Demonstrative Pronoun
Figure 1.5
A demonstrative pronoun represents a thing or things:
For example:
(DISTANCE)
That is the man I was talking about (pointing to the man who was walking towards you)
This is my friend (pointing to the man next to you)
(TIME)
This is impossible but we will try to fix it (current situation)
That could be avoided if he drives safely (past situation)
(AMOUNT)
Please give me this (referring to one book)
Please give me these (referring to two books)
Rule!
Rule # 1
Do not use them, this here, that there, these here, those there to point out!
Remember! Use only this, that, these or those.
Incorrect : Can I have those there (books)?
Correct : Can I have those (books)?
Rule # 2
Do not use this, that, these, and those before nouns or else they will become determiners!
Incorrect: This box is huge!
Correct : This is huge!
- near in distance or time (this, these)
- far in distance or time (that, those)
- the amount - singular or plural
For example:
(DISTANCE)
That is the man I was talking about (pointing to the man who was walking towards you)
This is my friend (pointing to the man next to you)
(TIME)
This is impossible but we will try to fix it (current situation)
That could be avoided if he drives safely (past situation)
(AMOUNT)
Please give me this (referring to one book)
Please give me these (referring to two books)
Rule!
Rule # 1
Do not use them, this here, that there, these here, those there to point out!
Remember! Use only this, that, these or those.
Incorrect : Can I have those there (books)?
Correct : Can I have those (books)?
Rule # 2
Do not use this, that, these, and those before nouns or else they will become determiners!
Incorrect: This box is huge!
Correct : This is huge!