Demonstrative Adverbs 

Discover the rules for using demonstrative adverbs like 'here', 'there', and 'therefore'. Detailed explanations and a quiz to test your knowledge.

Demonstrative Adverbs in English Grammar

What Are Demonstrative Adverbs?

Demonstrative adverbs are used to indicate the location or direction of something relative to the speaker. Always remember that these adverbs follow a noun.

Demonstrative Adverbs: Types

There are two types of demonstrative adverbs in English. One is used to emphasize the time and the other is used to emphasize the place of someone or something. Take a look at the list below:

Demonstrative Adverbs of Time

Demonstrative Adverbs of Place

The table below presents the four demonstrative adverbs in English and their categories:

Near

Far

Place

Here

There

Time

Now

Then

Take a look at some examples:

Example

These books here are yours, Sicily.

That mansion there is my friend's.

Demonstrative Adverbs: Uses

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Demonstrative Adverbs of Time

Demonstrative adverbs of time can be used to specify the timing of an action and include 'now' and 'then'.

Now

'Now' is used to indicate the present moment in time, specifically at the time of speaking. For example:

Example

Carol would want to talk to you now.

Here, the action is happening in the present moment.

Then

We can use 'then' to point to a particular time in the past or future. For example:

Example

I wish I knew then what I know now.

It was then that I figured out his intentions.

Demonstrative Adverbs of Place

Demonstrative adverbs of place, such as 'here' and 'there', are often used in conjunction with demonstrative pronouns 'this,' 'that,' 'these,' and 'those' to indicate the location of something or someone. These adverbs are not typically used directly before a noun, but rather function to emphasize the place being referred to. Now let us examine how each one is used:

Here

'Here' as a demonstrative adverb of place can be used to emphasize the location of people or things that are near to us. When accompanied by a demonstrative pronoun, 'here' is typically used with 'this' when referring to a singular noun, and 'these' when referring to plural nouns. Let us take a look at the following examples:

Example

This gown here suits you a lot.

As you can see, if you remove the adverb, the sentence is still complete and meaningful.

Maria told me these CDs here are yours.

There

In contrast to 'here,' when we want to emphasize the location of something or someone that is far away from us, we typically use the demonstrative adverb 'there'. Pay attention to the following examples:

Example

Look at that café there! It's so gothic.

Caroline is going to that bank there.

Archaic Adverbs

Some adverbs in Old English could be classified as demonstrative adverbs. However, these adverbs are now considered archaic and are not commonly used by native English speakers today. Take a look at the table below to become familiar with them:

Place

Time

Near

Hither

Hence

Far

Thither

Thence

In ancient times, the adverbs 'hither' and 'thither' were used in place of 'here' and 'there'. 'Hither' was used to refer to people or things that were near to us, while 'thither' was used to refer to people or things that were far away. Compare the following examples:

Example

Come hither, young lad!

Here, it means 'come here'.

The sailors set their course thither.

Here, the sentence means look over there.

'Hence' and 'thence' were mainly used to discuss time. 'Hence' means 'from now' and 'thence' is its past form.

Example

The government has improved their methods. Hence, the financial condition is getting better.

She decided to visit her aunt thence head home.

Quiz:


1.

Which sentence correctly uses a demonstrative adverb of place?

A

Put the documents now in the drawer.

B

Your glasses are over there on the counter.

C

We'll discuss this matter hence.

D

She arrived then at the station.

2.

Which sentence demonstrates the correct use of a demonstrative adverb of time?

A

Please come here quickly!

B

I was in college then, but now I work.

C

The keys are there beside you.

D

Walk thither to see the monument.

3.

Sort the words to form a correct sentence.

the
are
table
keys
there
.
on
the
4.

Complete each sentence using the correct demonstrative adverb.

Please come

and look at this document.

I was living in Tokyo

, but

I live in Osaka.

Please set the museum brochures

on the welcome table.

Two days

we'll know the election results.

now
then
here
there
hence
5.

Match each demonstrative adverb to its description.

Here
Now
Hither
There
Then
Thither
Archaic adverb of place (far)
Demonstrative adverb of time (present)
Demonstrative adverb of time (past/future)
Archaic adverb of place (near)
Demonstrative adverb of place (near)
Demonstrative adverb of place (far)

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