Demonstrative Adjectives
Learn how to use demonstratives - this, that, these, those - in English as adjectives before nouns.
Answer the following grammar questions.
Demonstrative Pronouns
Point 1: Use this and that for singular nouns.
This is used for things close to the speaker.
That is used for things away from the speaker.
This is used for things close to the speaker.
That is used for things away from the speaker.
- I like this shirt. (close to speaker)
- I don't like that shirt. (away from speaker)
- Look at that car! (away from speaker)
- This bike is nice! (close to speaker)
Point 2: Use these and those for plural nouns.
These is used for things close to the speaker.
Those is used for things away from the speaker.
These is used for things close to the speaker.
Those is used for things away from the speaker.
- These jeans are too tight! (close to speaker)
- Try those jeans. (away from speaker)
- Are these your books? (close to speaker)
- No, those books over there are mine. (away from speaker)
Point 3: Speakers sometimes do not mention the noun if the object is clear.
Example: When the listener can see what the speaker is talking about, you can drop the noun.
Example: When the listener can see what the speaker is talking about, you can drop the noun.
- Do you like this shirt?
- Do you like this?
- What are these items?
- What are these?
About the Teacher
My name is Todd Beuckens and I am an ESL teacher in Japan.
I created this site to provide teachers and students free audio lessons and learning materials not usually found in commercial textbooks.