Demonstrative Adjectives Examples

Demonstrative adjectives are adjectives that are used to modify a noun so that we know which specific person, place, or thing is mentioned.

When you list two items, you can separate them with a conjunction. Remember that a conjunction is a word that joins two words, phrases, or sentences.

When you list more than two items, you separate them as follows:

Put a comma between all items, and put a comma + and before the last item.

Items in a series can be single words or phrases. In addition, items in a series can be short sentences joined with commas and and.

Examples of items in a series:

Bread, milk, and cheese

Jennifer, Mary, and Charlotte

Red, yellow, and blue

Example of sentences containing items in a series:

1) For breakfast, I had cereal, juice, and toast.

2) My best friends are Paul, Amanda, and Quinn.

3) The moon, the stars, and the sun all appear in the sky.

4) Brush your teeth, wash your face, and go to bed.

5) Christmas trees, cozy sweaters, and warm hot chocolate are three of my favorite things about December.

6) We read books, played games, and went outside to swing.

7) For homework, I have to read this book, do 30 math problems, and make a collage.

8) Spaghetti, pizza, and hotdogs are my brother's favorite foods.

9) On the table, I saw a pair of scissors, tape, a ruler, and some paper.

10) Mrs. Smith, Mr. Thomas, Mrs. Peterson, and Mr. Lance are the four teachers on this hallway.

Remember that a pronoun replaces a noun, so the demonstrative pronouns are used to replace something very specific in context.

Be careful! The demonstrative pronouns can also be used as demonstrative adjectives. When used as an adjective, they come just before a noun to express which one. The function of a pronoun is to replace a noun. So, if you see one of these words in front of a noun, it is most likely acting as an adjective and not a pronoun.

List of demonstrative pronouns:

This (singular)

That (singular)

These (plural)

Those (plural)

Examples of demonstrative pronouns used in a sentence:

1) This is very yummy!

2) I would like those, please.

3) I am not sure that is how you do it.

4) These are the most comfortable.

5) Could you hand me that?

6) This is crazy!

7) Those belong to Sarah.

8) Could you help me move these?

9) That is not mine.

10) Bring me those.

Be careful! The demonstrative adjectives can also be used as demonstrative pronouns. If you see one of these words alone-not preceding a noun or pronoun-it is probably serving as a demonstrative pronoun. Remember that the function of an adjective is to modify a noun or pronoun, so a demonstrative adjective will come just before a noun or pronoun and will tell us which one specifically.

List of demonstrative adjectives:

This (modifies singular nouns/pronouns)

That (modifies singular nouns/pronouns)

Those (modifies plural nouns/pronouns)

Examples of demonstrative adjectives used in a sentence:

1) Those pants are not very comfortable.

2) Do you like this soup?

3) That dress looks good on you.

4) These puppies are very playful.

5) I did not enjoy that book.

6) Did you grow those vegetables in your garden?

7) Can you help me move this box?

8) Mom, can we buy these magazines?

9) This tie is too tight.

10) I like this coat better than that one.