How do you show someone exactly what you’re talking about? You point! Demonstratives are “pointing words” that make your communication direct and clear, whether the object is right here in your hand or all the way across the room. 👉
Function & Usage
We use demonstratives to point to specific people or things. The word you choose depends on two simple questions: Is it near or far? And is it singular (one) or plural (more than one)?
- This (Singular, Near): For one thing that is close to you.
Example: This is my cup of coffee. - That (Singular, Far): For one thing that is not close to you.
Example: That is a beautiful painting on the wall. - These (Plural, Near): For more than one thing that is close to you.
Example: These are my keys in my hand. - Those (Plural, Far): For more than one thing that is not close to you.
Example: Those birds in the sky are flying south.
The Structure (Form)
This simple chart makes the choice easy.
| Near (Here 👇) | Far (Over there 👆) | |
|---|---|---|
| Singular (One) | This | That |
| Plural (More than one) | These | Those |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mixing singular and plural: Always match the demonstrative to the noun. Incorrect: “These is my shoe.” Correct: “This is my shoe” or “These are my shoes.”
- Using “that” for things you are holding: If something is in your hand or right next to you, use “this” or “these.” Incorrect: (holding a book) “I am reading that book.” Correct: “I am reading this book.”
Let’s see it in action! 🎬
Customer: (Pointing to a cake in the display case) I’d like a slice of that cake, please.
Baker: (Taking the cake out) Certainly. Is this the one you wanted?
Person A: (Holding up two tickets) Look! These are our tickets for the concert.
Person B: Great! Who are those people waiting in line over there?
Tourist: Excuse me, what is that building across the river?
Local: That is the museum. This building right here is the library.
Check Your Understanding! ✅
1. (The book is in your hand) is my favorite book.
2. (The mountains are far away) Look at beautiful mountains!
3. (The car is across the street) Is your car?
4. (The shoes are on your feet) shoes are very comfortable.
5. (The house is far away) house on the hill is old.
6. Could you pass me ___ books on the table next to you?
7. ___ is my friend, John. (He is standing next to you)
8. Are ___ your glasses on the shelf over there?
9. ___ cookies right here taste delicious.
10. What is ___ noise? (The noise is far away)
