Welcome to the World of Pointing Words!
Have you ever been at a busy market and wanted to show your friend exactly which apple you wanted? You probably pointed and said, "I want this one!" or "Look at those over there!" In English, we use special words called demonstratives to do exactly that. They are our "pointing words."
In these notes, we are going to learn how to use demonstrative adjectives and demonstrative pronouns. Don't worry if those names sound a bit long—by the end of this chapter, you'll be using them like a pro!
Section 1: The Four Main "Pointing Words"
There are only four main words you need to remember: this, that, these, and those. We choose which one to use based on two simple questions:
1. How many things are there? (Is it one thing, or more than one?)
2. How far away is it? (Is it close to me, or far away?)
The "Distance and Number" Rule
• This: Used for one thing that is near you. (Example: This pen in my hand.)
• That: Used for one thing that is far away. (Example: That bird in the sky.)
• These: Used for more than one thing that is near you. (Example: These shoes on my feet.)
• Those: Used for more than one thing that is far away. (Example: Those stars in space.)
Memory Trick: The "T-H-I-S" Rule
Think of the "i" in this as a single person standing right here (singular and near). Think of the "o" in those as someone pointing at something "over there" (plural and far).
Quick Review Box:
Near + Singular = This
Far + Singular = That
Near + Plural = These
Far + Plural = Those
Key Takeaway: We use demonstratives to show the distance (near or far) and the number (singular or plural) of the things we are talking about.
Section 2: Demonstrative Adjectives
A demonstrative adjective is a pointing word that comes right before a noun. Its job is to describe or "modify" the noun so we know exactly which one you mean.
Think of it like a name tag attached to a person. The adjective and the noun always travel together!
Examples of Demonstrative Adjectives:
• This apple is delicious. (The word this describes the apple.)
• Those boys are playing football. (The word those describes the boys.)
Did you know?
In the sentence "I like that movie," the word that is an adjective because it is sitting right next to its friend, the noun "movie."
Key Takeaway: If a pointing word is followed immediately by a noun, it is a demonstrative adjective.
Section 3: Demonstrative Pronouns
A demonstrative pronoun is a pointing word that stands alone. It takes the place of the noun entirely. We use it when we already know what we are talking about, so we don't need to say the noun again.
Examples of Demonstrative Pronouns:
• This is my favorite book. (Instead of saying "This book is my favorite book.")
• Look at that! (You are pointing at something, like a cool car, without saying the word "car.")
• These are mine. (Perhaps you are holding a handful of candies.)
Analogy from Everyday Life:
Imagine you have a "stunt double" in a movie. A pronoun is like a stunt double—it jumps in and takes the place of the main actor (the noun) so the noun can take a break!
Key Takeaway: If the pointing word stands by itself (usually followed by a verb like "is" or "are"), it is a demonstrative pronoun.
Section 4: Spotting the Difference
It can be tricky to tell them apart at first, but here is a simple step-by-step secret:
Step 1: Find the word (this, that, these, or those).
Step 2: Look at the word right after it.
Step 3: Is it a noun? Then it’s an Adjective. Is it a verb or the end of a sentence? Then it’s a Pronoun.
Side-by-Side Comparison:
• Adjective: That car is fast. (Followed by the noun "car")
• Pronoun: That is a fast car. (Followed by the verb "is")
• Adjective: Do you want these oranges? (Followed by the noun "oranges")
• Pronoun: Do you want these? (Stands alone at the end of the question)
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Don't use this for more than one thing! Many students say "This books," but it must be "These books." Always check if your noun is singular or plural before you pick your pointing word!
Key Takeaway: Adjectives have "noun neighbors," while pronouns are "lonely leaders" that stand by themselves.
Final Summary Review
1. Number and Distance: Use this/these for near things and that/those for far things.
2. Singular vs. Plural: Use this/that for one item and these/those for many items.
3. Adjectives: Always come before a noun (This chair).
4. Pronouns: Stand in place of a noun (This is heavy).
Great job! You’ve just mastered a key part of English Determiners. Next time you are reading or speaking, try to spot these pointing words and see if they are acting as adjectives or pronouns. Happy learning!