Demonstrative Adjective: Definition, Rules, and Examples

What Is a Demonstrative Adjective?

A demonstrative adjective is a type of adjective used to point out or identify specific noun or pronouns by indicating their proximity or distance from the speaker or listener. It essentially answers the questions “Which one?” or “Which ones?” while referring to a noun. To clarify the meaning of demonstrative adjective in English, here are some definitions from reputable dictionaries:

Definitions of a Demonstrative Adjective

• According to the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, a demonstrative adjective definition as “a word used to identify or point out a specific noun or group of nouns and to indicate their relative position in space or time.”
• Collins Dictionary describes it as a term that “specifies the entity referred to and distinguishes it from others of the same class.”
• The Cambridge Dictionary states that it is “a word that indicates which person or thing is being referred to.”

These definitions should help you understand the use of demonstrative adjectives in sentences better.

Types of Demonstrative Adjectives

Demonstrative adjectives, also known as determiners of demonstratives,are words that point out or identify specific nouns based on their number (singular or plural) and proximity (near or far) to the speaker. The main kinds of demonstrative adjective are:

• This: Used for a singular noun that is near the speaker. (Example: This movie is very interesting.)
• That: Used for a singular noun that is farther away from the speaker. (Example: That car over there is very expensive.)
• These: Used for plural nouns that are near the speaker. (Example: These books are interesting.)
• Those: Used for plural nouns that are farther away from the speaker. (Example: Those clouds look like cotton candy.)

These examples illustrate the types and grammar rules of demonstrative adjectives for your better understanding.

Characteristics of Demonstrative Adjectives

The demonstrative adjectives, such as “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those,” play a crucial role in English grammar by providing clarity and specificity. Here are the key characteristics of these adjectives:

• Modify Nouns and Pronouns: Demonstrative adjectives function as modifiers, providing more information about the nouns or pronoun they precede.
• Indicate Proximity: They describe the position of someone or something in relation to the speaker or writer, whether physically near or far, or in terms of time.
• Near: “This” (singular) and “these” (plural) refer to something close to the speaker.
• Far: “That” (singular) and “those” (plural) refer to something far away from the speaker.
• Specific Items: These adjectives help identify which specific item or items are being referred to, distinguishing them from others.
• Placement: Demonstrative adjectiveare typically placed at the beginning of a noun phrase, before the noun they modify.
• Agreement in Number: They must agree in number with the noun they modify. “This” and “that” are used for singular nouns, while “these” and “those” are used for plural nouns.
• Distinct from Pronouns: Although demonstrative pronouns and adjectives use the same words (“this,” “that,” “these,” “those”), they serve different functions. Adjectives modify nouns, while pronouns replace them.

The demonstrative adjective and pronoun are essential for effective communication, enhancing clarity and precision in both spoken and written English.

Examples of Demonstrative Adjectives in a Sentence

Here are some example of demonstrative adjective used in sentences:

This (Singular: referring to one object nearby)

• This book is interesting.
• This chair is comfortable.
• This pizza is delicious.
• This shirt is too small.
• This problem is difficult to solve.

These (Plural: referring to multiple objects nearby)

• These apples are very sweet.
• These children are playing in the park.
• These days, it's hard to find a good job.
• These are the best ideas I've had.
• These are my favorite songs.

That (Singular: referring to one object far away)

• That car is mine.
• That building is very tall.Can you pass me that book?
• That dog over there is barking.
• Is that your coat?
• That painting is beautiful.

Those (Plural: referring to multiple objects far away)

• Those shoes were a gift from my grandmother.
• Those cookies smell delicious.
• Those mountains in the distance are beautiful.
• Those birds are migrating south for the winter.
• Those days were simpler.

These are some examples of demonstrative adjective for reference. For more clarity, solve the demonstrative adjective worksheet in the next section.

Exercises and Practice Questions

Complete the below short story using demonstrative adjectives (this, that, these, those).

Story 1: At the Market

I went to the market this evening. Look at ___ apples in my basket. Aren’t they fresh? And see ___ orange over there? It's huge. I am also going to buy ___ guavas on the stall next to us. Can you hold ___ bag for me, please?

Story 2: A Walk in the Park

Wow, ___ flowers smell amazing. Let’s sit on ___ bench near the tree. Can you hear ___ birds singing up in the tree? Oh no, ___ kids are running too fast ___ they might fall.

Story 3: My New School Supplies

I just bought some new stationery. ___ pencil is my favorite ___ it's black and shiny. And ___ notebooks are for my English and Math classes. Look at ___ eraser on the floor ___ is it yours? I also don’t like ___ pen; it doesn't write well.

Story 4: A Rainy Day

Look at ___ clouds. It’s going to rain soon. Take ___ umbrella with you. ___ shoes by the door are wet ___ don’t wear them. I’ll wear ___ raincoat hanging near the window.

Story 5: My Photo Album

Let me show you my photo album. ___ photo was taken at my 5th birthday. And ___ ones were taken on vacation in Goa. See ___ hat I’m wearing? My grandma gave me ___ teddy bear I’m holding.

Answers:

1. These, That, Those, This
2. These, That, Those, Those
3. This, These, That, That
4. Those, This, Those, This
5. This, These, That, That

Conclusion

In summary, this blog post discussed demonstrative adjectives. After reading it, you should have a clear understanding of their meaning, types, and characteristics. In addition, you should have completed a demonstrative adjectives exercises with answers. If you have any further questions, feel free to consult our experts at Gradding.com. They are here to support you at every step, whether you need help with vowel, an adverb, or any other topic, ensuring that you don't have to face difficulties alone.

FAQs

1. Difference Between Demonstrative Adjectives and Demonstrative Pronouns

The demonstrative adjective modify nouns and appears directly before them, while demonstrative pronouns replace nouns and stand alone.

2. Is “This” a Demonstrative Pronoun or Adjective?

The word “this” can function as either a demonstrative pronoun or an adjective, depending on its usage in a sentence. When it stands alone and refers to a noun that is understood, it acts as a pronoun. When it modifies a noun, it is classified as an adjective.

3. What Is the Difference Between Descriptive and Demonstrative Adjectives?

Descriptive adjectives provide information about the qualities or characteristics of a noun, whereas demonstrative adjectives point out or identify a specific noun or pronoun.

4. How to Know When to Use Demonstrative Adjectives

The demonstrative adjective are used to specify which noun you are referring to, indicating proximity in space or time. They are placed directly before the noun they modify. Use “this” and “these” for things that are near you or happening now, and use “that” and “those” for things that are farther away or in the past.