Descriptive and Demonstrative Adjectives

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!

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:

Fact and Opinion Adjectives

Formation of Adjectives

The Order of Adjectives