What are Demonstrative Pronouns?
The objective case of nouns is a grammatical form that is used when the noun is being used as the object of a verb or preposition. This means that the objective case of nouns denotes the receiver of the action, in contrast to the nominative case which denotes the doer.
To identify objective case nouns, it is important to know who or what receives the action within the sentence, and then determine if those receiving words are pronouns or nouns. If they are pronouns, then the objective case can be easily identified. However, if these words are nouns then you should look for prepositions following them and modifiers preceding them which should help lead you toward identifying objective case terms.
Demonstrative Pronouns Rules
Learning these four critical rules when using a Demonstrative Pronoun phrase will help communication become clearer and easier. With these four rules firmly entrenched in one’s grammar skillset, any English speaker can properly construct sentences with ease!
Rules | Explanation |
Agree | First, demonstratives must agree with their antecedent—the noun they are referring to—in number, gender and distance. |
Antecedents | Second, demonstratives cannot be used by themselves; instead, they require an antecedent for clarity of the sentence. |
Emphasis | Third, demonstratives can be combined with adverbs and adjectives for emphasis. |
Combinations | Finally, demonstratives should not be combined with demonstrative adjectives; while this combination can be seen in certain dialects around the world, it is most commonly considered incorrect usage in formal English writing. |
Examples of Demonstrative Pronouns
Demonstrative pronouns are words that point out specific people or things. They can be used to provide additional information about an item, person or situation. Examples of demonstrative pronouns include:
- This
- That
- These
- Those
Demonstrative pronouns help the speaker refer back easily to previously mentioned items in conversation and make writing more precise and engaging. They are important for clarifying questions and providing more accurate details.
Demonstrative Pronouns Exercises with Answers
Exercises:
- _ book is mine.
- _ flags look nice.
- _ is my desk.
- _ wasn’t very nice of you.
- _ are really good cookies.
Answers:
- This book is mine.
- Those flags look nice.
- This is my desk.
- That wasn’t very nice of you.
- These are really good cookies.
Demonstrative Pronouns List
This | For near, present, or recent items. |
These | Also for near, present, or recent items. |
That | Also for far, past, or absent items. |
Those | Also for far, past or absent items. |
Such | Can be used for any item. |
What | Can also be used for any item. |
Which | In indication word. |
Advice for ESL Students & English Language Learners
As an ESL student or language learner, one of the most important things you can do to improve your English is to practice demonstrative pronouns (ex. this, that, those).
Demonstrative pronouns can often be used interchangeably in many English grammar structures. However, it’s vital to be mindful of context and which demonstrative pronoun is the most appropriate to use. To help master demonstrative pronouns, read as much as possible and choose simple sentences containing demonstratives and familiar topics such as school, friends, etc. Also, try rewriting sentences with different demonstrative alternatives–this will eventually become second nature!
Additionally, it is important for learners to properly understand indefinite pronouns and interrogative pronouns.
Common Mistakes Made by English Learners
English learners often make the mistake of confusing demonstrative pronouns and adjectives, such as “this” and “that”.
It is essential to know how to properly use demonstrative pronouns because they are used to point out nouns that already exist in a conversation or writing. For example, if you are talking about a car you saw earlier, you would use “that car” instead of simply saying “car”.
Using demonstrative pronouns correctly will make a big difference in your ability to express yourself in English. Another common mistake made by learners is using incorrect verb tenses. Mastering the correct use of verb conjugations can take time, but it becomes easier with practice. An easy way to start practicing is by creating sentences that describe simple actions such as going for a walk or drinking coffee. Being attentive to these details will help improve your English proficiency overall.
Common Mistakes:
1. Incorrect Tense
Why it Happens
Not having a firm grasp on correct pronoun usage can confuse your statements. This can cause you to use the wrong pronouns and misconstrue your message.
Correct Use
When speaking English, you would use a pronoun that reflects the subject in question. Keep context in mind when selecting your pronouns.
2. Lack of Nouns
Why it Happens
The easiest mistake is leaving out pronouns when needed. Failing to use these in phrases can lead others to misinterpret what you are trying to express.
Correct Use
Pronouns join words to a person, place, or thing – for example, ‘the cat meowed’ or ‘I love pasta’.
3. Inconsistency
Why it Happens
People forget how they described something before and change the context in a contradictory manner. This confuses the reader.
Correct Use
Be sure that your pronouns remain consistent throughout your writing. There should be no sudden shifts from ‘woman’ to ‘girl’ unless there was a clear shift in the thing being described.
4. Incorrect Usage
Why it Happens
You don’t know which pronouns to use, so you use too many and it confuses the statement.
Correct Use
Using too many pronouns can make your writing sound monotonous and can also lead to viewers losing interest. Therefore it is important to focus on expressing yourself clearly and effectively with them.
Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes:
It’s easy to make mistakes while speaking and writing, especially when it comes to demonstrative pronouns like this, that, these, and those.
- To avoid confusion, it’s important to clearly state the noun or object you’re referring to when using demonstrative pronouns.
- Pay special attention when you are making comparisons between things by using demonstrative adjectives like such, same, and similar.
- It’s also helpful to remember that demonstrative pronouns can be used as substitutes for specific nouns.
Using demonstrative pronouns correctly will help your communication skills greatly!
Learning Demonstrative Pronouns Strategies and Best Practices
Demonstrative pronouns are an essential part of language, but they can be hard to learn. Luckily, there are some helpful strategies and best practices you can learn to help make demonstrative pronoun use easier.
Active learning with demonstratives is one of the most effective ways to solidify their use. This includes varying techniques like conversation practice and asking someone to provide demonstratives in lieu of specific nouns to expand your understanding. Role-playing games and visual aids such as diagrams or infographics are also useful in identifying appropriate demonstrative usage. Additionally, keep reading for more useful tips:
Tip 1: Study a List
Why it helps
Learning the various forms and using them properly in speaking and writing is easier than it seems with daily practice. A list can simplify this process and make it seem less daunting.
Daily Life Example
The best way to learn to use pronouns correctly is to study a list of nouns and their usages, and then practice writing sentences with them.
Tip 2: Practice Reading
Why it helps
Exposing yourself to nouns hidden between other words can help you identify them faster and more accurately.
Daily Life Example
To ensure that you understand how frequently a type of pronoun should be used it’s important to practice reading with them as well, so the meanings become clear. So keep a book of your choice on hand and highlight every pronoun you come across.
Tip 3: Everyday Conversations
Why it helps
By applying the pronouns exercise to everyday conversations, you’ll find these words easy to remember and use in the near future.
Daily Life Example
Take your time when speaking to people. Take note of the pronouns they use, and try and repeat them back in different contexts. You can also do this from the comfort of your home by recording yourself or using an AI assistant.
Demonstrative Pronouns Frequently Asked Questions
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