Demonstrative adjectives are the small but mighty words—this, that, these, and those—that let you point to exactly which person or thing you mean. If you have ever said “I’ll take this coffee” or “Who left those shoes here?”, you have already used them. In this guide, you will learn precisely how these four words work, when to pick each one, and how to avoid the mistakes that trip up most learners. By the end, pointing things out in English will feel natural and effortless.
What are demonstrative adjectives?
Demonstrative adjectives are words that modify a noun by showing which one you are talking about and how far away it is from the speaker. They “demonstrate,” or point out, a specific item rather than describing its color, size, or quality.
Unlike regular adjectives such as red or tall, these words answer the question “which?” instead of “what kind?” According to the Cambridge Dictionary grammar guide, they also change form depending on whether the noun is singular or plural.
There are exactly four of them in modern English. That makes this one of the easiest grammar topics to master—once you understand the two factors that control your choice: distance and number.
The four demonstrative adjectives: this, that, these, those
Every demonstrative adjective sits in a tidy grid. One axis is number (singular or plural); the other is distance (near or far). The table below shows the full system at a glance.
| Word | Number | Distance | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| This | Singular | Near | This book is mine. |
| That | Singular | Far | That house looks old. |
| These | Plural | Near | These apples are fresh. |
| Those | Plural | Far | Those birds flew south. |
Notice the pattern: this and these stay close to you, while that and those point to something farther away. Meanwhile, this and that handle one item, and these and those handle several.
Near vs. far: distance in space and time
Distance is not only physical. English speakers also use demonstrative adjectives to mark distance in time. For example, “this morning” refers to the current day, while “that morning” refers to a day in the past. Likewise, “these days” means the present era, whereas “those days” nods to the past.
Here is a practical, first-hand tip from the classroom: imagine your hand reaching out. If you could touch the object, use this or these. If you would need to walk toward it, use that or those. This mental image helps learners choose correctly in a split second.
How to use demonstrative adjectives in a sentence
A demonstrative adjective always comes directly before the noun it describes. It replaces the article (a, an, or the)—you never use both together.
- ✅ Correct: This phone is new.
- ❌ Incorrect: This the phone is new.
- ✅ Correct: Please pass me those napkins.
- ❌ Incorrect: Please pass me the those napkins.
They also must agree with the noun in number. A singular noun takes this or that; a plural noun takes these or those. Saying “this cars” is a classic error because cars is plural.
Follow these three quick steps whenever you build a sentence:
- Count the noun. Is it singular or plural?
- Check the distance. Is the item near or far?
- Match the word from the grid and place it before the noun.
If you want a broader refresher on word order and parts of speech, our English grammar basics guide walks through the foundations step by step.
Demonstrative adjectives vs. demonstrative pronouns
This is where many learners stumble. The same four words—this, that, these, those—can act as either adjectives or pronouns. The difference is simple: an adjective sits before a noun, while a pronoun stands alone and replaces the noun entirely.
| Feature | Demonstrative adjective | Demonstrative pronoun |
|---|---|---|
| Position | Before a noun | Replaces the noun |
| Needs a noun? | Yes | No |
| Example | This cake is delicious. | This is delicious. |
| Role | Modifies the noun | Acts as the subject/object |
A fast test: if you can delete the word after the demonstrative and the sentence still makes sense, you are likely dealing with a pronoun. For more on how the same words shift roles, the Wikipedia article on demonstratives offers a detailed cross-language overview.
Common mistakes with demonstrative adjectives
Even advanced speakers slip up. Watch out for these frequent errors, which we see repeatedly when coaching learners:
- Number mismatch: Writing “this scissors” instead of “these scissors.” Some nouns are always plural.
- Doubling articles: Saying “that the dog” rather than simply “that dog.”
- Confusing these and this: The plural these has an “e” you can hear—stretch the vowel to remember it.
- Overusing that: Many learners default to that for everything. Pause and ask whether the item is truly far away.
- Mixing time references: Using “in those days” when you mean the present (“these days”).
One original insight from tutoring experience: learners remember the grid far better when they physically point while practicing. Pointing at a nearby pen and saying “this pen,” then at a distant window and saying “that window,” links the grammar to real movement and locks it into memory.
Quick practice to lock it in
Try filling the blanks aloud: “____ (near, singular) is my seat.” “____ (far, plural) are the mountains we climbed.” The answers are this and those. Short, daily drills like these build instant recall faster than long study sessions. For guided practice with feedback, a one-to-one session with a language tutor at The Cognitio can correct mistakes you might not notice on your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between “this” and “these”?
Both point to something near you, but this is singular (one item) and these is plural (more than one). For example, “this pen” refers to a single pen, while “these pens” refers to several.
Are demonstrative adjectives the same as articles?
No. Articles (a, an, the) introduce a noun in a general or specific way, while demonstrative adjectives point to a particular item and show distance. You use one or the other before a noun, never both at the same time.
Can demonstrative adjectives refer to time?
Yes. English speakers use them for time as well as physical space. “This week” means the current week, “that week” points to a past or distant one, and “those years” refers to a time long ago.
How many demonstrative adjectives are there in English?
There are exactly four: this, that, these, and those. They are controlled by two factors—whether the noun is singular or plural, and whether the item is near or far from the speaker.
Conclusion
Demonstrative adjectives are among the simplest tools in English grammar, yet they sharpen your speech instantly by pointing to exactly what you mean. Remember the grid—this/these for near, that/those for far, singular versus plural—and practice pointing as you speak. With a little daily repetition, these four words will become second nature.
Ready to speak with confidence? Book a friendly language tutor with The Cognitio today and turn rules like demonstrative adjectives into real, fluent conversation—faster than you thought possible.