Demonstrative pronouns are essential grammar elements that help improve communication and boost your IELTS score. So, what are demonstrative pronouns, and how can you use them correctly? Let’s find out with IDP in this complete guide, along with practice exercises.
1. What Are Demonstrative Pronouns?
Demonstrative pronouns are used to point out or identify people or things based on their distance from the speaker. These pronouns not only clarify which object is being referred to but can also replace nouns or objects, playing a key role in sentence clarity.
The four main demonstrative pronouns in English are:
This and these – for objects or people near the speaker
That and those – for objects or people far from the speaker
Examples:
This is the book I mentioned earlier.
That quick walk after lunch always gives me a boost of energy.
These are the documents you requested.
Those are the mountains we visited last summer.
2. Positions of Demonstrative Pronouns in a Sentence
Demonstrative pronouns can appear in various sentence positions to clarify the subject or object being referred to.
As Subject
They often appear at the beginning of the sentence to act as the subject:
Structure: This/That/These/Those + to be/verb + ...
Examples:
This is the new cafe that just opened near my office.
That was the meal I had last night.
These are the shoes I bought last weekend.
As Object
They can also follow a verb as the object of an action:
Structure: Subject + verb + this/that/these/those
Examples:
I can’t believe she said that.
Do you understand these concepts?
They’ve already completed this task.
We will review those suggestions during the meeting.
After Prepositions
Demonstrative pronouns can follow prepositions to refer to people or things without repeating nouns:
Examples:
Before this meeting, we had conducted several surveys.
After that, I make a cup of coffee to start my day.
3. Types and Usage of Demonstrative Pronouns
Demonstrative pronouns express proximity between the speaker and the object or person mentioned.
This and These
Used for things or people close to the speaker.
This – singular
Example: This is a healthy recipe for lunch.
These – plural
Example: These are the notes I took during today's lecture.
That and Those
Used for things or people far from the speaker in space or time.
That – singular
Example: That was a memorable conversation about future career plans.
Those – plural
Example: Those textbooks you need for your biology course this semester.
4. Demonstrative Pronouns vs Demonstrative Adjectives
Feature | Demonstrative Pronouns | Demonstrative Adjectives |
|---|---|---|
Function | Replace nouns already mentioned or implied | Modify nouns by adding clarity |
Sentence Position | Stand alone | Always appear before the noun |
Meaning | Act as the subject or object | Provide detail about the noun |
Examples:
This is my favorite place. → demonstrative pronoun
These shoes are stylish. → demonstrative adjective
5. Practice Exercises with Demonstrative Pronouns
Fill in the blanks with the correct demonstrative pronoun:
Can you identify ________ factors affecting global economic growth?
What is ________ unconventional method that you have been using for your research?
Did you observe ________ fascinating archaeological site during your trip to Egypt?
Who designed ________ remarkable structure in the heart of the city?
All ________ individuals at the conference are renowned experts in their fields.
Remember the research project we did last year? – Yes, ________ were some challenging but rewarding times.
Could you pass me ________ analysis report, please?
Have a glance at ________ breakthrough study published last month.
Emily, ________ is my colleague, Sarah.
Andrew, please hand me ________ documents for our legal review.
Answer Key:
those
this
that
that
these
those
this
this
this
those
Master Demonstrative Pronouns for IELTS Success with IDP
Using demonstrative pronouns correctly in your IELTS exam shows your command of grammar and your ability to convey ideas clearly and coherently. Pay attention to context and meaning to select the right pronoun for IELTS Writing and Speaking tasks.
You can also access free IELTS preparation materials and join IDP IELTS workshops to practice and boost your test performance.
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