Mastering Plural Demonstrative Pronouns: A Comprehensive Guide

Plural demonstrative pronouns are essential elements in the English language, serving to replace and refer to plural nouns in a clear and concise manner. As a crucial part of grammar, understanding the proper usage and nuances of these pronouns can greatly enhance one’s written and spoken communication. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the definition, examples, and grammatical specifications of plural demonstrative pronouns, equipping you with the knowledge to wield them with confidence.

Understanding Plural Demonstrative Pronouns

Plural demonstrative pronouns are a category of pronouns used to replace plural nouns in a sentence. They provide a clear and specific reference to the nouns being discussed, allowing for more efficient and coherent communication. The two primary plural demonstrative pronouns in English are “these” and “those.”

Defining “These” and “Those”

1. These: This plural demonstrative pronoun is used to indicate plural nouns that are relatively close to the speaker in space or time. It suggests a sense of proximity or immediacy.

2. Example: “I love all these new gadgets on the table.” (Here, “these” refers to the plural noun “gadgets” that are close to the speaker.)

3. Those: This plural demonstrative pronoun is used to indicate plural nouns that are farther away from the speaker in space or time. It suggests a sense of distance or remoteness.

4. Example: “Those books on the top shelf are my favorites.” (Here, “those” refers to the plural noun “books” that are farther away from the speaker.)

Grammatical Specifications

Plural demonstrative pronouns must adhere to specific grammatical rules to ensure proper usage and maintain coherence within a sentence. Let’s explore these rules in detail:

1. Number Agreement:
2. Plural demonstrative pronouns must agree with the number of the noun they replace. If the noun is plural, the pronoun should also be plural.

3. Example: “The students passed both tests. Those were their last ones.” (Here, “those” agrees with the plural noun “tests.”)

4. Subject-Verb Agreement:

5. When used as subjects, plural demonstrative pronouns must agree with the verb in number.

6. Example: “The students are taking both tests. These count for ten percent.” (Here, “these” agrees with the plural verb “count.”)

7. Proximity and Distance:

8. Plural demonstrative pronouns can indicate proximity or distance, both literal and figurative.

9. Example: “I’m searching for robots, but these aren’t the ones I’m looking for.” (Here, “these” indicates proximity, referring to robots that are close by.)

10. Placement in Sentences:

11. Plural demonstrative pronouns can be used in various positions within a sentence, such as the subject, object, or complement.
12. Example: “These are the books I need for my class.” (Here, “these” is used as the subject.)

13. Example: “I want to read those novels on the shelf.” (Here, “those” is used as the object.)

14. Emphasis and Clarification:

15. Plural demonstrative pronouns can be used to emphasize or clarify the nouns being referred to, particularly when there are multiple options or possibilities.
16. Example: “I prefer these apples over those ones.” (Here, “these” and “those” are used to differentiate between the two sets of apples.)

By understanding these grammatical specifications, you can ensure that your use of plural demonstrative pronouns is accurate, clear, and effective in your written and spoken communication.

Practical Examples and Usage

To further solidify your understanding of plural demonstrative pronouns, let’s explore some practical examples and their usage in various contexts:

1. Describing Nearby Objects:
2. “Look at these beautiful flowers in the garden. Aren’t they stunning?”

3. “I can’t decide which of these new laptops to buy. They all have great features.”

4. Referring to Distant Items:

5. “Those mountains in the distance look breathtaking. I can’t wait to hike them.”

6. “Those books on the top shelf are the ones I need for my research project.”

7. Differentiating Between Options:

8. “I prefer these apples over those ones. These are sweeter and juicier.”

9. “These are the new smartphones, while those are the older models.”

10. Emphasizing Specific Nouns:

11. “These are the final exam questions that you need to study for.”

12. “I’m particularly interested in these historical artifacts in the museum.”

13. Incorporating Plural Demonstrative Pronouns in Conversations:

14. “Have you seen these new shoes? I think they’d look great with your outfit.”
15. “Those are the books I was telling you about. They’ve been really helpful for my class.”

By exploring these examples, you can observe how plural demonstrative pronouns are used in various situations to effectively refer to and differentiate between plural nouns, enhancing the clarity and precision of your communication.

Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting

While the usage of plural demonstrative pronouns may seem straightforward, there are some common mistakes that learners often encounter. Let’s address these issues and provide guidance on how to avoid them:

1. Confusing “These” and “Those”:
2. Mistake: “I like those new shoes in the store window.” (When the shoes are actually close by)

3. Correction: “I like these new shoes in the store window.”

4. Incorrect Number Agreement:

5. Mistake: “The students passed both tests. This were their last ones.”

6. Correction: “The students passed both tests. Those were their last ones.”

7. Improper Subject-Verb Agreement:

8. Mistake: “The students are taking both tests. Those count for ten percent.”

9. Correction: “The students are taking both tests. These count for ten percent.”

10. Misplacing Plural Demonstrative Pronouns:

11. Mistake: “I want to read the novels on the shelf. These are my favorites.”

12. Correction: “I want to read those novels on the shelf. Those are my favorites.”

13. Failing to Differentiate Between Options:

14. Mistake: “I prefer the apples in the basket. These are sweeter and juicier.”
15. Correction: “I prefer these apples in the basket. These are sweeter and juicier.”

By being mindful of these common mistakes and following the grammatical guidelines outlined earlier, you can develop a strong command of plural demonstrative pronouns and use them effectively in your written and spoken communication.

Conclusion

Mastering the use of plural demonstrative pronouns is a crucial step in enhancing your English language proficiency. By understanding the definitions, examples, and grammatical specifications of “these” and “those,” you can communicate with greater clarity, precision, and nuance. Remember to pay close attention to number agreement, subject-verb agreement, and the indication of proximity or distance when using these pronouns.

Through consistent practice and the application of the principles discussed in this guide, you will become adept at seamlessly incorporating plural demonstrative pronouns into your language, ultimately improving your overall communication skills. Embrace the power of these versatile pronouns and let them elevate your written and spoken expression to new heights.

References

1. Demonstrative Pronouns: Definition and Examples
2. Demonstrative Pronouns: Definition, Types, and Usage
3. Demonstrative Pronouns in English Grammar
4. A Comprehensive Guide to Demonstrative Pronouns
5. Demonstrative Pronouns: Proper Usage and Examples