What is the difference between demonstrative adjectives and demonstrative pronouns?

The words “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those” function as both demonstrative adjectives and demonstrative pronouns. They give information about the number (singular or plural) and distance (near or far) of the thing or person being referred to.

  • A demonstrative adjective appears before a noun and modifies it (e.g., “This salsa is very spicy”).
  • A demonstrative pronoun replaces a noun and functions on its own as the subject or object of a sentence (e.g., “That is my favorite restaurant”). Demonstrative pronouns are used when the noun is clear from context.