Demonstrative Pronouns
Demonstrative Pronouns
THISTHAT
THESE
THOSE
What do all of these words have in common? They are all demonstrative pronouns.
There are two other less common demonstrative pronouns:
- Former
- Latter
Demonstrative pronouns help make clear which person, place, or thing you are talking about.
Examples:
Give me that!
I want those!
These are mine.
This might take some time.
I'll take the latter.
The former makes the most sense.
Demonstrative Pronouns vs. Demonstrative Adjectives
You may also see these words used as demonstrative adjectives.
Example:
Give me that banana.
I want those shoes.
These cookies are mine.
Demonstrative Adjectives are followed by a noun.
Demonstrative pronouns are not.
Can you tell the difference?
I need this. - Demonstrative pronoun
I need this job. - Demonstrative adjective
The former CEO made a lot of rash decisions. - Demonstrative adjective
The former made a lot of rash decisions. - Demonstrative pronoun
Demonstrative Pronouns in Use
How do you know which demonstrative pronouns to use?
This refers to something that is right there.
- This is my hand.
That refers to the other option or something further away.
- That is my brother.
These refers to more than one of something that is right there.
- These cookies are delicious.
Those refers to more than one of something that is another option or further away.
- Those cookies are burnt.
Former refers to something that came before or came first.
- I choose the former.
Latter refers to something that came after or last.
- I prefer the latter.
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