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What are Demonstrative Adjective? Examples & Usage | Tips and Tricks

Explanation of Demonstrative adjective

A demonstrative adjective is a type of adjective that points out or indicates a specific noun or pronoun in a sentence. It is used to draw attention to a particular thing or person and helps in distinguishing it from others. There are four demonstrative adjectives in English, namely, “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those.”

Table of Demonstrative Adjective

Importance of Understanding Demonstrative Adjective

They help in identifying and specifying objects, people, and places, and make communication more precise and efficient. Understanding demonstrative adjectives also helps in avoiding ambiguity in speech and writing.

Usage of Demonstrative Adjective

Demonstrative adjectives are used to modify a noun or pronoun and indicate its proximity or distance from the speaker. “This” and “these” are used for things that are near the speaker, while “that” and “those” are used for things that are farther away. They are also used to indicate whether the noun or pronoun is singular or plural.

Examples in Simple Sentences

This car is mine.
That cat is sleeping.
These flowers are beautiful.
Those shoes are too big.

Example in Complicated Sentences

This book, which I bought yesterday, is amazing.
That painting, which is hanging on the wall, is worth millions.
These cookies, which my mom baked this morning, are delicious.
Those mountains, which we climbed last summer, were very challenging.

Tips and Tricks for Using Demonstrative Adjective

Remember that “this” and “these” are used for things that are near, while “that” and “those” are used for things that are far away.
Use singular forms of “this” and “that” for singular nouns and plural forms of “these” and “those” for plural nouns.
Be careful not to confuse “this” and “these” with “is” and “are” respectively.

Using Demonstrative Adjective in Writing

Demonstrative adjectives are commonly used in writing to provide specific information about a noun or pronoun. They are often used in descriptive writing, such as in essays, reports, and stories, to help the reader visualize and understand the scene.

Using Demonstrative Adjective in Speech

Demonstrative adjectives are commonly used in speech to indicate the location of an object or person. They are also used to emphasize the speaker’s point or opinion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not confuse “this” and “these” with “is” and “are” respectively.
Do not use the wrong form of the demonstrative adjective for singular or plural nouns.
Do not use demonstrative adjectives too frequently, as they can become repetitive and boring.

Correct: This book is interesting.
Explanation: “This” is a demonstrative adjective that is used to point out a specific book that is near the speaker. It is correct because it clearly identifies which book is being referred to.

Incorrect: That pen is my favorite color.
Explanation: “That” is a demonstrative adjective that is used to point out a specific pen that is farther away from the speaker. However, the sentence is incorrect because it does not specify which color is the speaker’s favorite, making the meaning unclear. A better sentence would be, “That blue pen is my favorite color.”

Short Sentence Examples of Demonstrative Adjective

This that I am holding is neither this nor that.
That’s not a cat, this is a cat!
These potatoes are so cold, they should be called “those” potatoes!
Those books are so old, they should be called “these” books!

(FAQs) About Demonstrative Adjective

Yes, there are four demonstrative adjectives in English. They are “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those.”
No, demonstrative adjectives are used only with concrete nouns that can be seen, touched, or pointed to.
Use “this” and “these” for things that are near, and “that” and “those” for things that are far away. Also, use the singular forms of “this” and “that” for singular nouns, and plural forms of “these” and “those” for plural nouns.
No, demonstrative adjectives are used only to modify a noun or pronoun and cannot function as a subject or object in a sentence.

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