Demonstratives

In this lesson, we will discuss demonstratives of two types: demonstrative adjectives and demonstrative pronouns. The first step in clearly understanding these two topics is to review the differences between "adjectives" and "pronouns."

adjective
describes a noun

pronoun
takes the place of a noun

In the following sentences, the words in bold all function as adjectives, since they all describe the noun "book."

Give me the red book.
Give me the big book.
Give me that book.
Give me this book.

Notice that adjectives answer the question "Which?" in relation to the nouns that they modify. (Which book? The red book. The big book. That book. This book.)

In the following sentences, the words in bold all function as pronouns, since they all take the place of a noun.

Maria is next; give her the ball.
Juan is here; say hello to him.
That pencil is yours; this is mine.
This book is mine; that is yours.

Notice that pronouns replace a noun. ("her" replaces "Maria" - "him" replaces "Juan" - "this" replaces "pencil" - "that" replaces "book")

As you have just seen, the words "this" and "that" can function as both adjectives and pronouns.

This book is mine. (adjective)
This (one) is mine. (pronoun)

That book is yours.(adjective)
That (one) is yours. (pronoun)

The demonstrative adjectives also have four forms:

 (this book)
 (these books)
(this pen)
 (these pens)

 (that book)
 (those books)
 (that pen)
 (those pens)

 (that book over there)
 (those books over there)
 (that pen over there)
 (those pens over there)

Here are the corresponding demonstrative pronouns:

 (this one - masculine)
 (these ones - masculine)
 (this one - feminine)
 (these ones - feminine 

 (that one - masculine)

 (those ones - masculine)
 (that one - feminine)
 (those ones - feminine)

 (that one over there - masc.)
 (those ones over there - masc.)
 (that one over there - fem.)
 (those ones over there - fem.)

Each demonstrative pronoun also has a neuter form. They do not change for number or gender, and they are used to refer to abstract ideas, or to an unknown object.

 (this matter, this thing)
 (that matter, that thing)
 (that matter/thing over there)