Demonstrative Pronouns

Demonstrative pronouns are used to replace specific nouns in a sentence and indicate whether the noun is near or far in relation to the speaker or writer. They help to point out or identify particular items without naming them explicitly. In English, there are four demonstrative pronouns: “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those.” Here’s how they are used with examples:

1. This – used to refer to a singular noun that is near to the speaker or writer:
   • This is my favorite book.
   • Can you pass me this pen?
2. That – used to refer to a singular noun that is farther away from the speaker or writer:
   • I want to buy that car over there.
   • Who is that person standing by the door?
3. These – used to refer to plural nouns that are near to the speaker or writer:
   • I need to return these books to the library.
   • Can you help me with these documents?
4. Those – used to refer to plural nouns that are farther away from the speaker or writer:
   • Look at those birds in the sky.
   • Those flowers are beautiful.