What is a Demonstrative Pronoun?
A demonstrative pronoun can be one of four words: this, that, these, those. A demonstrative pronoun occurs when one of the above words is used to to take the place of a noun (either identified or unidentified).
Demonstrative Pronoun Examples
Some examples of demonstrative pronouns would be the following:
Have you read this? (notice “this” is an pronoun because it takes the place of the noun “book” from the sentence above)
Please hand me that. (notice “that” is an pronoun because it takes the place of the noun “pencil” from the sentence above)
Did you intend to purchase these? (notice “these” is an pronoun because it takes the place of the noun “packs” from the sentence above)
He wanted to bring those to the party, but he didn’t. (notice “those” is an pronoun because it takes the place of the noun “gifts” from the sentence above)
Why You Should Use Demonstrative Pronouns in Your Writing
Similar to demonstrative adjectives, demonstrative pronouns are used for clarification and emphasis, but a true primary use for demonstrative pronouns would be to avoid repetition in your writing.
Don’t use that; use this pencil instead.
Notice how the demonstrative “that” still refers to the pencil, and using “that” (demonstrative pronoun) instead of “that pencil” (demonstrative adjective) prevents the sentence from sounding repetitive.
Whether or not you choose to use a demonstrative pronoun or a demonstrative adjective in a given sentence will really depend upon your voice as a writer. Be sure to check out our GrammarFlip blog series on Voice in Writing.
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