Demonstrative Pronoun Examples & Definition

Language is a powerful tool that allows us to express our thoughts, feelings, and ideas with clarity and precision. Among the various components of language, pronouns play a crucial role in enhancing communication by replacing nouns and avoiding repetition. One specific type of pronoun that is particularly useful in everyday conversation and writing is the demonstrative pronoun. In this blog post, we will explore a variety of demonstrative pronoun examples that illustrate their usage in different contexts. By understanding how to use these pronouns correctly you can enhance your communication skills and make your writing more engaging. 

Definition of Demonstrative Pronouns

Demonstrative pronouns are words used to point to specific things or people in a sentence. They indicate relative distance (either physical or metaphorical) and help to clarify which noun is being referred to. The main demonstrative pronouns in English are:

• This: Refers to a singular noun that is nearby (in terms of time or space).
• That: Refers to a singular noun that is farther away.
• These: Refers to plural nouns that are nearby.
• Those: Refers to plural nouns that are farther away.

Usage of Demonstrative Pronoun

Demonstrative pronouns can function as the subject or object of a sentence and are often used for emphasis or clarification. They help convey information about the location and number of the nouns they replace, making communication more precise.

Also Read: What is the Difference Between Nouns and Pronouns?

Difference Between Demonstrative Adjectives and Demonstrative Pronouns

Demonstrative pronouns and demonstrative adjectives are both used to indicate specific nouns, but they serve different grammatical functions in a sentence. Take a look at the following differences to get a basic idea of the same.

Details	Demonstrative Adjectives	Demonstrative Pronouns
Function	Demonstrative adjectives modify nouns (e.g., “This book is mine”).	Demonstrative pronouns replace nouns (e.g., “This is mine”).
Position	Adjectives come directly before the nouns they modify.	Pronouns stand alone and are often followed by verbs.
Usage	Both types use the same words (this, that, these, those), but their grammatical roles differ based on whether they are standing in for a noun or describing one.

Also Read: Pronoun Exercise with Answers

10 Demonstrative Pronoun Examples

Now let us take a look at these 10 examples of demonstrative pronouns and how they can be used in the formation of sentences.

1. This is my favourite mug.
   • Explanation: “This” refers to a specific mug that is close to the speaker.
2. That was a fantastic movie!
   • Explanation: “That” refers to a movie that the speaker is discussing but is not currently present.
3. These are the shoes I bought yesterday.
   • Explanation: “These” refers to shoes that are nearby or in the speaker’s possession.
4. Those were the best times of my life.
   • Explanation: “Those” refers to times in the past that are not currently present.
5. I can’t believe this is happening!
   • Explanation: “This” refers to a situation that is currently occurring and is immediate to the speaker.
6. Can you pass me that pen over there?
   • Explanation: “That” indicates a specific pen that is farther away from the speaker.
7. These are my notes from the lecture.
   • Explanation: “These” points to notes that are physically close to the speaker.
8. Do you remember those days when we used to play outside?
   • Explanation: “Those” refers to days in the past that are being recalled.
9. I prefer this type of music over others.
   • Explanation: “This” indicates a specific type of music that is currently relevant to the speaker.
10. Is that your car parked outside?
    • Explanation: “That” refers to a car that is at a distance from the speaker, possibly visible but not close.

Also Read: Parts of Speech: Learn Grammar the Right Way

Demonstrative Pronoun Examples in Sentences

Here are 20 examples of sentences using demonstrative pronouns, showcasing their use in various contexts:

1. This is the best cake I’ve ever tasted.
2. That was an incredible performance last night!
3. These are the documents you requested.
4. Those were the days when we had so much fun.
5. Can you believe this is happening right now?
6. That looks like a great place to eat.
7. I love these flowers; they smell wonderful.
8. Those are the shoes I want to buy for the party.
9. Is this your first time visiting our city?
10. Do you remember that summer we spent at the beach?
11. These are my favourite books on the shelf.
12. Those were some tough times, but we made it through.
13. I can’t find this file anywhere on my computer.
14. Can you hand me that remote control?
15. These cookies are freshly baked and delicious!
16. I prefer that colour over all the others.
17. Are these your keys on the table?
18. Those mountains look beautiful in the sunset.
19. Is this what you were looking for?
20. I can’t believe how much things have changed since that day.

Also Read: Mastering French Pronouns: A Complete Guide

Demonstrative Pronouns Exercises

Here are five exercises on demonstrative pronouns, each designed to reinforce understanding and usage of “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those.” Each exercise includes instructions and answers.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Instructions: Choose the correct demonstrative pronoun to complete each sentence.

1. _____ (This/That) book on the table is mine.
2. Can you see _____ (these/those) stars in the sky?
3. _____ (This/That) is the best pizza I’ve ever had!
4. I remember _____ (these/those) days when we played outside all summer.
5. _____ (These/Those) apples are fresher than the ones in the store.

Answers:

1. This
2. those
3. This
4. those
5. These

Exercise 2: Sentence Creation

Instructions: Create sentences using the given words and either “this,” “that,” “these,” or “those.”

1. (car, parked)
2. (flowers, blooming)
3. (movie, watched)
4. (cookies, baked)
5. (painting, hanging)

Possible Answers:

1. This car is parked in front of my house.
2. Those flowers are blooming beautifully in the garden.
3. That movie we watched last night was thrilling.
4. These cookies are freshly baked and smell delicious.
5. This painting hanging on the wall is my favourite.

Exercise 3: Multiple Choice

Instructions: Choose the correct demonstrative pronoun for each sentence.

1. _____ pen I am holding is my favourite.

a) This

b) That

c) These

d) Those

2. _____ mountains in the distance are covered with snow.

a) This

b) That

c) These

d) Those

3. _____ cookies on the plate look delicious.

a) This

b) That

c) These

d) Those

4. _____ cat you see in the garden belongs to my neighbour.

a) This

b) That

c) These

d) Those

5. _____ chairs around the table are new.

a) This

b) That

c) These

d) Those

Answers:

1. a) This
2. d) Those
3. c) These
4. b) That
5. c) These

Exercise 4: Matching

Instructions: Match each sentence on the left with the correct demonstrative pronoun on the right.

1. _____ tree over there is very tall.
2. _____ papers on my desk need to be organised.
3. _____ is my new puppy.
4. _____ pictures on the wall are beautiful.
5. _____ is the car I want to buy.

a. These

b. This

c. That

d. Those

e. This

Answers:

1 – c (That)

2 – a (These)

3 – b (This)

4 – d (Those)

5 – e (This)

Exercise 5: Correct the Mistakes

Instructions: Identify and correct any mistakes in these sentences regarding demonstrative pronouns.

1. That are my favorite books.
2. This apples are very sweet.
3. Those is my friend’s house.
4. These dog is very friendly.
5. That flowers smell amazing.

Answers:

1. Those are my favourite books.
2. These apples are very sweet.
3. That is my friend’s house.
4. This dog is very friendly.
5. Those flowers smell amazing.

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