what part of speech is this and that

2 min read 15-04-2025

What Part of Speech Are "This" and "That"? A Deep Dive into Demonstrative Pronouns and Adjectives

"This" and "that" are versatile words in the English language. Understanding their grammatical function requires looking beyond their simple usage. While often categorized simply as pronouns, their role can also be that of an adjective, depending on their function within a sentence. This article will explore the nuances of "this" and "that" and clarify when they act as pronouns versus adjectives.

Understanding Demonstrative Pronouns

At their core, "this" and "that" (along with their plural forms "these" and "those") are demonstrative pronouns. A pronoun, as you know, replaces a noun. A demonstrative pronoun points to a specific noun or noun phrase without explicitly naming it.

Example (Pronoun): "This is my favorite book." Here, "this" stands in for the book itself; it's the subject of the sentence.
Example (Pronoun): "That belongs to her." "That" replaces an unnamed object.

In these examples, "this" and "that" act independently; they are the subject or object of the verb, not describing another noun.

When "This" and "That" Become Demonstrative Adjectives

The grammatical function of "this" and "that" changes when they modify a noun. When they precede and describe a noun, they become demonstrative adjectives.

Example (Adjective): "This book is my favorite." Here, "this" modifies the noun "book," describing which book is being referred to.
Example (Adjective): "That car is expensive." "That" describes a specific car.

The key difference is that as adjectives, "this" and "that" are not acting as the subject or object. They are providing further information about the noun they accompany.

Distinguishing Between Pronoun and Adjective Usage

The easiest way to determine whether "this" and "that" function as pronouns or adjectives is to consider whether they're acting independently or modifying a noun.

Ask yourself: Does the word stand alone as the subject or object of the verb? If so, it's a pronoun.
Ask yourself: Does the word describe or modify a noun? If so, it's an adjective.

Further Considerations: Singular vs. Plural

Remember that "this" and "that" are singular, while "these" and "those" are plural. The choice of singular versus plural will affect the noun or noun phrase they replace or modify.

Example (Plural Pronoun): "These are delicious cookies."
Example (Plural Adjective): "Those cookies are delicious."

Conclusion: Context is Key

Ultimately, the part of speech of "this" and "that" depends entirely on the context within the sentence. By carefully analyzing their function, you can confidently identify them as either demonstrative pronouns or demonstrative adjectives. Understanding this distinction enhances your understanding of English grammar and allows for clearer and more precise communication.