An adjective goes right before a noun to modify the noun and tell more about the noun.
A demonstrative adjective is a “pointing” adjective because it points to the noun that comes after it.
We have four demonstrative adjectives in the English language: this, that, these, those
Use this and these to point at things that are nearby.
Use that and those to point at things that are farther away.
I like this dress.
Why don’t you look at that shirt over there?
Take these burgers out to the grill.
Those plates on the counter need to be washed.
Can you see how the demonstrative adjectives seem to be pointing at the object that comes right afterwards?
Here are more sentence examples. Notice how this and these refer to objects nearby.
I found this letter in a box in the garage.
Let’s put these boxes in the car.
I hope this key unlocks the door.
I’m planning to read these books over spring break.
In these sentence examples, the demonstrative adjectives that and those refer to objects farther away.
I see a dog in that truck across the street.
We should bring those bags in from the garage.
Did you see that house with the bright blue front door?
Those people down the street are having a party.
The words this, that, these, those are called demonstrative adjectives. They “point” to a specific noun and demonstrate which noun is being talked about.