<aside> 💡 As a kind of Determiners, use demonstratives sparingly when writing an academic text.

</aside>

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Demonstrative pronouns and demonstrative adjectives are related grammatical structures in English, both of which are used to indicate and specify nouns in relation to their distance or proximity in space or time. These words help provide clarity and context by pointing out particular items or groups of items. The main demonstrative pronouns and adjectives are "this," "that," "these," and "those."

Demonstrative Pronouns:

Demonstrative pronouns replace nouns and stand alone in a sentence. They do not modify a noun but instead act as substitutes for specific things or groups of things.

1. This:
   • Refers to a singular noun that is close in space or time to the speaker.
   • Example: This is my favorite book.
2. That:
   • Refers to a singular noun that is farther away in space or time from the speaker.
   • Example: That is a beautiful sunset.
3. These:
   • Refers to plural nouns that are close in space or time to the speaker.
   • Example: These are the shoes I bought yesterday.
4. Those:
   • Refers to plural nouns that are farther away in space or time from the speaker.
   • Example: Those are the mountains we hiked last summer.

Demonstrative Adjectives:

Demonstrative adjectives modify nouns, providing more information about them by indicating their proximity in space or time. They are used before nouns to specify which particular item or items are being referred to.

1. This:
   • Modifies a singular noun that is close in space or time to the speaker.
   • Example: I love this book.
2. That:
   • Modifies a singular noun that is farther away in space or time from the speaker.
   • Example: Look at that beautiful flower.
3. These:
   • Modifies plural nouns that are close in space or time to the speaker.
   • Example: I can't decide between these two dresses.
4. Those:
   • Modifies plural nouns that are farther away in space or time from the speaker.
   • Example: I remember those days vividly.

Summary:

• Demonstrative Pronouns: Stand alone, replacing nouns.
  • This is my car.
  • Those are my keys.
• Demonstrative Adjectives: Modify nouns, providing more information.
  • I like this dress.
  • Look at those mountains.

In both cases, whether as pronouns or adjectives, demonstratives help establish clarity and indicate the location or temporal context of the noun being referred to in a sentence.

Avoid overusing when writing an academic text