In the following examples, demonstrative pronouns have been italicized for ease of identification. Although this concept might seem a bit confusing at first, the following examples of demonstrative pronouns will add clarity. The words are identical, but demonstrative adjectives qualify nouns, whereas demonstrative pronouns stand alone.ĭemonstrative pronouns can be used in place of a noun, so long as the noun being replaced can be understood from the pronoun’s context.

Do not confuse demonstrative adjectives with demonstrative pronouns.

Demonstrative pronouns are usually used to describe animals, places, or things, however they can be used to describe people when the person is identified, i.e., This sounds like Mary singing.

It exists, even though we don’t know what it is. For example: “I can’t believe this.” We have no idea what “this” is, but it’s definitely something the writer cannot believe.

Demonstrative pronouns always identify nouns, whether those nouns are named specifically or not.

Remember them and you will have no difficulty using these surprisingly interesting parts of speech.

Simon, this is Carol.When used to represent a thing or things, demonstrative pronouns can be either near or far in distance or time:īecause there are only a few demonstrative pronouns in the English language, there are just three simple rules for using them correctly. The expression this is is commonly used when you talk on the phone or you introduce people. Those girls we met last night were silly.If an action has finished or is in the past we use If an action is near in time we tend to use this / these. For example, both Demonstrative Ajectives and Pronouns use the word THIS (singular) to talk about something that is close to you and the plural of THIS is THESE. Did you like that? (Demonstrative Pronoun by itself)Įverything else is the same.The easiest way to know that difference is that Demonstrative Adjectives are always before a noun while Demonstrative Pronouns are before a verb or by themselves. Summary - What is the difference between Demonstrative Adjectives and Demonstrative Pronouns?ĭemonstrative Adjectives and Demonstrative Pronouns use the same words. The Demonstrative Adjective needs to agree (= be the same form) as the noun.

These are called demonstrative adjectives. You can also use demonstratives before a noun.

What is demonstrative adjective