Demonstrative Adjectives Examples and Definition

What Is a Demonstrative Adjective?

Demonstrative adjectives are words that are used to point out or identify specific nouns or pronouns in a sentence. They are an important part of the English language and are used to add clarity and specificity to a sentence. In this article, we will discuss demonstrative adjectives in detail, including their definition, examples, and how they are used in sentences.

Definition of Demonstrative Adjectives

Demonstrative adjectives are words that are used to indicate or point out a specific noun or pronoun. These adjectives are commonly used to indicate the proximity of an object, whether it is near or far from the speaker or the listener. In the English language, we can find four demonstrative adjectives those are "this", "that", "these", and "those".

Examples of Demonstrative Adjectives

Let's take a look at some examples of demonstrative adjectives in action:
- This book is mine.
- That car is expensive.
- These shoes are comfortable.
- Those dogs are barking loudly.

In each of these sentences, the demonstrative adjective is used to point out or identify a specific noun. In the first sentence, "this" is used to indicate the book that belongs to the speaker. In the second sentence, "that" is used to point out a particular car and indicate its expense. In the third sentence, "these" is used to indicate the shoes that the speaker finds comfortable. And in the fourth sentence, "those" is used to point out a group of dogs that are barking loudly.

Those nouns being modified are usually preceded by demonstrative adjectives.. For example:

- This cat is cute.
- That house is old.
- These flowers are beautiful.
- Those cookies are delicious.

Typically, demonstrative adjectives come before the noun they are describing to indicate which cat, house, flowers, or cookies is being referred to.

Demonstrative adjectives can also be used without a noun to point out a particular object or person. For example:

- This is my favorite song.
- That is a great idea.
- These are the best donuts in town.
- Those were the days.

In each of these sentences, the demonstrative adjective is used to point out a particular object or person without the need for a noun.

4. Other Uses of Demonstrative Adjectives
Demonstrative adjectives can also be used to indicate time. For example:
- This afternoon I went for meeting.
- That particular evening, we went to the birthday party.
- These current days, I am working from home.
- Those years of my life were the most memorable.

In each of these sentences, the demonstrative adjective is used to indicate a particular time period.

In addition, demonstrative adjectives can also be used for emphasis or to contrast one thing with another. For example:

- I want that car, not this one.
- These shoes are great, but those over there are even better.
- That movie was terrible, but this one is fantastic.

In each of these sentences, the demonstrative adjective is used to contrast or emphasize one thing over another.

Demonstrative adjectives exercises

Commonly Asked Questions on Demonstrative Adjectives:

1. What are demonstrative adjectives?

Demonstrative adjectives are words used to point out or identify specific nouns or pronouns in a sentence. This group of four demonstrative adjectives in the English language includes: that, these, and those.

2. How are demonstrative adjectives used in sentences?

Demonstrative adjectives are usually placed before the noun they are modifying to indicate which object is being referred to. They can also be used without a noun to point out a particular object or person.

3. What is the difference between "this" and "that"?

"This" is used to indicate a noun or pronoun that is close to the speaker, while "that" is used to indicate a noun or pronoun that is farther away from the speaker.

4. What is the difference between "these" and "those"?

"These" is used to indicate plural nouns or pronouns that are close to the speaker, while "those" is used to indicate plural nouns or pronouns that are farther away from the speaker.
5. Can demonstrative adjectives be used to indicate time?
Yes, demonstrative adjectives can be used to indicate time, such as "this morning" or "those years."
6. Can demonstrative adjectives be used for emphasis or contrast?
Yes, demonstrative adjectives can be used for emphasis or to contrast one thing with another, such as "I want this shirt, not that one" or "These shoes are great, but those over there are even better."
7. What is the purpose of using demonstrative adjectives?
The purpose of using demonstrative adjectives is to add clarity and specificity to a sentence by indicating a particular noun or pronoun. They help to avoid ambiguity and confusion by pointing out which object or person is being referred to.

Demonstrative Adjectives Worksheet

Part A: Multiple Choice Questions

Select the appropriate option from the choices provided below.

1. dog is barking loudly.
a) This
b) That
c) These
d) Those
2. flowers are my favorite.
a) This
b) That
c) These
d) Those
3. is my favorite movie.
a) This
b) That
c) These
d) Those
4. are the best donuts in town.
a) This
b) That
c) These
d) Those
5. pencil is mine.
a) This
b) That
c) These
d) Those
Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Use the correct demonstrative adjective to fill in the blank
6. cat is sleeping on the couch.
7. cookies are delicious.
8. shirt is too small for me.
9. car is parked outside.
10. movie was really boring.
Part C: Short Answer Questions
Answer the following questions in complete sentences.
11. What is the purpose of using demonstrative adjectives in a sentence?
12. How are demonstrative adjectives used to indicate time?
13. Can demonstrative adjectives be used to indicate emphasis or contrast? Give an example.
14. Can you explain the deference between "this" and "that"?
15. What is the difference between "these" and "those"?
Answers:
1. b) That
2. c) These
3. a) This
4. d) Those
5. a) This
6. That
7. These
8. This
9. That
10. That
11. The purpose of using demonstrative adjectives is to identify or point out a specific noun or pronoun in a sentence.
12. Demonstrative adjectives can be used to indicate time by using phrases such as "this morning" or "that day".
13. Yes, demonstrative adjectives can be used to indicate emphasis or contrast. For example, "I want this toy, not that one."
14. "This" is used to indicate a noun or pronoun that is close to the speaker, while "that" is used to indicate a noun or pronoun that is farther away from the speaker.
15. "These" is used to indicate plural nouns or pronouns that are close to the speaker, while "those" is used to indicate plural nouns or pronouns that are farther away from the speaker.