What is an Adjective? What is a Demonstrative Adjective? Definition, Examples and Pronoun Difference

In English grammar, whenever we need to point a finger or signal toward a specific person, object, or place, we use a special category of modifying words known as a demonstrative adjective. From school tests to competitive examinations, students often lose marks on this topic for one single reason—they fail to distinguish between a demonstrative adjective and a demonstrative pronoun.

If you want to understand from a foundational level what a demonstrative adjective is, its precise definition, and most importantly, how to solve the difference between a demonstrative pronoun and a demonstrative adjective in seconds, this live lesson with Amit Sir will clear all your doubts forever.

Let’s dive into this complete chapter in a simple and practical way!

🏫 Part 1: Amit Sir’s Live Classroom (Meaning & Definition)

Amit Sir: Good morning, students! In our previous classes, we studied qualitative and quantitative adjectives. Today, we will learn about the third major type: demonstrative adjective.

Rohan: Good morning, Sir! The name sounds quite technical. What is a demonstrative adjective with an example in simple terms?

Amit Sir: Rohan, the word “Demonstrative” comes from “Demonstrate,” which simply means to point out or show something. Let’s look at its formal definition first:

Definition of a Demonstrative Adjective

A demonstrative adjective is a special modifying word (like this, that, these, those) used to point out specific people or things. It directly modifies a noun and is always followed immediately by a noun.

In English grammar, you only need to remember four magic words for this concept:


• This: Used for a single person or thing nearby (Singular).

• That: Used for a single person or thing at a distance (Singular).

• These: Used for multiple persons or things nearby (Plural).

• Those: Used for multiple persons or things at a distance (Plural).

Anjali: Sir, can you give us a direct example of demonstrative adjective in a sentence?

Amit Sir: Absolutely, Anjali! Look closely at these two sentences:

1. “I like this book.”

   (The book is nearby, and “this” is immediately followed by the noun “book”.)

2. “That building belongs to our corporate office.”

   (The building is at a distance, and “that” directly modifies the noun “building”.)

Here, “this” and “that” function directly as a demonstrative adjective.

🔍 Part 2: Adjective vs. Pronoun Difference

Pooja: Sir, when I study demonstrative adjectives and demonstrative pronouns, both utilize the exact same words (this, that, these, those)! How can we easily identify the difference between a demonstrative pronoun and demonstrative adjective during an exam?

Amit Sir: Pooja, you have caught the central core of this entire chapter. Here is Amit Sir’s foolproof rule to remember for a lifetime:

💡 The Noun Rule

• If this, that, these, or those is followed immediately by a Noun, the word functions as a demonstrative adjective.

• If this, that, these, or those is followed immediately by a Verb (e.g., is, are, was, were), the word functions as a demonstrative pronoun.

Let’s break this down with side-by-side comparative examples:

Is this distinction now crystal clear to everyone?

🎯 Conclusion

Remembering the definition of demonstrative adjective is simple. Just keep in mind that whenever this, that, these, or those stands directly in front of a noun like a bodyguard, it acts as a demonstrative adjective.

Feel free to share this foundational English grammar guide with your friends. Keep practicing, keep expanding your learning horizons, and happy studying!

Happy Learning! EnglishEraWithAmitPoonia