Demonstrative adjectives includes 4 words, this, that, these, those that’s it!
This, that, these and those are the only demonstrative adjectives in grammar. As the name suggests, these words point to something specific, whether it’s near or far, emotional, or abstract.

How to use this or that

This, that, those, and these demonstrate (key word) where nouns or pronouns are relative to who’s speaking. They help answer “which one?” or “which ones?”

That‘s my interpretation of the novel.
Those are my shoes.
This is the road to take.
These belong to her.

Yonder is also technically a demonstrative adjective …in case anyone is interested in the grammar of antiquity (who isn’t?)

This, that, these, and those

Demonstrative Adjective	Number	Distance (from speaker)
This	Singular	Near
That	Singular	Far
These	Plural	Near
Those	Plural	Far

“This” (Singular, Near)

This book is very interesting. (The book is close to the speaker.)

I like this dress better than the other one.

“That” (Singular, Far)

That car over there belongs to my neighbor. That was his idea!

That movie we watched last week was amazing.

“These” (Plural, Near)

These cookies are freshly baked. (The cookies are near the speaker.)

Look at these shoes—aren’t they stylish?

“Those” (Plural, Far)

Those mountains in the distance are beautiful. (The mountains are far from the speaker.)

I remember those days when we used to play outside all day.

Demonstrative adjectives vs. pronouns

We commonly confuse demonstrative adjectives with demonstrative pronouns, and vice versa. While they use the same words—this, that, these, those—their grammatical function differs.
Demonstrative adj. precede the noun(s) they modify, whereas demonstrative pronouns replace them entirely. See the difference:

Demonstrative adjective: I don’t like that movie.

Demonstrative pronouns : I don’t like that.

Sentences with this, that, these, and those

We use demonstrative adjectives in everyday conversation, to write, and when giving or reading instructions:
In conversation: Do you want this pen or that one? I’m going to wear these jeans tonight.
In writing: This article explores the impact of climate change. Those documents need to be signed today.
For instructions: Add this ingredient first. Avoid these exercises, which can lead to injury unless supervised.

When to use this or that (or these and those)

Demonstrative adjectives depend on two main factors:

👍🏼Examples

✓ This cake is delicious.

✓ Look at those birds flying high in the sky!

✗ I want that! Book now.

✗ These is my favorite.

Number – Are you referring to something singular or plural?

Distance – Is the object near or far from the speaker?

Here’s how to decide:

Use this for one thing that is close.
Use that for one thing that is farther away.
Use these for more than one thing that is close.
Use those for more than one thing that is farther away.

1. Physical Distance

This chair (the one right here).
That chair (the one across the room).

2. Temporal Distance (Time)
Demonstrative adjectives can also be used to refer to time, not just physical space.

This week has been very busy. (Current week — near in time.)
I’ll never forget those days from childhood. (Past — far in time.)

3. Emotional or Psychological Distance
Sometimes, demonstratives can reflect emotional closeness or distance, even if physical distance is unclear.

I hate that attitude. (Emotionally distant or negative.)
I love this idea. (Emotionally close or positive.)

Tips for using this or that

Always Use Them with a Noun
Demonstrative adjectives must modify a noun. Don’t leave them standing alone unless you are using them as pronouns.

Incorrect: I don’t like this. (Unless “this” is a pronoun.)

Correct: I don’t like this movie\.

Be Mindful of Plural and Singular Forms
Mixing up singular and plural is a common mistake.

Incorrect: I love these book\.
Correct: I love this book\.
Correct: I love these books\.

Match Distance to Context
Make sure the demonstrative adjective fits the physical or abstract context of the sentence.

Talking about something nearby: use this or these.
Talking about something far: use that or those.

Main types of adjectives

The main types of adjectives include:

Comparative
Superlative
Predicate
Compound
Possessive
Demonstrative
Proper
Participial
Limiting
Descriptive
Interrogative
Attributive

💡Study Tip

Visualize a line: This/These are close to you on the line (near), while That/Those are far away; This and That are singular, while These and Those are plural.

Worksheet: Demonstrative adjectives

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