Demonstrative adjective : examples and exercices

Demonstrative adjectives serve as essential determiners in the English language, allowing speakers to specify exactly which entity is being referred to within a given context. Mastery of these four words—this, that, these, and those—is fundamental for establishing clarity regarding the number of items and their relative distance from the speaker.

Definition and Function of Demonstrative Adjectives

A demonstrative adjective, often called a demonstrative determiner, is a word used to modify a noun so that the listener knows exactly which specific object, person, or concept is being mentioned. The term “demonstrative” comes from the Latin word *demonstrare*, meaning “to show” or “to point out.” In English grammar, these adjectives answer the question: “Which one?” or “Which ones?”. Without them, speech would remain vague. For instance, saying “I want the book” implies a specific book, but saying “I want this book” involves a figurative or literal pointing gesture, removing all ambiguity. The usage of these adjectives relies on two main grammatical criteria: 1. Number: Whether the noun is singular or plural. 2. Proximity: Whether the noun is physically or temporally close to the speaker.

The Four Forms of Demonstrative Adjectives

English simplifies the complex gender systems found in languages like French or Spanish. There is no gender distinction (masculine/feminine) in English demonstratives. However, the distinction between singular/plural and near/far is rigid. The following table outlines the four forms based on these variables:

	Near (Close to speaker)	Far (Away from speaker)
Singular	This	That
Plural	These	Those

1. “This” (Singular, Near)

This is used to modify a singular countable noun or an uncountable noun that is physically close to the speaker or currently present in time. * Example: This tea is too hot. (Ce thé est trop chaud.) * Context: The cup is likely in the speaker’s hand or on the table directly in front of them.

2. “That” (Singular, Far)

That modifies a singular countable noun or an uncountable noun that is at a distance from the speaker. * Example: Look at that bird in the sky. (Regarde cet oiseau dans le ciel.) * Context: The bird is far away; the speaker might be pointing at it.

3. “These” (Plural, Near)

These is the plural counterpart of “this.” It modifies plural nouns that are close to the speaker. * Example: These shoes are killing my feet. (Ces chaussures me font mal aux pieds.) * Context: The speaker is currently wearing the shoes.

4. “Those” (Plural, Far)

Those is the plural counterpart of “that.” It modifies plural nouns that are distant from the speaker. * Example: Those mountains are magnificent. (Ces montagnes sont magnifiques.) * Context: The mountains are on the horizon, not within touching distance.

Understanding Proximity: Space and Time

The concept of “proximity” in English grammar extends beyond simple physical distance. It encompasses spatial distance, temporal distance (time), and psychological distance.

Spatial Proximity (Physical Distance)

This is the most literal usage. If an object can be touched, “this” or “these” is generally used. If pointing is required because the object is out of reach, “that” or “those” is appropriate. * Can you pass me that bottle? (Peux-tu me passer cette bouteille ?) — The bottle is closer to the listener than the speaker. * I love this dress I am wearing. (J’adore cette robe que je porte.) — The object is on the speaker.

Temporal Proximity (Time)

Demonstrative adjectives are strictly used to locate events in time. * This / These: Used for the present or the immediate future/past. * That / Those: Used for the past or a distant future.

Time Frame	English Example	French Translation
Present / Near	I am busy this week.	Je suis occupé cette semaine.
Past / Distant	I remember that day well.	Je me souviens bien de ce jour-là.
Present / Near	These days are difficult.	Ces jours-ci sont difficiles.
Past / Distant	In those days, no one had cars.	À cette époque-là, personne n’avait de voiture.

Psychological and Emotional Distance

Speakers often use “that” or “those” to create emotional distance or to express a negative attitude, even if the object is physically close. Conversely, “this” can imply acceptance or interest. * Get that cat off the sofa! (Fais descendre ce chat du canapé !) — Use of “that” indicates annoyance, even if the cat is nearby. * I love this idea! (J’adore cette idée !) — Indicates enthusiasm and closeness to the concept.

Syntactic Placement and Agreement

Correct placement is crucial for maintaining grammatical accuracy. A demonstrative adjective must always precede the noun it modifies and any other adjectives describing that noun. Structure: Demonstrative Adjective + (Optional Descriptive Adjectives) + Noun * This old house. (Correct) * Old this house. (Incorrect)

Agreement Rules

Unlike in French, where the adjective must agree in gender, English requires agreement only in number. A common error involves mixing singular demonstratives with plural nouns or vice versa. * Correct: This type of problem. * Incorrect: These type of problems. (Here, “type” is singular, so “this” must be used, even if “problems” is plural). * Correct: Those kinds of books. * Incorrect: That kinds of books.

Distinction Between Demonstrative Adjectives and Pronouns

A frequent point of confusion arises because the words this, that, these, and those function as both adjectives and pronouns. The distinction lies in their syntactic function within the sentence.

Demonstrative Adjective

The adjective cannot function alone. It acts as a determiner and must be followed by a noun. * This chair is broken. * “This” modifies “chair”. * Translation: Cette chaise est cassée.

Demonstrative Pronoun

The pronoun stands alone. It replaces the noun entirely. * This is broken. * “This” acts as the subject of the sentence. * Translation: Ceci est cassé / C’est cassé. To determine if the word is an adjective or a pronoun, check the word immediately following it. If it is a noun, it is an adjective. If it is a verb (usually “is” or “are”) or stands alone at the end of a sentence, it is a pronoun. * I like that. (Pronoun – Direct Object) * I like that color. (Adjective – Modifies “color”)

Specific Usage in Introductions and Communication

Demonstrative adjectives and pronouns have specific social functions in English, particularly during introductions on the phone or in person.

On the Telephone

When identifying oneself on the phone, English speakers use “this” (never “I am”). When asking about the other person, they use “that”. * Hello, this is John speaking. (Allô, c’est John à l’appareil.) * Is that Mary? (Est-ce Mary ?)

In Person Introductions

When introducing people to one another, “this” is used. * Lucy, this is my brother, Mark. (Lucy, je te présente mon frère, Mark.)

Comparison for French Speakers

For learners whose first language is French, the challenge often lies in the automatic distinction of distance. In French, the demonstrative *ce/cet/cette/ces* is often used without specifying distance unless *-ci* or *-là* is added. In English, the choice between *this* and *that* is mandatory and cannot be omitted. * French: “Regarde ce livre.” (Could mean the one here or the one there). * English: One must choose between “Look at this book” (here) or “Look at that book” (there). Ambiguity is less tolerated in English regarding spatial positioning. If a speaker uses the wrong demonstrative, it can confuse the listener regarding the location of the item.

Summary of Key Differences

Feature	Demonstrative Adjective	Demonstrative Pronoun
Role	Modifies a noun	Replaces a noun
Structure	Followed by a noun	Followed by a verb or stands alone
Example	That car is fast.	That is fast.

Exercice pratique

Testez vos connaissances en demonstrative adjectives :