Demonstrative Adjectives Types: This, That, These, Those

Demonstrative adjectives are essential tools for specifying which nouns we’re talking about. They help us point out or identify particular people, places, things, or ideas. Understanding how to use this, that, these, and those correctly is crucial for clear and precise communication in English.

This article I’ll show you:

• What each word means
• When to use this vs. that and these vs. those
• Easy examples to help you understand quickly
• Common mistakes to avoid

By the end, you’ll be using these adjectives confidently in both speaking and writing. Whether you’re near something (this pen) or talking about something farther away (that chair), you’ll know exactly which word to use.

Ready to master these pointing words? Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

• Definition of Demonstrative Adjectives
• Structural Breakdown
• Types of Demonstrative Adjectives
  • This
  • That
  • These
  • Those
• Examples of Demonstrative Adjectives
• Usage Rules
• Common Mistakes
• Practice Exercises
• Advanced Topics
• FAQ
• Conclusion

Definition of Demonstrative Adjectives

Demonstrative adjectives are words that indicate or point out specific nouns. They answer the question “which one?” or “which ones?” by specifying which person, place, thing, or idea is being referred to.

Unlike demonstrative pronouns, which stand alone, demonstrative adjectives always modify a noun. They are used to show the relative distance (physical or metaphorical) of the noun they modify from the speaker or writer.

There are four demonstrative adjectives in English: this, that, these, and those. This and these refer to things that are near in distance or time, while that and those refer to things that are farther away. The choice between singular and plural also depends on the noun being modified.

Demonstrative adjectives are important because they provide clarity and precision in our language. They ensure that our listeners or readers understand exactly what we are referring to.

Without them, our sentences could be vague and confusing.

Structural Breakdown

The structure of a sentence using a demonstrative adjective is quite straightforward. The demonstrative adjective always precedes the noun it modifies.

The basic pattern is:

Demonstrative Adjective + Noun

Here are some examples to illustrate this structure:

• This book
• That car
• These flowers
• Those shoes

The demonstrative adjective agrees in number with the noun it modifies. This means that singular demonstrative adjectives (this and that) are used with singular nouns, while plural demonstrative adjectives (these and those) are used with plural nouns. For example, you would say “this apple” (singular) and “these apples” (plural).

The demonstrative adjective provides specific information about the noun, indicating its proximity or distance from the speaker or writer. This proximity can be physical, temporal, or even conceptual.

Types of Demonstrative Adjectives

There are four demonstrative adjectives in English, each with its unique usage and meaning. Let’s take a closer look at each type:

This

This is a singular demonstrative adjective used to refer to something that is near in distance or time. It indicates that the noun being modified is close to the speaker or writer. It can also refer to something that is currently being discussed or is about to be mentioned.

Examples:

• This pen is mine. (The pen is close to the speaker)
• This morning was beautiful. (Referring to the current morning)
• Read this chapter carefully. (Referring to a specific chapter)

That

That is a singular demonstrative adjective used to refer to something that is farther away in distance or time. It indicates that the noun being modified is not close to the speaker or writer. It can also refer to something that has already been discussed or is understood from context.

Examples:

• That house is very old. (The house is far from the speaker)
• That day was unforgettable. (Referring to a day in the past)
• Remember that rule we discussed? (Referring to a previously discussed rule)

These

These is a plural demonstrative adjective used to refer to multiple things that are near in distance or time. It indicates that the nouns being modified are close to the speaker or writer.

Examples:

• These books are interesting. (The books are close to the speaker)
• These days are quite busy. (Referring to the current days)
• These cookies are delicious. (Referring to cookies that are nearby)

Those

Those is a plural demonstrative adjective used to refer to multiple things that are farther away in distance or time. It indicates that the nouns being modified are not close to the speaker or writer.

Examples:

• Those birds are flying south. (The birds are far from the speaker)
• Those years were difficult. (Referring to years in the past)
• Those students are very talented. (Referring to students who are not nearby)

Examples of Demonstrative Adjectives

To further illustrate the use of demonstrative adjectives, let’s explore various examples categorized by proximity and number.

Table 1: Demonstrative Adjectives – Near Singular

This table showcases examples of the demonstrative adjective “this” used with singular nouns to denote proximity. The examples cover a range of contexts to illustrate the versatility of “this”.

Sentence	Explanation
This apple is delicious.	The apple is close to the speaker.
This song is my favorite.	The song is currently being played or discussed.
This city is amazing.	The speaker is currently in this city.
This moment is precious.	Referring to the present moment.
This idea is brilliant.	The idea is currently being considered.
This car is new.	The car is near the speaker.
This computer is fast.	The speaker is using this computer.
This movie is interesting.	The movie is being watched or discussed.
This book is required reading.	The book is specified for the course.
This project is important.	The project is currently being worked on.
This question is difficult.	The question is currently being asked or considered.
This answer is correct.	The answer is being reviewed and it’s correct.
This room is clean.	The room that is nearby is clean.
This street is busy.	The street where I am is busy.
This store is open.	The store that is close is open.
This train is late.	The train that I am waiting for is late.
This bus is crowded.	The bus that I am on is crowded.
This coffee is hot.	The coffee I am drinking is hot.
This tea is sweet.	The tea I am drinking is sweet.
This house is for sale.	The house nearby is for sale.
This apartment is small.	The apartment I am in is small.
This job is challenging.	The job I have is challenging.
This task is easy.	The task I am doing is easy.

Table 2: Demonstrative Adjectives – Far Singular

This table provides examples of “that” used with singular nouns, indicating distance or a previous reference. The examples illustrate how “that” helps to distinguish specific items or concepts from others.

Sentence	Explanation
That mountain is very tall.	The mountain is far away from the speaker.
That movie was boring.	The movie was watched in the past.
That idea is not practical.	The idea was previously discussed and is not practical.
That car is expensive.	The car is far away or a specific car previously mentioned.
That song reminds me of summer.	The song was heard previously and is memorable.
That building is the library.	The building is at a distance and identified as the library.
That restaurant is famous.	The restaurant is known and at a distance.
That street is dangerous.	The street has been previously identified as dangerous.
That decision was a mistake.	The decision was made in the past and regretted.
That policy needs to be changed.	The policy has been discussed and needs revision.
That tree is very old.	The tree is noticeable and at a distance.
That book is overdue.	The book was borrowed and needs to be returned.
That question is irrelevant.	The question was asked and is not relevant.
That answer is unsatisfactory.	The answer was given and is not good enough.
That method is ineffective.	The method was tried and did not work.
That approach is wrong.	The approach was taken and is incorrect.
That solution is perfect.	The solution was proposed and is ideal.
That excuse is unconvincing.	The excuse was given and is not believable.
That story is unbelievable.	The story was told and is hard to believe.
That joke was funny.	The joke was told and was amusing.
That performance was amazing.	The performance was given and was outstanding.
That concert was fantastic.	The concert was attended and was wonderful.
That trip was memorable.	The trip was taken and was unforgettable.

Table 3: Demonstrative Adjectives – Near Plural

This table illustrates the use of “these” with plural nouns to indicate proximity. The examples cover different scenarios to demonstrate how “these” is used in various contexts.

Sentence	Explanation
These flowers smell wonderful.	The flowers are close to the speaker.
These cookies are delicious.	The cookies are being eaten or offered.
These shoes are too tight.	The shoes are being worn or tried on.
These books are very informative.	The books are being read or recommended.
These students are very bright.	The students are present or being discussed.
These cars are new models.	The cars are on display or recently purchased.
These computers are state-of-the-art.	The computers are being used or showcased.
These movies are highly recommended.	The movies are being suggested or reviewed.
These projects are top priority.	The projects are currently being worked on.
These questions need to be answered.	The questions are currently being addressed.
These answers are all correct.	The answers have been reviewed and confirmed.
These rooms need to be cleaned.	The rooms that are nearby need to be cleaned.
These streets are very busy.	The streets where I am are busy.
These stores are having sales.	The stores that are close are having sales.
These trains are always late.	The trains that I use are always late.
These buses are very crowded.	The buses that I see are crowded.
These coffees are very strong.	The coffees I am drinking are strong.
These teas are very soothing.	The teas I am drinking are soothing.
These houses are very expensive.	The houses nearby are expensive.
These apartments are very modern.	The apartments I am in are modern.
These jobs are very demanding.	The jobs I have are demanding.
These tasks are very time-consuming.	The tasks I am doing are time-consuming.
These problems are very difficult.	The problems I am dealing with are difficult.

Table 4: Demonstrative Adjectives – Far Plural

This table provides examples of “those” used with plural nouns, indicating distance or a previous reference. The examples demonstrate how “those” is used to specify particular items or ideas that are not immediately present.

Sentence	Explanation
Those mountains are covered in snow.	The mountains are far away from the speaker.
Those movies were a waste of time.	The movies were watched in the past.
Those ideas are not feasible.	The ideas were previously discussed and are not practical.
Those cars are very old.	The cars are at a distance or were previously mentioned.
Those songs remind me of my childhood.	The songs were heard in the past and are nostalgic.
Those buildings are historical landmarks.	The buildings are at a distance and identified as landmarks.
Those restaurants are overpriced.	The restaurants are known and at a distance.
Those streets are dangerous at night.	The streets have been previously identified as dangerous.
Those decisions led to failure.	The decisions were made in the past and regretted.
Those policies need to be revised.	The policies have been discussed and need revision.
Those trees are very tall.	The trees are noticeable and at a distance.
Those books are from the library.	The books were borrowed and need to be returned.
Those questions are irrelevant to the topic.	The questions were asked and are not relevant.
Those answers are unsatisfactory.	The answers were given and are not good enough.
Those methods are outdated.	The methods were tried and did not work.
Those approaches are incorrect.	The approaches were taken and are not right.
Those solutions are not viable.	The solutions were proposed and are not feasible.
Those excuses are unconvincing.	The excuses were given and are not believable.
Those stories are hard to believe.	The stories were told and are unbelievable.
Those jokes were not funny.	The jokes were told and were not amusing.
Those performances were outstanding.	The performances were given and were amazing.
Those concerts were unforgettable.	The concerts were attended and were wonderful.
Those trips were disastrous.	The trips were taken and were terrible.

Table 5: Demonstrative Adjectives in Context

This table provides examples of all four demonstrative adjectives used in different sentence structures, emphasizing their role in specifying nouns. The sentences vary in complexity to illustrate the versatility of demonstrative adjectives.

Sentence	Demonstrative Adjective	Explanation
This cake is delicious, but I can’t eat the whole thing.	This	Referring to a specific cake that is nearby.
That dog over there is very friendly, despite its size.	That	Referring to a specific dog that is at a distance.
These flowers need to be watered daily to stay fresh.	These	Referring to a group of flowers that are nearby.
Those birds flying in formation are migrating south for the winter.	Those	Referring to a group of birds that are at a distance.
Can you hand me this book? It has the information I need.	This	Asking for a specific book that is close to the speaker.
That car parked outside is blocking the driveway.	That	Referring to a specific car that is parked at a distance.
These shoes are uncomfortable; I need to buy new ones.	These	Referring to a specific pair of shoes that the speaker is wearing.
Those clouds look like they might bring rain later today.	Those	Referring to a group of clouds that are visible at a distance.
I prefer this type of coffee over the others.	This	Expressing a preference for a specific type of coffee.
That house on the hill has a beautiful view.	That	Referring to a specific house that is at a distance.
These apples are from my garden; would you like one?	These	Offering apples that are from the speaker’s garden.
Those stars are so bright tonight; it’s a clear sky.	Those	Referring to stars that are visible at a distance.
This project is due next week, so we need to focus.	This	Referring to a specific project that is current.
That exam was more difficult than I expected.	That	Referring to a specific exam that has been taken.
These assignments need to be completed by Friday.	These	Referring to a group of assignments that are due.
Those rules are in place for everyone’s safety.	Those	Referring to a set of rules that are established.
This method is more efficient than the old one.	This	Comparing a specific method to an older one.
That approach didn’t seem to work last time we tried it.	That	Referring to a specific approach that was used before.
These results indicate a positive trend in sales.	These	Referring to a set of results that are being analyzed.
Those findings suggest further research is needed.	Those	Referring to a set of findings that require more study.

Usage Rules

Using demonstrative adjectives correctly involves understanding their agreement with nouns and their role in indicating proximity. Here are some key rules to follow:

• Agreement: Demonstrative adjectives must agree in number with the nouns they modify. Use this and that with singular nouns, and these and those with plural nouns.
• Proximity: Use this and these for things that are near in distance or time, and that and those for things that are farther away.
• Clarity: Ensure that the noun you are modifying is clear from the context. Avoid using demonstrative adjectives when the noun is ambiguous.
• Formality: In formal writing, avoid overusing demonstrative adjectives. Consider using more specific nouns or descriptive phrases.

Consider these examples to illustrate these rules:

• Correct: This book is interesting.
• Correct: These books are interesting.
• Incorrect: This books are interesting.
• Correct: That car is expensive.
• Correct: Those cars are expensive.
• Incorrect: Those car is expensive.

Common Mistakes

One of the most common mistakes is using the wrong demonstrative adjective based on number agreement. For example, using “this” with a plural noun or “these” with a singular noun.

Another common mistake is confusing demonstrative adjectives with demonstrative pronouns. Remember that demonstrative adjectives always modify a noun, while demonstrative pronouns stand alone.

Here are some examples of common mistakes and their corrections:

Table 6: Common Mistakes with Demonstrative Adjectives

This table highlights common errors made when using demonstrative adjectives and provides the correct alternatives. Understanding these mistakes can help learners avoid similar errors.

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
This books are mine.	These books are mine.	“This” is singular and cannot be used with the plural noun “books.”
These book is interesting.	This book is interesting.	“These” is plural and cannot be used with the singular noun “book.”
That cars are fast.	Those cars are fast.	“That” is singular and cannot be used with the plural noun “cars.”
Those car is old.	That car is old.	“Those” is plural and cannot be used with the singular noun “car.”
Give me that. (Intending to say “that book”)	Give me that book.	“That” should be followed by the noun it modifies to act as an adjective.
This is good (Intending to say “this apple”)	This apple is good.	“This” should be followed by the noun it modifies to act as an adjective.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of demonstrative adjectives with these practice exercises.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with the correct demonstrative adjective (this, that, these, those).

Table 7: Practice Exercise 1 – Fill in the Blanks

This table presents a fill-in-the-blanks exercise to test understanding of demonstrative adjectives. The blanks should be filled with the appropriate demonstrative adjective based on the context.

Question	Answer
1. _________ apple is delicious.	This
2. _________ cars are very fast.	These
3. _________ house over there is beautiful.	That
4. _________ birds are flying south.	Those
5. I like _________ song very much.	This
6. _________ shoes are too small for me.	These
7. _________ mountain is very tall.	That
8. _________ stars are shining brightly.	Those
9. _________ project is due next week.	This
10. _________ exams were very difficult.	Those

Exercise 2: Correct the Sentences

Correct the sentences that use demonstrative adjectives incorrectly.

Table 8: Practice Exercise 2 – Correct the Sentences

This table offers a sentence correction exercise focusing on demonstrative adjectives. Learners must identify and correct the errors in the given sentences.

Incorrect Sentence	Corrected Sentence
1. This books are mine.	These books are mine.
2. These book is interesting.	This book is interesting.
3. That cars are fast.	Those cars are fast.
4. Those car is old.	That car is old.
5. Give me that. (Intending to say “that pen”)	Give me that pen.
6. This is good. (Intending to say “this coffee”)	This coffee is good.
7. Those buildings is very old.	Those buildings are very old.
8. This flowers smells nice.	These flowers smell nice.
9. That questions are hard.	Those questions are hard.
10. These answer is correct.	This answer is correct.

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, understanding the nuances of demonstrative adjectives in different contexts can further refine their language skills.

• Temporal Distance: Demonstrative adjectives can also indicate temporal distance. “This year” refers to the current year, while “that year” refers to a year in the past.
• Conceptual Distance: Demonstrative adjectives can also indicate conceptual distance or emotional distance. For example, “I can’t believe that happened” implies a level of disbelief or detachment.
• Emphasis: Demonstrative adjectives can be used for emphasis. For example, “This is the best day ever!” emphasizes the speaker’s excitement.

Demonstrative adjectives can also play a role in discourse markers, guiding the listener or reader through a conversation or text. For instance, “In this section, we will discuss…” introduces a new topic.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about demonstrative adjectives:

1. What is the difference between a demonstrative adjective and a demonstrative pronoun?A demonstrative adjective modifies a noun, while a demonstrative pronoun stands alone and replaces a noun. For example, “This book is mine” (adjective) vs. “This is mine” (pronoun).
2. Can I use demonstrative adjectives with uncountable nouns?No, demonstrative adjectives must agree in number with the nouns they modify. Since uncountable nouns are always singular, you can only use this or that with them. For instance, “This water is clean” or “That sand is hot.”
3. How do I know when to use this/these versus that/those?Use this and these for things that are near in distance or time, and that and those for things that are farther away. The context of the situation will usually provide the necessary clues.
4. Are there any exceptions to the agreement rule?No, there are no exceptions to the agreement rule. Demonstrative adjectives must always agree in number with the nouns they modify.
5. Can demonstrative adjectives be used to refer to abstract concepts?Yes, demonstrative adjectives can refer to abstract concepts, especially in writing. For example, “This idea is revolutionary” or “That concept is difficult to grasp.”
6. How can I improve my understanding of demonstrative adjectives?Practice using them in sentences, read extensively to see how they are used in context, and pay attention to the agreement rules. Reviewing examples and completing exercises can also be very helpful.
7. Can I use other adjectives with demonstrative adjectives?Yes, you can use other adjectives with demonstrative adjectives. The order is usually: article (if any), demonstrative adjective, other adjectives, and then the noun. For example: “This beautiful red flower,” or “Those old wooden houses.”
8. What if the distance is not clear?If the distance is not clear, consider the context and your intention. If you want to emphasize closeness or immediacy, use “this” or “these.” If you want to create a sense of separation or detachment, use “that” or “those.” In some cases, it might be best to rephrase the sentence to avoid ambiguity.

Conclusion

Mastering demonstrative adjectives is crucial for clear and precise communication in English. By understanding the types of demonstrative adjectives, their usage rules, and common mistakes, you can significantly improve your language skills. Remember to practice regularly and pay attention to the context in which these adjectives are used. With consistent effort, you’ll be able to use this, that, these, and those with confidence and accuracy.

Continue to explore different examples and exercises to reinforce your understanding. Pay attention to how native speakers use demonstrative adjectives in their speech and writing.

The more you immerse yourself in the language, the more natural and intuitive their usage will become. Keep practicing, and you will master this important aspect of English grammar.