In this article, we will discuss descriptive (common) adjectives and demonstrative adjectives.
Descriptive Adjectives
We use descriptive adjectives to describe nouns.
Adjectives usually go before nouns:
- This is a nice house.
- I am reading an interesting book.
- We have a small dog.
- I have blue eyes.
Adjectives can also go after link verbs such as be, look, feel, smell, sound and taste. They still describe a noun or nouns.
- This car is fast.
- It looks great!
- That cake smells delicious!
| Note: Adjectives of the same type require commas to separate them. – We have red, green, and gold lights. |
Demonstrative Adjectives
Demonstrative adjectives ‘this’, ‘that’, ‘these’ and ‘those’ are used to point out or refer to specific people or things.
This/These
We use ‘this’ and ‘these’ (plural) to point out something that is nearby, close, or in our hands.
This is used with singular nouns:
- This book is very old.
- I would like this cake, please.
These is used with plural nouns:
- These keys do not fit this door.
- Can I get these shoes, mom?
That/Those
We use ‘that’ and ‘those’ (plural) to point out someone or something that is farther away or not reachable.
That is used with singular nouns:
- That house is about a mile away.
- Who’s that girl over there?
Those is used with plural nouns:
- Look at those hills! They are so beautiful.
- I don’t like those pants.
We can use demonstrative adjectives and common adjectives together.
When we use both demonstrative and common adjectives, the demonstrative comes before the common (descriptive) adjective.
- I love these new shoes I just got.
- What is moving in those tall trees over there?
- I don’t want that ugly animal in my house.
Here’s a good video about demonstrative adjectives:
Got any questions about adjectives? Write them in the comments below and we’ll try to answer!
See also: