouns: 1. For example, in the sentence “This is the worst movie of all time,” the demonstrative pronoun “this” specifies the object as a movie and tells us where the movie is.

They specify objects and tell us where something is.

When demonstratives act as pronouns, they point to the location of objects and people in space and time. There are four demonstratives in the English language- this, that, these and those-and they can appear in sentences as demonstrative pronouns and/or demonstrative adjectives. Their job is to signal proximity or to specify objects. This example helps define demonstratives, which are the pointer fingers of grammar. Her statement was more of an effort to teach us manners than to teach us grammar. Have you ever had someone point a finger at you to emphasize an argument or position? I remember an elementary teacher telling my class (in the dark ages of the ’70s), “Make your point with words, not with your fingers.” I miss Mrs.

What is demonstrative adjective