Demonstratives are words that show which person or thing is being referred to.
This is Hugh, and that is Kevin
Demonstratives show where an object, event, or person is in relation to the speaker. They can refer to a physical or a psychological closeness or distance.
| Near the speaker | Far from the speaker | |
|---|---|---|
| Adverbs | here | there |
| Demonstrative with singular and uncountable nouns | this | that |
| Demonstrative with plural countable nouns | these | those |
Demonstratives can be placed before the noun or the adjective that modifies the noun.
That old man stole my purse!
These oranges are delicious!
Demonstratives can also appear before a number by itself when the noun is understood from the context.
I'll take this one, please. = I'll take this watermelon, please
Demonstratives can be used by themselves when the noun they modify is understood from the context.
Those aren't yours. Put them back. = Those shoes aren't yours. Put them back
When talking about events, the near demonstratives are often used to refer to the present while the far demonstratives often refer to the past.
This situation is quite unstable
That event made me realise how important my family is to me
-Good morning! How can I help you?
-Hi! I'm looking for a formal dress. Could you help me find one?
-Yes, of course! Maybe we could try this one? We got this dress only a day ago. I'm sure that you'll be the only one wearing it.
-Honestly, I don't really like this colour. Maybe you could show me that one over there? I like the print a lot.
-Surely! And what about the shoes?
-I have a picture on my phone. I want something like that. I think those ones are quite similar.
-You have an excellent taste! Let me get those for you.
Fill in the gaps with this or these.