What Type of Pronoun is Those? A Comprehensive Guide to Demonstrative Pronouns

Demonstrative pronouns are essential for indicating distance and quantity in English. Understanding what type of pronoun is those and how it differs from 'this', 'that', and 'these' can significantly improve your language skills. This guide will help you master these pronouns with clear explanations, practical examples, and a quick reference chart.

What are Demonstrative Pronouns?

Demonstrative pronouns are words that replace nouns to indicate their position in space or time relative to the speaker. They also show whether the noun is singular or plural. The four main demonstrative pronouns in English are 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those'.

Singular Demonstratives: This vs. That

This

'This' is used to refer to singular nouns that are close to the speaker in space or time.

Examples:

• Spatial: This book is interesting.
• Temporal: This morning was rainy.

That

'That' refers to singular nouns that are farther away from the speaker in space or time.

Examples:

• Spatial: That car is fast.
• Temporal: That day was sunny.

Plural Demonstratives: These vs. Those

These

'These' is used for plural nouns that are close to the speaker.

Examples:

• Spatial: These apples are fresh.
• Temporal: These days are busy.

Those

'Those' refers to plural nouns that are farther away from the speaker.

Examples:

• Spatial: Those mountains are beautiful.
• Temporal: Those years were challenging.

Choosing Between 'This/That' and 'These/Those': A Guide to Distance

Understanding the spatial and temporal distance is crucial for correct usage. Here's a quick checklist:

• Near (Singular): Use 'this'
• Far (Singular): Use 'that'
• Near (Plural): Use 'these'
• Far (Plural): Use 'those'

Interactive Examples

1. Near vs. Far (Singular):

   • Near: (Pointing to a nearby book) This book is mine.
   • Far: (Pointing to a book across the room) That book is yours.

2. Near vs. Far (Plural):

   • Near: (Pointing to nearby apples) These apples are ripe.
   • Far: (Pointing to apples in the distance) Those apples are not ripe.

Common Mistakes

• Confusing Singular and Plural:

  • Incorrect: This apples are ripe.
  • Correct: These apples are ripe.

• Incorrect Distance:

  • Incorrect: That book over there is mine.
  • Correct: This book over there is mine.

Grammatical Function: Pronoun vs. Adjective

Demonstrative pronouns can also function as adjectives, modifying nouns. The rules for distance and number remain the same.

Examples:

• Pronoun: This is mine. (Replaces a noun)
• Adjective: This book is mine. (Modifies a noun)

Usage in Context: Written vs. Spoken English

In spoken English, demonstrative pronouns are often used with gestures to indicate distance. In written English, the context must clearly convey the distance.

Examples:

• Spoken: (Pointing to a nearby object) This is what I'm talking about.
• Written: The book on the table is interesting. This one is mine.

Mini Drill

Fill in the blanks with the correct demonstrative pronoun:

1. … book on the shelf is interesting.
2. … apples in the basket are fresh.
3. … car over there is fast.
4. … days were fun.

Quick Reference Chart

Pronoun	Singular/Plural	Near/Far
This	Singular	Near
That	Singular	Far
These	Plural	Near
Those	Plural	Far

Mastering demonstrative pronouns will enhance your English communication skills. Practice with real-world examples and use the quick reference chart for quick checks.