Demonstrative Pronouns in English: Definition, Examples and Practice Exercises

Every day, we use words like this, that, these, and those without thinking much about them. These words are called demonstrative pronouns because they help point to specific people, places, things, or ideas without repeating the noun. They make sentences clearer and more natural in both spoken and written English. In this guide, you will learn the definition, rules, examples, differences, and exercises related to demonstrative pronouns.

Table of Contents

• What Are Demonstrative Pronouns?
• How to Use Demonstrative Pronouns
• Demonstrative Pronouns List
• Examples of Demonstrative Pronouns in Sentences
• Demonstrative Pronouns vs Demonstrative Adjectives
• Demonstrative Pronouns vs Demonstrative Determiners
• Antecedents of Demonstrative Pronouns
• Demonstrative Pronouns Exercises

 

What Are Demonstrative Pronouns?

A demonstrative pronoun is a pronoun used to point to or demonstrate a specific person, place, thing, or idea. Rather than naming the noun directly, a demonstrative pronoun stands in for it, as long as what it refers to is understood from the surrounding context.

The four demonstrative pronouns in English are: this, that, these, and those.

Examples:

This is my favourite book.

That belongs to my sister.

These are fresh apples.

Those were my old shoes.

How to Use Demonstrative Pronouns

Demonstrative pronouns are used to point to specific people, places, animals, things, or ideas. The four main demonstrative pronouns are this, that, these, and those. Their usage depends on two factors: distance and number. Distance refers to whether something is near or far, while number refers to whether it is singular or plural.

Rules for Using Demonstrative Pronouns

• Use this and these for people or things that are close to you.

• This is my bag.

• These are fresh mangoes.

• Use that and those for people or things that are farther away.

• That is my classroom.

• Those are beautiful mountains.

• Demonstrative pronouns replace nouns completely.

• Correct: This is my pen.

• Incorrect: This pen is my pen.
  
  

Demonstrative Pronouns List

These four words form the foundation of demonstrative pronouns in English. Here is the complete demonstrative pronouns list commonly used in English grammar:

Examples of Demonstrative Pronouns in Sentences

Understanding demonstrative pronouns becomes easier when you see them used in different contexts. Here are some examples of demonstrative pronouns in sentences:

• This was my grandmother's favourite recipe.

• Is this the right platform for the Bengaluru Express?

• I cannot believe this is happening.

• This is my school bag.

• This tastes very sweet.

• This was unexpected.

• That is my cousin.

• That seems difficult.

• That was a wonderful movie.

• That is the university where I completed my degree.

• She looked at the old photograph and smiled. That was a simpler time.

• That is exactly what I was trying to say.

• These are the essays that were submitted on time.

• Can you hand me these? My hands are full.

• These are the finest mangoes you will find in the market.

• These are my friends.

• These look beautiful.

• These were expensive.

• Those belong to the teacher.

• Those are mango trees.

• Those were my childhood toys.

• Those were the days when life felt effortless.

• Those belong to the students in the back row.

• The policies introduced in 2010 were controversial. Those were later revised by the new administration.
  
  

Demonstrative Pronouns vs Demonstrative Adjectives

Demonstrative pronouns and demonstrative adjectives both use the words this, that, these, and those, but they are used differently. Demonstrative pronouns replace nouns and stand alone in a sentence, while demonstrative adjectives describe nouns and come before them.

Demonstrative Pronouns vs Demonstrative Determiners

Demonstrative determiners and demonstrative pronouns both use the words this, that, these, and those, but they function differently in a sentence. A demonstrative determiner comes before a noun and specifies it, while a demonstrative pronoun replaces the noun completely.

 

Antecedents of Demonstrative Pronouns

An antecedent is the noun, phrase, or idea that a pronoun refers to. In demonstrative pronouns, words like this, that, these, and those point back to something already mentioned or understood from the context. Knowing the antecedent helps make sentences clear and easy to understand.

Examples:

• I bought a new laptop. This works very fast.
  Here ‘This’ refers to the laptop.

• The children won the match. That made everyone proud.
  Here, ‘That’ refers to the event of winning the match.

Sometimes, demonstrative pronouns can refer to a whole idea or sentence.

• The government increased taxes and reduced public services. That upset many people.
  Here, ‘That’ refers to the entire situation.

Tips for Correct Usage:

• Make sure the antecedent is clear.

• Avoid vague references in formal writing.

• Use demonstrative pronouns carefully to improve clarity.

 

Demonstrative Pronouns Exercises

Exercise 1: Identify the Demonstrative Pronoun

Underline the demonstrative pronoun in each sentence.

1. That is the most beautiful painting I have ever seen.

2. These are the books recommended for the examination.

3. Can you believe this?

4. Those were the rules we all agreed to follow.

5. Is this your umbrella or is that yours?

Answers: 

1. That 

2. These 

3. This

4. Those

5. This, that

 

Exercise 2: Choose the Correct Demonstrative Pronoun

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate demonstrative pronoun (this / that / these / those).

1. I am holding some freshly baked cookies. ________ are still warm.

2. The mountains in the distance look magnificent. ________ must be the Himalayas.

3. ________ was a truly remarkable decade for Indian cinema.

4. I have some questions for you. ________ should only take a moment.

5. ________ over there are the books I ordered last month.

Answers: 

1. These

2. Those

3. That

4. These

5. Those

 

Exercise 3: Demonstrative Pronoun or Demonstrative Adjective?

Identify whether the highlighted word is a demonstrative pronoun or demonstrative adjective.

1. This is my seat. 

2. This seat is taken.

3. I love those old photographs.

4. Those belong to my sister.

5. That film was extraordinary.

Answers:

1. Demonstrative pronoun

2. Demonstrative adjective

3. Demonstrative adjective

4. Demonstrative pronoun

5. Demonstrative adjective