Grammar
Pronouns: Demonstratives pronouns
1st Part
Personal and object pronouns
2nd Part
Demonstratives pronouns
for timing and feelings
3rd Part
Demonstratives pronouns
to show something
4rd Part
Possessive Pronouns
5rd Part
Relative pronouns
6rd Part
Reciprocal pronouns
Grammar in use
- Topic : Demonstratives pronouns for timing and feelings
- Skills : Grammar
Use
How can a demonstrative express timing and feelings?
Look Back in those days, people used rotary phones.
Call me this afternoon.
The distance or proximity expressed by demonstratives is not always in space. It can be in time:
| Demonstrative | Timing | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| this (singular) | present | This dinner is delicious, I am savoring it. |
| recent past | I played ping-pong this afternoon. | |
| near future | We will go out for dinner this evening. | |
| that (singular) | distant past | I still remember that day in 1995. |
| distant future | One day it will happen, and I want to be there that day. | |
| these (plural) | present | These days, young peole wear jeans. |
| recent past | I stayed home these past few days. | |
| near future | These coming weeks are going to be challenging. | |
| those (plural) | distant past | Those were great times. |
| distant future | I am looking forward to those moments. |
The distance or proximity expressed by demonstratives can also be related to feelings. “this” and “these” show proximity (positive feelings, like, approval…). “that” and “those” show distance, often with a negative connotation (dislike, disapproval…).
Examples:
Look at this cute little boy.
I didn’t like that stupid movie.
I agree with these excellent ideas. I do not trust those guys.