Demonstrative Pronouns: English Grammar

Demonstrative pronouns are used to point to specific people, places, or things. They indicate whether the noun being referred to is near or far in relation to the speaker. Here’s an overview of demonstrative pronouns along with five examples for each type:

1. Near Demonstrative Pronouns:
   • Demonstrative pronouns used to indicate objects or people that are near the speaker.
   • Examples:
     1. This – used for singular objects or people close to the speaker.
        • “This is my favorite book.”
     2. These – used for plural objects or people close to the speaker.
        • “These are my keys.”
     3. Here – used to refer to a specific location near the speaker.
        • “Here is your coffee.”
     4. Now – used to refer to a specific time that is close to the present moment.
        • “Now is the time to act.”
     5. There – used to refer to a location close to the speaker, often to indicate something being pointed out.
        • “There is the bus stop.”
2. Far Demonstrative Pronouns:
   • Demonstrative pronouns used to indicate objects or people that are far from the speaker.
   • Examples:
     1. That – used for singular objects or people far from the speaker.
        • “That is a beautiful sunset.”
     2. Those – used for plural objects or people far from the speaker.
        • “Those birds are flying high.”
     3. There – used to refer to a location far from the speaker.
        • “The grocery store is over there.”
     4. Then – used to refer to a specific time that is distant from the present moment.
        • “Back then, life was simpler.”
     5. Yonder – used in literature or poetry to refer to something that is at a distance.
        • “Behold, yonder mountain.”

Demonstrative pronouns help clarify which specific person, place, or thing is being referred to in a sentence, based on its proximity to the speaker and the context of the conversation.

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