Demonstratives Worksheets
About Our Demonstratives Worksheets
Demonstratives-those handy words like this, that, these, and those-are the pointing fingers of English. They zoom in on exactly which person, place, or thing we mean, turning "I like cookies" into "I like those cookies" (the chocolate chip ones, obviously). With just a tiny word swap, your meaning goes from fuzzy to focused. That clarity helps students read with confidence and write sentences that land exactly where they're aimed.
So why teach demonstratives? Because they anchor ideas in space and time. This/these pull the reader close; that/those gesture outward. Students who can choose the right demonstrative express contrast, emphasis, and specificity without extra words. It's the difference between wandering around the idea and walking straight up to it.
These worksheets build demonstrative skills step by step through short passages, visuals, and quick‑hit decisions. Learners practice number agreement, near/far distinctions, and pronoun vs. adjective uses across varied tasks. The result is confident, crisp communication-on the page and out loud.
A Look At Each Worksheet
Adjective Selection
Students decide when this/that/these/those should act as adjectives before nouns, reinforcing number agreement and proximity. Short, snappy items make the rules feel obvious in practice. By the end, learners can point precisely without overthinking.
Clarify Context
Learners choose the demonstrative that best fits the situation described, sharpening their sense of near vs. far (in space or time). Each sentence nudges them to ask, "Which exact thing do we mean?" It's context training with instant feedback.
Close or Far
A proximity workout for this/these (near) and that/those (far). Students decide which side of the room-er, sentence-the noun belongs to. The repetition turns a tricky judgment call into a reflex.
Complete It
Fill‑in‑the‑blank sentences make students supply the right demonstrative on the fly. Every correct choice tightens meaning and rhythm. It's quick, targeted practice that sticks.
Demonstrative Focus
Students zoom in on the role demonstratives play in clarity-spotting and fixing vague references. They learn that one tiny word can rescue a whole sentence. Focused drills, big payoff.
Descriptive Paragraph
A short paragraph begs for more precise pointing words. Students revise to add demonstratives where needed, making descriptions concrete and reader‑friendly. The before‑and‑after effect is satisfyingly obvious.
Everyday Objects
With familiar items, learners practice singular/plural choices that mirror real talk. The scenarios feel like classroom life-"this pencil," "those books." Practical, visual, memorable.
Picture Sentences
Images supply the context; students supply the demonstrative. It's the perfect blend of show‑and‑tell for grammar. Seeing distance makes choosing easy.
Pronoun Function
Here, this/that/these/those stand alone as pronouns. Students decide when the noun is implied and when it's missing. It's minimalist grammar with maximum clarity.
Pronoun Reference
Learners match demonstrative pronouns to the exact noun or idea they replace. Goodbye, vague "this"! Hello, crystal‑clear reference. Precision becomes a habit.
Pronoun Underline
Students underline demonstratives used as pronouns and explain their choice. That tiny metacognitive step cements understanding. Underline, justify, master.
Sentence Simplify
Wordy sentences get trimmed with demonstratives to avoid repetition. Learners practice writing that's both tighter and clearer. It's grammar doing real editorial work.
Subject Swap
Students replace repeated subjects with appropriate demonstrative pronouns to maintain flow. The result: smoother sentences and less clutter. Cohesion without confusion.
Summer Demonstratives
Seasonal scenarios make near/far distinctions feel natural-this towel, those fireworks. Light, themed practice that still hits the fundamentals. Grammar with sunshine.
True or False Basics
Quick judgments on demonstrative use keep students honest. Each statement invites a fix if it's off. Fast checks, strong instincts.
What Are Demonstratives?
Demonstratives are the little words that point: this, that, these, and those. They can work as adjectives before nouns (this book, those shoes) or as pronouns standing alone (This is heavy, Those are mine). Their job is to anchor meaning so the reader/listener knows exactly which thing you mean.
In everyday life, we use them constantly without noticing: This tastes amazing, Look at those clouds, That meeting yesterday went well. They help us reference objects in the room, ideas from earlier in a conversation, or events in the past and future. In writing, they keep paragraphs cohesive by linking sentences to specific items or earlier ideas.
The heart of demonstratives is proximity and number. This/these signal nearness; that/those signal distance-sometimes physical, sometimes mental or temporal. Pair singular nouns with this/that and plural nouns with these/those. When demonstratives act as pronouns, the noun is understood from context.
A helpful trick is to imagine a speaker pointing. If the thing is "right here," think this/these; if it's "over there," think that/those. For time, "now/soon" often pairs with this/these (this week), while "earlier/later" leans toward that/those (that day).
Finally, clarity loves specificity. Use demonstratives to avoid vague "it/they/this" drift. If a sentence could refer to two different ideas, either name the noun or choose a demonstrative that locks onto the intended target. Tiny words, big precision.
Common Mistakes with Demonstratives
Example 1 - Singular vs. Plural Mix‑Up
Example Sentence: This apples are delicious.
Correct Sentence: These apples are delicious.
Why: Use these with plural nouns; this is only for singular.
Example 2 - Plural Demonstrative with Singular Noun
Example Sentence: Those cat is sleeping over there.
Correct Sentence: That cat is sleeping over there.
Why: "Cat" is singular, so pair it with that, not those.
Example 3 - Proximity Confusion (Near vs. Far)
Example Sentence: That book here is mine.
Correct Sentence: This book here is mine.
Why: This/these indicate nearness; that/those point to things farther away.
Example 4 - Vague Pronoun Reference
Example Sentence: This is confusing.
Correct Sentence: This explanation is confusing.
Why: When a demonstrative stands alone, the referent can be unclear-naming the noun removes ambiguity (or ensure the context makes it unmistakable).