Demonstrative Pronouns

Point to persons or non-persons or their properties: this (these), that (those), such. The first two of them have the category of number. This (these) and that (those) function both as noun-pronouns and adjective-pronouns; such functions only as an adjective-pronoun:

The general demonstrative meaning of this (these) is of relatively near reference in time or space, while that (those) implies distant reference in time or space. Both of them are commonly used anaphorically, pointing to things, persons, or situations denoted in the preceding context, as in the following examples with this and that: (E.g. He tried the door. This did not yield. A tall blonde came forward. This was the barman’s wife. “I often wondered how you were getting on.” –“ That was very kind of you.”)

Sometimes, however, these pronouns may be used with anticipatory force, pointing to something new, or something still to come (E.g. I know this – you’re a traitor. This time I'll win. I’ve never seen this dress of yours).

When used with words denoting periods of time (a day and its parts, week, month, year, century) the pronoun this implies that these periods include the moment of speaking (E.g. This year he is going abroad. I had no breakfast this morning. I haven’t seen her this week).

When used with the words town, country, government the pronoun this implies ones in which the speaker lives or is staying at the moment of speaking. Phrases like in this town, in this country, this government, etc., should be translated into Russian by the actual names of the town or country as in the following:

(E.g. Englishman: I do like this country - Я очень люблю Англию)

or by a possessive pronoun: (E.g. Я очень люблю свою (нашу) страну.)

The pronoun that (those) pointing to something relatively remote in space or time may refer to something already known or past (E.g. Do you see that red roof over there? That’s my house. Oh! that was a sad mistake).

That (those) can be used either as a noun-substitute or as a sentence-substitute.

(E.g. The perfume of the rose is more subtle that that of the lily).

Syntactically the pronouns this and that can be subject, predicative, object, or attribute.

(E.g. This was my old dear car again. His story was like that. Do you remember this? The woods are so beautiful at this time of year).

When used as attributes both this and that exclude the use of the article. The pronoun such points to a certain quality in things, persons, or situations. It is more often used anaphorically, although can also be used in its anticipatory function.

(E.g. I like such little towns as this. He could not love her. Such was everyone’s verdict. You can buy there such things as buns, sausage rolls, and plum cakes.)

Such never precedes the definite article, though it often occurs with the indefinite one, which is placed after such. (E.g. I’ve never seen such a beauty).

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