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Demonstrative adjectives are essential words in English that help us point to specific things and distinguish between objects based on their distance from the speaker. The four demonstrative adjectives—this, that, these, and those—are among the first words English learners encounter, yet even advanced speakers sometimes use them incorrectly. This comprehensive guide will help you master demonstrative adjectives with clear explanations, examples, and practice exercises.
Table of Contents
What Are Demonstrative Adjectives?
Demonstrative adjectives are words used before nouns to indicate which specific person or thing you are referring to. They "demonstrate" or point to a particular noun, helping the listener or reader understand exactly what you mean. In English, there are only four demonstrative adjectives: this, that, these, and those.
Demonstrative adjectives serve two primary functions: they indicate the distance of an object from the speaker (near or far) and they indicate the number of objects (singular or plural). By combining these two factors, English provides a simple yet effective system for identifying specific items.
This book is interesting. (near, singular)
That building is tall. (far, singular)
These shoes are comfortable. (near, plural)
Those mountains are beautiful. (far, plural)
Like other adjectives, demonstrative adjectives modify nouns. However, they are unique in that they also function as determiners, taking the place of articles. You cannot say "the this book" or "a that car"—the demonstrative adjective replaces the article entirely.
The Four Demonstrative Adjectives
| Singular | Plural | |
|---|---|---|
| Near | this | these |
| Far | that | those |
This simple two-by-two grid captures the entire system of demonstrative adjectives in English. Each word encodes both proximity and quantity, making them efficient tools for communication.
This
This refers to a singular noun that is near the speaker in space, time, or context.
This coffee is delicious.
I like this song.
This morning, I went for a run.
That
That refers to a singular noun that is far from the speaker in space, time, or context.
That car across the street is mine.
Do you remember that restaurant we visited last year?
That was a wonderful experience.
These
These refers to plural nouns that are near the speaker.
These cookies smell amazing.
I bought these flowers for you.
These days, everyone uses smartphones.
Those
Those refers to plural nouns that are far from the speaker.
Those mountains in the distance are stunning.
Do you see those birds on the wire?
Those were the best years of my life.
Near vs. Far: Understanding Distance
The concept of "distance" in demonstrative adjectives is more flexible than just physical space. Distance can be interpreted in several ways:
Physical Distance
The most literal interpretation. "This" and "these" refer to things within reach or close by; "that" and "those" refer to things farther away.
This chair (the one I'm sitting in) is comfortable.
That chair (the one across the room) looks old.
Temporal Distance
Demonstrative adjectives can indicate closeness or distance in time. "This" refers to current or upcoming time periods, while "that" refers to past or more remote time periods.
This week has been busy. (current week)
That summer was unforgettable. (a past summer)
Are you free this Friday? (the upcoming Friday)
Singular vs. Plural
Demonstrative adjectives must agree in number with the noun they modify. This is a strict grammatical rule with no exceptions.
✅ This apple is red. (singular noun, singular demonstrative)
✅ These apples are red. (plural noun, plural demonstrative)
❌ This apples are red. (mismatch)
❌ These apple is red. (mismatch)
With uncountable nouns, always use the singular forms this and that:
✅ This water is cold.
✅ That information is useful.
❌ These water is cold.
Demonstratives and Time References
Demonstrative adjectives are frequently used with time expressions in English. The choice between "this" and "that" depends on whether the time is current/upcoming or past/completed.
| Near (current/upcoming) | Far (past/distant) |
|---|---|
| this morning | that morning (a specific past morning) |
| this week | that week |
| this year | that year |
| these days | those days |
| this time | that time |
This year, I plan to travel more.
That year, we lived in London.
These days, technology changes rapidly.
In those days, life was simpler.
Emotional and Psychological Distance
Beyond physical and temporal distance, demonstrative adjectives can express emotional or psychological distance. Using "that" or "those" can indicate disapproval, detachment, or emotional distance, while "this" and "these" can express closeness, involvement, or engagement.
I don't like that attitude of yours. (disapproval, emotional distance)
This is my kind of music! (enthusiasm, emotional closeness)
Who is that man? (unfamiliar, distant)
This friend of mine just got promoted. (familiar, close relationship)
Demonstrative Adjectives vs. Demonstrative Pronouns
The words this, that, these, and those can function as both adjectives and pronouns. The difference lies in whether they modify a noun or replace it.
| Demonstrative Adjective (before a noun) | Demonstrative Pronoun (replaces a noun) |
|---|---|
| This cake is delicious. | This is delicious. |
| I want that book. | I want that. |
| These shoes are new. | These are new. |
| Look at those stars. | Look at those. |
Tip: If the word is followed by a noun, it is a demonstrative adjective. If it stands alone (no noun after it), it is a demonstrative pronoun. The form of the word does not change—only its function in the sentence.
Demonstratives on the Phone and in Introductions
English has specific conventions for using demonstratives in telephone conversations and introductions.
On the phone: "Hello, this is Maria speaking." (identifying yourself)
Asking: "Is that John?" (identifying the other person)
Introductions: "This is my colleague, Sarah." (introducing someone present)
When identifying yourself on the phone, always use this. When asking about the other person, use that. This convention reflects the near/far distinction: you are "near" to yourself and "far" from the other person.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Number Disagreement
❌ This books are mine.
✅ These books are mine.
❌ Those child is playing.
✅ That child is playing.
Mistake 2: Using with Uncountable Nouns
❌ These furniture is expensive.
✅ This furniture is expensive.
Mistake 3: Using Articles with Demonstratives
❌ I bought the this shirt.
✅ I bought this shirt.
Mistake 4: Confusing "This" and "These"
Non-native speakers sometimes use "this" for plural nouns, especially when the plural is not obvious.
❌ This are my friends.
✅ These are my friends.
Practice Exercises
Choose the correct demonstrative adjective for each sentence.
1. _______ shoes are too tight. (near, plural)
Answer: These
2. Can you see _______ mountain in the distance? (far, singular)
Answer: that
3. _______ morning I woke up early. (current day)
Answer: This
4. _______ cookies on the table look delicious. (near, plural)
Answer: These
5. Do you remember _______ summer we spent in Italy? (past)
Answer: that
6. _______ buildings over there are historic. (far, plural)
Answer: Those
7. _______ information is very useful. (near, uncountable)
Answer: This
8. In _______ days, people wrote letters by hand. (past, plural)
Answer: those
Demonstrative adjectives are simple yet powerful words that add precision to your English. By understanding the distance and number rules, and by distinguishing between their use as adjectives and pronouns, you can communicate more clearly and naturally. Practice using them in context, and pay attention to how native speakers employ them in conversation and writing.
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