What are Demonstrative Adjectives? with Examples

Demonstrative adjectives are like pointing words in grammar that show which thing we’re talking about. There are four of them: “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those.” “This” points to something close, like saying “this book.” “That” points to something a bit far, like “that cat.” “These” points to more than one thing close by, and “those” points to more than one thing farther away. So, when we use the Demonstrative Adjectives Example, we help others know exactly what we mean and where to look. They’re like little helpers in sentences, making it easy for everyone to understand which things we’re talking about.

Demonstrative Adjectives Definition, Types with Examples in English

Define Demonstrative Adjectives:

Demonstrative adjectives are words used to indicate or point out specific nouns in a sentence. They help provide more clarity about the location or identity of the noun they modify. In English, the primary demonstrative adjectives are “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those.”

Examples:

I can’t believe this happened to me.
Please hand me that wrench on the table.
Are you interested in buying these shoes?
Look at the birds in the sky; do you see those majestic creatures?
This painting by Van Gogh is truly remarkable.

Types of Demonstrative Adjectives:

This:
“This” is used to indicate a singular noun that is close to the speaker.

Examples:

I can’t believe this is happening to me.
Please pass me this magazine on the table.
Take a look at this incredible view from the top of the mountain.
I just finished reading this amazing novel; you should read it too.
Do you see this car parked in front of the house? It’s mine.

That:
The demonstrative adjective “that” is used to indicate a singular noun that is farther away from the speaker.

Examples:

Have you seen that movie? It’s captivating.
I can’t believe I missed that important meeting yesterday.
Look at that beautiful flower in the garden.
Is that your car parked across the street?

These:
“These” is a demonstrative adjective used to indicate plural nouns that are close to the speaker.

Examples:

I bought flowers. See these!
Made sandwiches. Try these!
Found a box. Look at these photos.
The teacher gave worksheets. Do these for homework.

Those:
“Those” is a demonstrative adjective used to indicate plural nouns that are farther away from the speaker.

Examples:

I need to grab my keys; where are those?
Pass me those cookies; they look delicious.
Look at the stars in the sky; do you see those?
I love the flowers in your garden, especially those.

Usage of Demonstrative Adjectives:

Everyday Conversations:

Speaker: “I bought a new phone yesterday.”
Listener: “Oh? Can I see that phone?”

Shopping:

Shopper: “I’m looking for a dress for the party.”
Salesperson: “How about trying on this beautiful dress? It just arrived.”

Home Setting:

Parent: “Where are my keys?”
Child: “I found these keys under the sofa.”

Educational Setting:

Teacher: “I have assigned homework for the weekend. Please complete those exercises on page 25.”

Describing Art or Objects:

Art Enthusiast: “I visited a gallery and saw a stunning painting. Let me show you a picture of that artwork.”

Discussing Nearby and Distant Objects:

Hiker: “Look at the mountains in the distance! Do you see those peaks over there?”

Referring to Previous Statements:

Person 1: “I found a great restaurant downtown.”
Person 2: “Really? What’s the name of that restaurant?”

Demonstrative Adjectives Examples:

I like this dress.
I need those pencils.
Try these cookies.
Pass me that pen.
I dislike these movies.
This car is fast.
Look at that cat.
Choose these shoes.
Admire these roses.
Keys are on that shelf.

Demonstrative Adjectives Exercise:

1. Which sentence uses a demonstrative adjective correctly?
a) She wants these shoes.
b) He likes that book.
c) We visited those museum.
d) I bought this umbrella.
2. In the sentence, “_______ car is faster than mine,” which demonstrative adjective should fill in the blank?
a) This
b) That
c) These
d) Those
3. Choose the correct demonstrative adjective for the blank: “I don’t like _______ color of the walls.”
a) these
b) those
c) this
d) that
4. Identify the sentence with the incorrect demonstrative adjective:
a) Look at these pictures.
b) That cat is sleeping.
c) These are my keys.
d) I like those flowers.
5. Which option correctly uses demonstrative adjectives in the plural form?
a) This movie is great.
b) Those pizza slices are delicious.
c) She likes that song.
d) I need this information.