Admin Published On Sep 10, 2021 | Updated on Aug 10, 2023 General

What is the difference between a demonstrative pronoun and a demonstrative pronoun? It can be difficult to distinguish between these because there are demonstrative modifiers and pronouns, and the same phrases can fall into either group. To differentiate these parts of speech while reading and writing, use the following tutorial to define demonstrative pronouns and go over some examples.

What is a Demonstrative Pronoun?

The definition of a demonstrative pronoun is linked to the demonstrative category of words. Demonstratives are used in the English language in two ways: to alter a neighbouring or adjacent word or to allude to an inferred or preceding object, person, location, or idea. The role of the word in the sentence is the key to distinguish a demonstrative pronoun from a modifying adjective. Otherwise, depending on the surrounding words and the sentence structure, the same words can serve both functions. Demonstrative pronouns can be used as a subject, a direct or indirect object, and can be used before or after the antecedent. You can get English essay writing help.

Before we go any further, consider the following (very short) list of demonstrative pronoun examples:

this
these
that
those

In the plural form, this becomes these, and that becomes those.

Demonstrative Pronouns Examples

The question of what a demonstrative pronoun is can be studied by dividing it into two subcategories. The distinction between the two “types” of demonstrative pronouns is undoubtedly intuitive, but you’ve probably never considered how to describe it. It all boils down to the principle of closeness.

The plural forms are commonly used to imply or substitute something or someone close to the speaker, either physically or conceptually.

Could you please explain what this is?
These must be filed as soon as possible.

The demonstrative pronoun has a closeness connotation in each of these circumstances. Their antecedents aren’t immediately apparent, and in certain circumstances, they may not be as obviously linked as in other antecedent relationships. Get online English homework help.

Demonstrative pronouns have been italicised in the following examples to make them easier to spot.

This ring belonged to my mother.
That appears to be the vehicle I used to drive.
These shoes are attractive, yet they appear to be uncomfortable.
Those apples appear to be riper than the ones on my tree.
Her knowledge of the English language was such astounding.
There isn’t one of these replies that is correct.
Neither horse is capable of being ridden.

Understanding the consequences of a sentence can be as simple as looking at the context of a sentence in a real-life setting. For example, consider the speaker in the first statement, posing a question while pointing to an object. Alternatively, it could have been preceded by a line of dialogue such as:

Professor, this sample caught my eye, and it doesn’t match anything we’ve identified thus far.

As you can see from the demonstrative pronoun definition and examples above, the key here is that the word in issue does not just replace some inferred or preceding notion but rather draws attention to something nearby and, more importantly, to the relationship’s proximity.

Demonstrative pronouns can also be used in a more abstract sense, which is also grammatically correct. For example, “This is nice.” includes something less definite, with an imagined arm sweep to indicate whatever “this” is. Nonetheless, this usage expresses the immediacy of the circumstance; it states that the scenario at hand, rather than one from a different time and place, can be defined as “nice.”

Demonstrative pronoun examples almost always have an antecedent; otherwise, it loses all its meaning. Continue reading to learn more about demonstrative pronouns. Unfortunately, the task of determining “What is a demonstrative pronoun?” is not yet complete.

A Demonstrative Pronoun Uses

When demonstratives are used as pronouns, they indicate where objects and persons are in space and time. They describe objects and provide information about their location. For example, the demonstrative pronoun “this” describes the object as a movie and tells us where the movie is in the sentence “This is the worst movie of all time.” The word “this” denotes that the movie in question is now playing.

Look at the following grammatical rules for employing demonstrative pronouns:

They can recognise nouns.
- This is a desk.
- That was my grandmother’s dining room table.
- Those are chairs, by the way.
- These chairs belonged to my mother.

They’re Accompanied by a Verb

This is a desk.
That was my grandmother’s dining room table.
Those are chairs, by the way.
These chairs belonged to my mother.

They Are Frequently Used To Describe Places, Things, and Animals

On the other hand, demonstrative pronouns can be used to describe people if a specific person is specified.

This is Howard (specific person)
That is where she grew up. (places)
Those were the puppies of my dog. (animals)
These are the books I’ve written. (things)

They’re Self-Contained

This is not a good idea.
Don’t do that.
Leave them alone.
Don’t touch these.

In general, keep in mind that these terms might relate to activities, events, circumstances, persons, or objects. After reading the blog, you should be able to answer the question “What is a demonstrative pronoun?” and describe it in your own words.

When you come across a demonstrative pronoun in a book or when you use one in your writing, you should be able to recognise it! There is a learning curve involved in defining demonstrative pronouns on a case-by-case basis. Below are some follow-up questions to help you apply what you’ve learned and put it to the test.

Are you having trouble with demonstrative pronouns?

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