Demonstrative Pronoun Worksheets

Like all pronouns, the demonstrative pronouns that, this, these, and those stand in for other nouns. This and these describe nouns that are physically close to you; that and those describe nouns that are farther away. Other words can be used as demonstrative pronouns, including such, none and neither. Demonstrative pronouns are different from demonstrative adjectives, which come before the noun instead of replacing it, such as in “this shirt” or “those children.”

The first exercise clarifies the difference between singular (that, this) and plural (those, these) demonstrative pronouns. For more practice, download the printable PDF below the answer key.

DIRECTIONS: Identify the demonstrative pronoun in each of the following sentences. Is it singular or plural?

1. That is the biggest horse I ever saw.
2. These are delicious cookies.
3. I saw you do that.
4. I don't understand this.
5. Those are your only choices.

How did you do? Check your answers for worksheet #1 below.

1. (S) That is the biggest horse I ever saw.
2. (P) These are delicious cookies.
3. (S) I saw you do that.
4. (S) I don't understand this.
5. (P) Those are your only choices.
   

Demonstrative pronouns point to the object they are replacing and can stand alone and function as a noun. Demonstrative adjectives describe a noun and cannot stand alone. This second exercise reinforces the difference between demonstrative pronouns and demonstrative adjectives. If you’d like another exercise, download the printable version of this worksheet that includes a second activity.

DIRECTIONS: Identify the demonstrative pronoun or adjective in each sentence in each of the following sentences.

1. Those cattle are running away.
2. This is the last straw.
3. I gave you those books yesterday.
4. I will forget this if I don't write it down.
5. These actors are very skilled.
6. I can readily see that.
7. This fruit is rotten.
8. Give me that hat.
9. That is all there is.
10. Those are stinky.

See how many sentences you got right with these answers. If you missed a few, feel free to go back and correct your answers.

1. (DA) Those cattle are running away.
2. (DP) This is the last straw.
3. (DA) I gave you those books yesterday.
4. (DP) I will forget this if I don't write it down.
5. (DA) These actors are very skilled.
6. (DP) I can readily see that.
7. (DA) This fruit is rotten.
8. (DA) Give me that hat.
9. (DP) That is all there is.
10. (DP) Those are stinky.
    

Such, none and neither can also be used as demonstrative pronouns. Challenge yourself with this last exercise, and print the following PDF to write on the worksheet itself.

DIRECTIONS: Read the following paragraph. How many times do you see such, none or neither used as demonstrative pronouns? Hint: They can be used in more than one way.

Neither my brother nor I enjoy eating eggs. Our mom would ask if we liked them fried or scrambled, and we’d answer “Neither.” Such was our preference, but our mom didn’t give up. One day, she presented us with a new breakfast. It had cheese, olives, peppers, and sausage. My brother and I looked for eggs and saw none, so we ate it all. Neither one of us had ever such a delicious breakfast. Such was our first experience with an omelet – but definitely not our last!

Did you choose the right words? If you missed a few, feel free to go back and correct your answers.

Neither my brother nor I enjoy eating eggs. Our mom would ask if we liked them fried or scrambled, and we’d answer “Neither.” Such was our preference, but our mom didn’t give up. One day, she presented us with a new breakfast. It had cheese, olives, peppers, and sausage. My brother and I looked for eggs and saw none, so we ate it all. Neither one of us had ever such a delicious breakfast. Such was our first experience with an omelet – but definitely not our last!

Such: 2

None: 1

Neither: 1

Using demonstrative pronouns properly helps readers understand what you’re trying to say. Demonstrative pronouns can help you with subject-verb agreement, word choice and setting the proper mood in your sentences. Now that you’ve had some practice with demonstrative pronouns, challenge yourself with a demonstrative pronoun quiz.