What Are Demonstrative Determiners Definition Rules and Examples
Demonstrative determiners in English grammar help us point to specific people or things. Words like “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those” make our meaning clear in writing and speech. Understanding demonstrative determiners is essential for school exams, daily English, and confident speaking.
| Determiner | Number | Distance | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| This | Singular | Near | This book is interesting. |
| That | Singular | Far | That building is new. |
| These | Plural | Near | These apples are sweet. |
| Those | Plural | Far | Those cars are fast. |
What Are Demonstrative Determiners?
Demonstrative determiners are words placed before a noun to show which specific person or thing we are talking about. They answer “which one?” and express if something is near or far, or singular or plural. For example, in “These students are ready,” “these” points to the group of students nearby.
How to Use Demonstrative Determiners: Rules and Usage
Choosing the correct demonstrative determiner is based on number (singular/plural) and proximity (near/far). Follow these simple rules:
- This: One thing/person; near (this pen)
- That: One thing/person; far (that mountain)
- These: More than one; near (these books)
- Those: More than one; far (those stars)
Use demonstrative determiners before nouns to make your sentences precise and clear.
Examples of Demonstrative Determiners in Sentences
- This chair is comfortable.
- That cat across the street is black.
- These flowers smell lovely.
- Those dogs are barking loudly.
- I don’t like that movie.
- This information is useful for the test.
- These children are playing football.
- Those questions were difficult.
- This answer is correct.
- These days are very hot.
Difference Between Demonstrative Determiners and Demonstrative Pronouns
Demonstrative determiners are always followed by a noun (“this bag”), while demonstrative pronouns stand alone and replace a noun (“This is mine”).
| Determiner | Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Determiner | Before noun | I want that book. |
| Pronoun | Stands alone | That is my favorite. |
Worksheet: Demonstrative Determiners Practice
Fill in the blanks using “this,” “that,” “these,” or “those”:
- ________ shoes are dirty. (near, plural)
- ________ umbrella belongs to me. (far, singular)
- ________ boys are waiting. (near, plural)
- ________ painting is beautiful. (far, singular)
- ________ questions are important. (far, plural)
Try more practice on our determiners worksheet page.
Common Mistakes in Using Demonstrative Determiners
- Using “this” or “these” for things that are far away.
- Mixing up singular (“this/that”) and plural (“these/those”).
- Using a determiner without a noun (“I want this” should be “I want this one” or “I want this book”).
- Forgetting “those” is only for plural and far things.
Tip: Always match the number and the distance with the correct word.
Demonstrative Determiners Summary Table
| Word | Number | Proximity | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| This | Singular | Near | This cake tastes good. |
| That | Singular | Far | That train is late. |
| These | Plural | Near | These pencils are sharp. |
| Those | Plural | Far | Those children are singing. |
Related Grammar Topics
- All Determiners Explained
- Demonstrative Pronouns
- Possessive Determiners
- Types of Adjectives
- Interrogative Determiners
Demonstrative determiners—this, that, these, those—help us show exactly which people or things we mean. Using them correctly improves writing, exam answers, and everyday speaking. Review their rules, check your examples, and use this quick table for reference. At Vedantu, we make learning grammar clear, practical, and simple for every student.
FAQs on Demonstrative Determiners in English Grammar
1. What are demonstrative determiners in English grammar?
Demonstrative determiners are words that point to specific nouns and show whether they are near or far in distance or time. The four demonstrative determiners in English are this, that, these, and those.
- This and these refer to things that are near.
- That and those refer to things that are far.
- They always come before a noun, such as in “this book” or “those houses.”
2. What is the difference between this and that?
The difference between this and that is that “this” refers to something near, while “that” refers to something farther away.
- This + singular noun (near): “This car is mine.”
- That + singular noun (far): “That mountain looks beautiful.”
- They can refer to physical distance, time, or ideas.
3. What is the difference between these and those?
The difference between these and those is that “these” refers to nearby plural nouns, while “those” refers to distant plural nouns.
- These + plural noun (near): “These apples are fresh.”
- Those + plural noun (far): “Those buildings are very old.”
- Both are used only with plural countable nouns.
4. How do you use demonstrative determiners in a sentence?
Demonstrative determiners are used before a noun to point out a specific person, place, or thing.
- Structure: demonstrative determiner + noun.
- Example (singular): “This idea is interesting.”
- Example (plural): “Those students are late.”
- They must agree with the noun in number (singular or plural).
5. What is the difference between demonstrative determiners and demonstrative pronouns?
The difference is that demonstrative determiners come before a noun, while demonstrative pronouns replace the noun.
- Determiner: “This book is heavy.” (book is present)
- Pronoun: “This is heavy.” (book is understood but not stated)
- The words this, that, these, and those can function as both.
6. Can demonstrative determiners be used with uncountable nouns?
Yes, demonstrative determiners can be used with uncountable nouns, but only in singular form.
- Use this or that with uncountable nouns: “This water is cold.”
- Do not use these or those with uncountable nouns.
- Uncountable nouns are treated as singular in English grammar.
7. What are the rules for using demonstrative determiners?
The main rules for using demonstrative determiners are agreement in number and correct use of distance.
- This / that + singular noun.
- These / those + plural noun.
- Use this/these for near objects and that/those for far objects.
- Place the determiner before adjectives and nouns: “this red dress.”
8. Why are demonstrative determiners important in English?
Demonstrative determiners are important because they clarify which specific noun the speaker is referring to.
- They improve clarity in speaking and writing.
- They help express distance in space and time.
- They avoid repetition by clearly identifying nouns in context.
9. What are some common mistakes with demonstrative determiners?
Common mistakes with demonstrative determiners include incorrect number agreement and confusion between near and far forms.
- Incorrect: “This books are new.”
- Correct: “These books are new.”
- Avoid using these/those with singular or uncountable nouns.
- Make sure the determiner matches the noun in number.
10. Can demonstrative determiners refer to time or ideas?
Yes, demonstrative determiners can refer to time, events, or abstract ideas, not just physical objects.
- Time: “This week is busy.”
- Past reference: “That day was unforgettable.”
- Ideas: “This problem needs a solution.”
