Demonstrative pronouns (this, that, these, those) show distance and number in reference to nouns they represent. Whereas this and these refer to nouns that are in close proximity to the speaker, that and those refer to nouns that are at a greater distance from the speaker. For instance, we often use these pronouns in speech when we are pointing to an object or a person and there is no doubt as to what or to whom the pronoun refers. That is, both speaker and listener are in the presence of the object/person in question.

“This is my friend.” [This demonstrative pronoun (this) indicates only one friend. In addition, the pronoun suggests that the friend is in close proximity to the speaker.]

“Those are for you.” [This demonstrative pronoun (those) indicates more than one object. Also, it implies that the indicated items are farther away.]

In writing, demonstrative pronouns can be problematic because the writer and reader are not in each other’s presence. When writers use demonstrative pronouns without clearly identifying the noun that the demonstrative pronoun illustrates, readers may miss the meaning of the sentence. A naked “this” refers to this (or any other demonstrative pronoun for that matter) used in writing without a clear, specific noun to which it refers. For example, try to determine what I mean in the following sentence:

This shows why I do not like your position in the argument.

Obviously, this could be referring to a number of different things or ideas, so it is my job as a writer to let you as a reader know specifically what I mean. Therefore, I might want to clarify by writing

This example shows why I do not like your position in the argument.

Now a reader recognizes that the example identifies the reason for disliking the position. Otherwise, the reader probably could not clearly understand the reason for dislike.

Note that by including example in the sentence, the demonstrative pronoun this is now a demonstrative adjective since it describes the noun, example. Remember, a demonstrative pronoun stands in place of a noun, whereas a demonstrative adjective describes a noun.

Thus, demonstrative pronouns should only be used when the reader can clearly understand exactly what they are referring to. To avoid using the naked “this” in your writing, be sure to monitor your use of demonstrative pronouns carefully. You might even want to skim your writing for these pronouns specifically. Doing so will help you recognize the use of these demonstrative pronouns and determine if you have clarified the context of the situation effectively.

You may want to check out http://grammar.uoregon.edu/pronouns/demonstrative.html for more information on demonstrative pronouns.

This site provides an in-depth look at demonstrative pronouns acting in different parts of the sentence. Also, it discusses the difference between demonstrative pronouns and demonstrative adjectives.

NOTE – Adding a noun directly after a demonstrative pronoun makes the demonstrative pronoun become a demonstrative adjective (See recommended website above for more information).

1.) This is my sister.
2.) That was my pencil.
3.) Where did you take those?
4.) The picture I drew did not look like that! Your drawing is exquisite!
5.) These are my favorite.

Answers
1 – this sister

2 – that pencil

3 – those unclear
Example - Where did you take those apples?
*In this example, “those” is now a demonstrative adjective since it describes “apples.”

4 – that your drawing

5 – these unclear
Examples - These are my favorite books!
These books are my favorites!
*In this second example, “these” is now a demonstrative adjective since it describes “books.”

Grammatically Correct is a grammar tip of the week created by Academic Center Peer Writing Tutors at the University of Houston-Victoria in Victoria, Texas.

Comments about this newsletter should be directed to Summer Leibensperger, leibenspergers@uhv.edu.

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