Determiners: This, that, these, those
Determiners: This, that, these, those
This, these
We use this and these for things that are here (near). This is singular and these is plural.
- This is my new watch.
- These are my sisters Anna and Jenny.
That, those
We use that and those for things that are there (not near). That is singular and those is plural.
- That man is very strange.
- I need those boxes over there.
With a noun or without a noun
We can use this, that, these, those with a noun (this box, that car, etc.) or without a noun.
- This watch is very expensive.
- I like that woman in the park.
- Who is that? (= that person)
- ‘What are those?’ ‘They are old pictures.’
This is John (introductions and on the phone)
We use this is when we introduce people and on the telephone.
- Hi, this is Tim. (Tim on the telephone)
- Laura: ‘Hi, Sara. This is my friend Paul.’ Sara: ‘Hi, Paul. Nice to meet you.’
Demonstratives – This, That, These, Those
As mentioned above, demonstratives are words that show which person or thing is being referred to.
In the sentence:
- “This is my brother”,
“This” is a demonstrative
The demonstratives in English are this, that, these, and those
- “This” modifies or refers to a singular noun that is near to the speaker.
- “That” modifies or refers to a singular noun that is far from the speaker.
- “These” modifies or refers to plural nouns that are near to the speaker.
- “Those” modifies or refers to plural nouns that are far from the speaker.
Demonstrative Pronouns Vs Demonstrative Adjectives
A crucial distinction exists between demonstrative pronouns and demonstrative adjectives, each serving distinct grammatical functions.
- Demonstrative Adjectives: Demonstrative adjectives, also known as demonstrative determiners, modify and provide more information about a noun. They help specify which particular noun is being referred to. Examples include:
- “This apple is delicious.”
- “I like those houses.”
Demonstrative Pronouns: Demonstrative pronouns, on the other hand, stand independently as substitutes for nouns. They replace the noun rather than modify it. Examples include:
- “This is delicious.”
- “I like those.”