Demonstrative pronouns are a fundamental part of the English language, essential for both beginners and advanced learners. They help us to identify and specify objects, people, or ideas in relation to the speaker and the listener. Understanding how to use these pronouns correctly can greatly enhance your communication skills and make your speech or writing clearer and more precise.
What Are Demonstrative Pronouns?
Demonstrative pronouns are pronouns that are used to point to specific things. They are called “demonstrative” because they demonstrate the location of something relative to the speaker. In English, there are four demonstrative pronouns: this, that, these, and those.
– **This** and **these** refer to things that are near in space or time.
– **That** and **those** refer to things that are farther away in space or time.
Examples of Demonstrative Pronouns in Sentences
1. **This** is my favorite book. (The book is near the speaker.)
2. **That** was an amazing movie. (The movie is being remembered; it is farther away in time.)
3. **These** are delicious cookies. (The cookies are near the speaker.)
4. **Those** were difficult exams. (The exams are being remembered; they are farther away in time.)
Using “This” and “These”
“This” and “these” are used to refer to objects that are close to the speaker.
– **This** is used for singular nouns.
– **These** is used for plural nouns.
Examples
1. **This** apple is very sweet.
2. **This** is my house.
3. **These** apples are very sweet.
4. **These** are my friends.
In the first example, “this” is used to refer to one apple that is close to the speaker. In the second example, “this” refers to the speaker’s house, which is also near. In the third and fourth examples, “these” is used to refer to multiple apples and friends, respectively, which are also close to the speaker.
Using “That” and “Those”
“That” and “those” are used to refer to objects that are farther away from the speaker.
– **That** is used for singular nouns.
– **Those** is used for plural nouns.
Examples
1. **That** car over there is mine.
2. **That** was a great concert.
3. **Those** cars over there are mine.
4. **Those** were great concerts.
In the first example, “that” is used to refer to one car that is farther away from the speaker. In the second example, “that” refers to a concert that happened in the past. In the third and fourth examples, “those” is used to refer to multiple cars and concerts, respectively, which are farther away from the speaker.
Common Mistakes with Demonstrative Pronouns
Even though demonstrative pronouns are relatively straightforward, there are common mistakes learners often make. Here are a few to watch out for:
Confusing “This” and “These” with “That” and “Those”
One common mistake is mixing up “this” and “these” with “that” and “those”. Remember, “this” and “these” refer to objects that are near, while “that” and “those” refer to objects that are far.
Incorrect: **That** apples are tasty.
Correct: **These** apples are tasty.
Incorrect: **These** car is fast.
Correct: **This** car is fast.
Using the Wrong Form for Singular and Plural Nouns
Another common mistake is using “this” with plural nouns or “these” with singular nouns, and vice versa.
Incorrect: **This** books are interesting.
Correct: **These** books are interesting.
Incorrect: **These** book is interesting.
Correct: **This** book is interesting.
Using Demonstrative Pronouns in Different Contexts
Demonstrative pronouns can be used in various contexts, including everyday conversation, academic writing, and storytelling. The key is to understand the context and choose the appropriate pronoun.
Everyday Conversation
In everyday conversation, demonstrative pronouns are often used to point out objects or people.
– **This** is my brother, John.
– **Those** are my shoes by the door.
Academic Writing
In academic writing, demonstrative pronouns can be used to refer back to previously mentioned concepts or ideas.
– The results of the study were significant. **This** indicates a strong correlation between the variables.
– The ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome have left a lasting legacy. **These** have influenced modern culture, politics, and philosophy.
Storytelling
In storytelling, demonstrative pronouns can help to create a sense of immediacy or distance.
– **This** is the story of a brave knight.
– **Those** were the days of great adventure.
Exercises to Practice Demonstrative Pronouns
To master the use of demonstrative pronouns, practice is essential. Here are a few exercises to help you get started.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the correct demonstrative pronoun (this, that, these, those).
1. _______ is my favorite chair.
2. _______ shoes over there are mine.
3. _______ were the best days of my life.
4. _______ cookies are delicious.
Exercise 2: Correct the Mistakes
Identify and correct the mistakes in the following sentences.
1. This books are very interesting.
2. That apples are ripe.
3. These is my new car.
4. Those was a great experience.
Exercise 3: Create Your Own Sentences
Create your own sentences using each of the demonstrative pronouns (this, that, these, those).
1. _______________
2. _______________
3. _______________
4. _______________
Conclusion
Demonstrative pronouns are a crucial component of the English language, helping us to specify and identify objects, people, or ideas in relation to the speaker. By understanding the differences between “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those,” and practicing their use in various contexts, you can greatly improve your communication skills. Remember to pay attention to the proximity of the object to the speaker and whether the noun is singular or plural. With consistent practice, using demonstrative pronouns will become second nature, enhancing the clarity and precision of your speech and writing.
