Ever wonder about those words like “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those”? Well, they’re called demonstrative pronouns, and they help us point to specific things or people when we talk or write. In this simple guide, we’ll chat about what they are, how to use them, and throw in some examples to make it all clear!
What Are Demonstrative Pronouns?
Demonstrative pronouns are like little helpers in our language. They stand in for nouns (things or people) and show if those things are close or far away.
There are four main ones: “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those.”
How to Use Demonstrative Pronouns?
“This” and “These”:
- Use “this“ when talking about one thing close to you.
- Example: I love this cupcake.
- Use “these” for many things close to you.
- Example: These cookies taste amazing.
“That” and “Those”:
- Choose “that” for one thing far away.
- Example: Look at that big tree!
- Go for “those” when talking about many things far away.
- Example: Those stars are so bright!
Table for Better Understanding:
Here is a table for better understanding of using demonstrative pronoun:
| Sentence | Demonstrative Pronoun | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| This puppy is so cute. | This | puppy |
| Can you pass me those crayons? | Those | crayons |
| Look at that funny cat. | That | cat |
| These toys are colorful. | These | toys |
Example in Sentences:
- This toy is my favorite.
- These flowers are so pretty.
- I want to visit that zoo someday!
- Those mountains are very tall.
- I like these candies, not those.
- This movie is my top pick, and that one is my friend’s favorite.
FAQ’s
Q1: How do demonstrative pronouns work?
Demonstrative pronouns stand in for nouns and show whether the things or people they represent are close or far away. “This” and “these” are used for things near, while “that” and “those” are for things far.
Q2: What’s the difference between “this” and “these,” and “that” and “those”?
“This” and “these” refer to objects or people close to the speaker, while “that” and “those” are used for things at a distance. “This” is singular, and “these” is plural, just like “that” and “those.”
Q3: Why use demonstrative pronouns?
Demonstrative pronouns help avoid repetition in sentences, making language more concise and clear. They’re like shortcuts that indicate exactly what you’re talking about without repeating the same nouns over and over.
Q4: Are there other demonstrative pronouns besides “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those”?
While these are the primary demonstrative pronouns, variations like “this one,” “that one,” “these ones,” and “those ones” can also be used for additional emphasis or clarity.
Q5: Can demonstrative pronouns be used in different types of sentences?
Yes! Demonstrative pronouns can be used in various sentence structures, including questions, statements, and exclamations. For example, “Is this your bag?” or “Wow, those flowers are amazing!”
Conclusion:
Using demonstrative pronouns is like having secret codes in our words to help us talk about things and people easily. So, next time you say, “Look at this!” or “I want those,” you’re using demonstrative pronouns like a language pro! Keep it up, and your words will be clear and cool.
