Demonstrative Pronouns – Meaning, Rules, Examples, and Usage

Introduction

Language is more than just words; it is a tool that helps us point out, explain, and express our thoughts clearly. In English grammar, pronouns play an important role in making communication smooth and avoiding repetition of nouns. Among the different categories of pronouns, demonstrative pronouns hold a special place. They are used to highlight or indicate particular people, objects, or ideas, often based on distance or position.

Instead of saying the noun again and again, we can use a demonstrative pronoun to make our sentences easier to read and more meaningful. These pronouns not only make writing cleaner but also make speaking more natural. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about demonstrative pronouns, including definitions, rules, examples, and practice exercises.

What is a Demonstrative Pronoun?

The word demonstrative comes from the idea of demonstrating or pointing out. When we demonstrate something, we show it to others. Similarly, demonstrative pronouns are used to point to specific nouns without naming them directly. They may refer to things that are near or far, singular or plural, and concrete or abstract.

Definition:
A demonstrative pronoun is a pronoun used to identify or indicate a specific person, place, animal, thing, or even an idea, instead of repeating the noun.

Examples:

This is my father.
That is the house we were talking about.
These are the friends I mentioned earlier.
Those belong to my cousins.

Notice: How the words this, that, these, and those replace nouns and help avoid unnecessary repetition.

Table of Contents

Rules for Using Demonstrative Pronouns

Students often confuse this, that, these, and those because they are also used as demonstrative adjectives. The key difference is:

As pronouns, they stand alone and replace nouns.
As adjectives, they come before nouns and describe them.

To make the concept easier, let’s explore the rules of demonstrative pronouns with examples:

Rule 1: “This” and “That” with singular nouns

When two singular nouns are connected with and in one clause, this usually refers to the second noun and that to the first.

Example:
Work and play are essential; This refreshes the body and That sharpens the mind.

Rule 2: “That of” and “Those of” for comparisons

To prevent repetition when comparing nouns of the same class, that of (singular) and those of (plural) are used.

Examples:

The weather in Murree is cooler than that of Lahore.
The roads in Islamabad are cleaner than those of Karachi.

Rule 3: “Such” as a Demonstrative Pronoun

The word such can be applied in both singular and plural contexts when it functions as a demonstrative pronoun.

Examples:

He is the landlord, and as such he has full rights.
Law punishes offenders as such.
Your mistake is not such that everyone can ignore it.

(Note: If “such” comes before a noun, it acts as a demonstrative adjective, e.g., “such a problem”)

Rule 4: “This/That” with kind or sort

This/That is used before kind of or sort of (singular).
These/Those is used before kinds of or sorts of (plural).

Examples:

This kind of behavior is unacceptable.
That sort of man cannot be trusted.
These kinds of books are very rare.
Those sorts of traditions are still respected.

Rule 5: Near objects

Use this for one object or person nearby, and these for more than one nearby.

Examples:

This is my favorite pen.
These are the keys you were looking for.

Rule 6: Far objects

Use that for one object or person at a distance, and those for more than one at a distance.

Examples:

That is the mountain we want to climb.
Those are the cars parked near the stadium.

Rule 7: Two plural nouns in one sentence

When two plural nouns are joined with and, these usually refers to the second noun and those to the first.

Example:
Buffaloes and camels are both useful animals; These (camels) carry heavy loads, and Those (buffaloes) provide milk.

Additional Examples of Demonstrative Pronouns

With tangible objects:

This is my bag.
That was a smart idea.
These are your glasses.
Those are his books.

With abstract ideas:

This is what I have been trying to explain.
That was the happiest day of my life.
These are the reasons for our decision.
Those were unforgettable moments.

Demonstrative Pronouns vs Demonstrative Adjectives

Although both use this, that, these, and those, their function is different:

Demonstrative Pronoun: Works independently and replaces a noun.
Example: This is mine.
Demonstrative Adjective: Appears before a noun and only modifies it.
Example: This book is mine.

Word	As Demonstrative Pronoun	As Demonstrative Adjective
This	This is the best option.	This city is beautiful.
That	That is my cousin’s car.	That dish is delicious.
These	These are my friends.	These shoes are expensive.
Those	Those were great days.	Those houses are old.