NYSTCE English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Practice Test

What do demonstrative pronouns do in a sentence?

1. Describe actions

2. Point out or draw attention to something or someone

3. Express possession

4. Indicate quantity

The correct answer is: Point out or draw attention to something or someone

Demonstrative pronouns serve a specific function in a sentence by pointing out or drawing attention to something or someone. They help clarify which noun the speaker is referring to, whether it is something nearby or something further away. For instance, words like "this," "that," "these," and "those" are demonstrative pronouns that indicate specific items or individuals based on their proximity to the speaker. By using these pronouns, the speaker provides clear references, enhancing understanding in communication. In contrast, other functions such as describing actions focus on verbs and their mechanics, expressing possession pertains to ownership reflected through possessive pronouns, and indicating quantity deals with numerals or words describing amounts, which are not the primary role of demonstrative pronouns.