Demonstratives & Distributive Pronouns

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
- 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.