Adjective is one of the most frequently used parts of speech in our everyday life. In this article, we will get to know several facts about the word “this” as an adjective.
The part of speech that provides us with extra and additional information about the naming words (nouns and noun phrases) is nothing but adjectives. In that way, the word “this” too can function as an adjective by providing additional information about a person, place, thing, object or an animal.
We shall now examine the usage of the word “this” as a descriptor (an adjective) with relevant examples, explanations and interesting facts.
When is “this” considered as adjective?
It is already known that the word “this” can be an adjective. Here we will find out the instances when the word “this” will perform the function of an adjective.
“This” is considered as an adjective when it is providing us additional details or extra information about nouns or noun phrases. The extra information adjective “this” gives is the position of a person, animal, place or object. “This” refers to singular nouns that are nearer in distance or time.
Example: This boy comes to the tuition every day.
In this sentence, the word “this” is utilized as an adjective. The adjective “this” is modifying the noun “boy” (a person) by telling us additional information about the boy by answering to the question “which boy comes to the tuition every day?” The adjective “this” also tell us that the boy mentioned in the sentence is somewhere near in position.
Is “this” a demonstrative adjective?
Adjectives can be classified into different types. Demonstrative adjective is one of the types of adjectives. Let us now get to know if “this” is a demonstrative adjective.
“This” is a demonstrative adjective. There are different types of adjectives based on the way they modify the naming words and based on what information they give about nouns. Demonstrative adjective “this” points out to or refers to a naming word by giving us details about the position the noun.
Example: All the dresses in this cupboard belong to my sister.
The word “this” is an adjective here. In specific it is a demonstrative adjective as the additional detail it is giving us is the position of the noun “cupboard” (a thing/ an object), by pointing out to it and thereby modifying it.
When is “this” a demonstrative adjective?
“This” is a demonstrative adjective when it is placed or located right before the naming word (noun or noun phrase) it is pointing out. “This” is a demonstrative pronoun used in pointing out or referring to a singular naming word that is closer in proximity or in time.
Listed below in the tabular column are a few examples of “this” as a demonstrative adjective.
| Examples | Explanations | Usage of “this” as a Demonstrative Adjective |
| 1. I want to buy this dress since the color and pattern are unique. | In this sentence, the word “this” is functioning as a demonstrative adjective. The demonstrative adjective “this” is modifying the naming word “dress” (a thing) by pointing out to it. It answers to the question “which dress I want to buy?” | The usage of “this” denotes to us that the dress is somewhere near in distance. |
| 2. The final decision will be taken on this weekend after deep thoughts and discussions. | In this sentence, the word “this” is taking up the role of a demonstrative adjective. The demonstrative adjective “this” is utilized to modify the naming word “weekend” (a time period) by pointing out to it. It answers to the question “which weekend was the decision taken?” | Here, the usage of “this” indicates to us that the weekend is somewhere nearer / closer in time. |
| 3. We used to play cricket in this play ground when we were small. | Here, the word “this” is taking up the role of a demonstrative adjective. The demonstrative adjective “this” is used to describe the naming word “play ground” (a place) by pointing out or referring to it. It answers to the question “which play ground did we play cricket in when we were small?” | Here, the usage of “this” is indicating to us that the play ground mentioned in the sentence is somewhere nearer / closer in proximity. |
| 4. Riya always orders this flavor as it is her favorite flavor of ice cream. | The demonstrative adjective in this sentence is “this”. The demonstrative adjective “this” is used here to describe the naming word (noun) “flavor” (a thing) by pointing out or referring to it. It gives an answer to the question “which flavor does Riya always order?” | Here, the usage of demonstrative adjective “this” is indicating to us that the flavor of ice cream mentioned in the sentence is located nearer / closer in proximity. |
| 5. This friend of mine works in the Indian Army. | The demonstrative adjective utilized in this sentence is “this”. The demonstrative adjective “this” is used here to provide additional information about the naming word (noun) “friend” (a person) by pointing out to him / her. It gives an answer to the question “which friend of mine works in the Indian Army?” | Here, the usage of demonstrative adjective “this” denotes to us that the friend who works in Indian Army is currently there nearer / closer in distance. |
When is “this” not considered as adjective?
“This” can be an adjective, but not necessarily always. “This” can also function as other parts of speech based on its usage. Here we shall see when is “this” not an adjective.
The table below lists the instances when the word “this” is not considered as adjective with suitable examples and explanations.
| Situations when “this” is not considered as adjective | Examples | Explanations |
| 1. “This” is not an adjective when it is replacing or substituting a noun or a noun phrase that is closer in proximity, thereby functioning as a pronoun. | a. This is the shop that sells the tastiest chat in the entire Delhi. b. You can select this instead of that dress. | a. In this sentence, the word “this” is not an adjective but is a pronoun. Here, it is not modifying the noun, but it is utilized to replace the noun “shop” (a place) that is nearby. b. In this sentence, the word “this” is not an adjective but is functioning as a pronoun. Here, the word “this” is not describing any naming word, but is substituting the naming word “dress” (a thing) which is close by. |
| 2. “This” is not an adjective when it is providing us with additional details about the degree of the action words (verbs), descriptors (adjectives), or other adverbs, thereby functioning as an adverb. | a. We should not have come this far into the woods. b. She has never spoken to anybody this harshly before. | a. Here, the word “this” does not take up the role of an adjective, but is taking up the role of an adverb. In this sentence, “this” is not giving us extra details about the naming word, but is giving us additional details about the adjective “far” by telling us to what extent we have come into the woods. b. Here, the word “this” does not take up the role of an adjective, but is functioning as an adverb. In this sentence, “this” is not providing us extra details about the naming word, but is giving us additional details about the adverb “harshly” by telling us to what extent or degree she spoke harshly. |
Conclusion
Thus, through this article, we got to understand in detail when and how the word “this” functions as an adjective.
Hi… I am Sowndharya Jagadeeswaran, a university rank holder in M.A. English Literature. I have also done my master’s in Business Administration. Inquisitive as I am, my interest in action-oriented research helped me publish research papers in reputed journals. Now, as a career, I am an instructor where I teach young and adorable students the intricate technicalities of Public Speaking and Creative Writing. I also enjoy writing articles on topics I specialize and research in.
You can connect with me through LinkedIn.-