Demonstrative adjectives help you point to specific nouns based on their location—near or far—and whether they are singular or plural. Words like this, that, these, and those are the most common ones.
They come directly before a noun and answer questions like Which one? or Which ones?
What Are Demonstrative Adjectives?
Demonstrative adjectives are words used before a noun to show which person or thing you’re talking about. They indicate both number (singular or plural) and distance (near or far) from the speaker.
The four main demonstrative adjectives in English are:
- This – singular, near
- That – singular, far
- These – plural, near
- Those – plural, far
They always appear directly before a noun, not on their own.
Examples:
- This pen writes smoothly. (one pen, close by)
- That house was built in 1920. (one house, farther away)
- These cookies are homemade. (more than one, nearby)
- Those students are waiting outside. (more than one, farther away)
❌ This is mine.
✅ In this sentence, “this” is a demonstrative pronoun, not an adjective, because it doesn’t modify a noun.
When it comes before a noun, it works as a demonstrative adjective.
Usage Rules for Demonstrative Adjectives
Demonstrative adjectives follow simple rules, but they play a specific role in sentence structure. Here’s what to keep in mind:
1. Always Followed by a Noun
A demonstrative adjective must come directly before a noun.
Correct:
- This* book* is interesting.
- Those* chairs* need fixing.
Incorrect:
- This is a good one. (Here, “this” is a pronoun, not an adjective.)
2. Match with Number and Distance
| Adjective | Number | Distance | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| This | Singular | Near | This phone is mine. |
| That | Singular | Far | That tree is really tall. |
| These | Plural | Near | These shoes are new. |
| Those | Plural | Far | Those kids are playing soccer. |
3. Don’t Use with Articles
Demonstrative adjectives replace articles like a, an, or the. Avoid using both together.
❌ The this book
✅ This book
Examples of Demonstrative Adjectives in Sentences
- This recipe works well for quick dinners.
- That mountain looks even taller in person.
- These notebooks are for the new project.
- Those clouds suggest it might rain soon.
- I’m not sure if this option is the best one.
- She placed that painting above the fireplace.
- These questions are part of the final test.
- Those lights keep flickering at night.
- This shirt doesn’t match the pants.
- That sound came from the attic.
- These shoes fit better than the old ones.
- I saw those birds near the river yesterday.
- This app is easier to use than the last one.
- That door needs a new lock.
- These kids have already eaten lunch.
- Those keys belong to the front gate.
- Please take this form to the front desk.
- We’ll hang that poster in the hallway.
- These emails need urgent replies.
- Those instructions were unclear.
Demonstrative Adjectives vs. Demonstrative Pronouns
Demonstrative adjectives and demonstrative pronouns use the same words—this, that, these, and those—but they work differently in a sentence.
If the word is followed by a noun → it’s a demonstrative adjective.
If it replaces the noun → it’s a demonstrative pronoun.
| Sentence | Function |
|---|---|
| This jacket fits perfectly. | Demonstrative adjective |
| This is my favorite. | Demonstrative pronoun |
| Those kids are from our class. | Demonstrative adjective |
| Those are my keys. | Demonstrative pronoun |
FAQs About Demonstrative Adjectives
What are the 4 demonstrative adjectives in English?
The four demonstrative adjectives are this, that, these, and those. They point to specific nouns based on number and distance.
How are demonstrative adjectives different from demonstrative pronouns?
Demonstrative adjectives come before a noun (this book), while demonstrative pronouns stand alone and replace the noun (this is mine).
Can a demonstrative adjective be used with a plural noun?
Yes. Use these for plural nouns that are near and those for plural nouns that are farther away.
Examples: these apples, those mountains
Is “here” or “there” a demonstrative adjective?
No. Words like here and there show location but are not adjectives. They’re typically used as adverbs.
Are demonstrative adjectives a type of descriptive adjective?
No. They belong to a different category. While descriptive adjectives describe qualities (like blue, tall), demonstrative adjectives indicate which noun you’re talking about.