Demonstratives & Distributive Pronouns

Demonstrative pronouns are used in place of nouns when the noun’s identity is obvious from the text. They let the reader know whether the noun is singular, plural, or whether it is close or far away from the writer.

	Near	Far
Singular	this	that
Plural	these	those

Examples:

• These are my favorite shoes that I am wearing. (on my feet so they are close)
• Those are my shoes in the closet. (farther away in the closet)

Demonstrative pronouns are also used as demonstrative adjectives. They are the same words, but as a pronoun they can stand alone. As a demonstrative adjective, they qualify a noun.

Examples of a demonstrative pronoun and adjective:

• This is ugly. (demonstrative pronoun)
• That cupcake looks good. (demonstrative adjective + noun)

Distributive Pronouns

Distributive pronouns are used in reference to any members of a general group. They are singular and followed by singular verbs. For example:

• Each of the children will be able to take a turn.
• Either of you can finish the project.

Either and neither are used when referring to two people or things. For more than two people or things, we use the words all or none.

• All of these kids are tired and unhappy.
• None of them have eaten lunch yet.

When using a distributive pronoun as a distributive adjective they must be followed immediately by nouns.

• Each child wore a red shirt.
• Neither boy was allowed to play outside.

[slickquiz id=22]