Demonstrative Adjectives
Do you know what adjectives are? It may be out of your mind. Let’s review. Adjectives are words that modify nouns or give more information about nouns. Then, we categorize the words that modify nouns into different types. In this article, we are discussing demonstrative adjectives (a type of adjectives). You can visit our site (StudyEnglish Page) for other topics.
What are demonstrative adjectives?
Demonstrative adjectives modify nouns by expressing their positions. They tell us whether a noun is near or far away from the speaker.
List of Demonstrative Adjectives
- This
- That
- These
- Those
This
“This” is a demonstrative
adjective that we use before a noun to show that the noun is near to the
speaker. Remember that it is used before a singular noun.
- I have bought this pen for you.
- This couple is going on a honeymoon.
These
The word “these” is the
plural form of “this”.
- These cars are so expensive.
- I always remember those happy moments.
That
“That” is a demonstrative
adjective we use it before a noun to show that the noun is far from the
speaker.
- Look, that watch is for sale.
- That car is also for sale.
Those
The word “those” is the
plural form of “that”.
- Those shirts look nice.
- I want to try on those shirts over there.
Examples of Demonstrative Adjectives
- This book is mine.
- Don’t think deeply about this problem.
- Did you discuss that problem with Mr. John?
- Look at that car.
- These chairs are broken.
- These students belong to New York.
- Although those issues were critical, they were solved wisely.
- I myself bought those grammar books.
Difference between Demonstrative Adjectives and Demonstrative Pronouns
A demonstrative adjective
or pronoun shows something openly by telling the position of a noun. A
demonstrative adjective precedes a noun, and a demonstrative pronoun replaces a
noun.
- I bought this chair for $50.
- I bought this for $50.
Literal and Symbolic Position
A demonstrative adjective
is used to modify a noun by expressing its position. The position of the noun
with the speaker can be literal or symbolic.
Literal Position
Literal position indicates
the physical position of a noun with the speaker. It means a noun can be near
or far away from the speaker physically.
- This car is broken down.
In this example, the car is
physically near to the speaker.
Symbolic Position
Symbolic position indicates
a figurative use of a demonstrative adjective while expressing the position of
a noun with the speaker. This happens when we deal with abstract concepts.
- You were responsible for that problem.
In this example, the
problem does not have physical existence. It indicates its position
figuratively. It suggests that the problem existed somewhere in the past.
Key Points
- A demonstrative adjective indicates the position of a noun with the speaker.
- The position of a noun can be literal or symbolic.
- A demonstrative adjective is always used before a noun.
- This and that are used with singular nouns.
- These and those are used with plural nouns.
