Title Demonstrative & Interrogative Pronouns: The Pointers and Question-Askers

Ever pointed at something and said “This is mine” or asked “Who did this?” Congrats, you’ve used demonstrative and interrogative pronouns. These pronouns don’t just replace nouns—they either point out specific things or ask questions about them. And yes, they can be the subject of a sentence. Let’s break down how they work.

Demonstrative Pronouns: The Pointers

A demonstrative pronoun points out a specific person, place, or thing. Think of it as the grammar equivalent of actually pointing at something and saying, “That one, right there.”

There are only four demonstrative pronouns, so this is easy:

this  •  that  •  these  •  those

This and these refer to things that are close (near you).

That and those refer to things that are far (over there).

Examples as subjects:

This is my favorite song. (What is your favorite? This.)

That was a terrible idea. (What was terrible? That.)

These are the best tacos I’ve ever had. (What are the best? These.)

Those belong in the trash. (What belongs in the trash? Those.)

Notice how each demonstrative pronoun is pointing to something specific without actually naming it? That’s the whole point.

Interrogative Pronouns: The Question-Askers

An interrogative pronoun introduces a question. These are the pronouns you use when you need an answer about who, what, or which thing you’re talking about.

The interrogative pronouns that can be subjects are:

who  •  which  •  what

These pronouns work great as subjects because they’re asking for information about who or what is doing something.

Examples as subjects:

Who broke the printer? (Who is the subject—we’re asking who did it.)

Which is the correct answer? (Which is the subject—we’re asking which one.)

What happened last night? (What is the subject—we’re asking what occurred.)

See how they’re doing double duty? They’re both asking a question and functioning as the subject.

Don’t Confuse Them with Adjectives

Here’s where people get tripped up: words like this, that, which, and what can be used as adjectives (describing a noun) OR as pronouns (replacing a noun).

Pronoun (subject): This is amazing. (This is the subject—it replaces a noun.)

Adjective: This pizza is amazing. (This describes the noun pizza; pizza is the subject.)

Pronoun (subject): What happened? (What is the subject.)

Adjective: What time is it? (What describes time; it is the subject.)

If it’s followed by a noun, it’s probably an adjective. If it’s standing alone as the subject, it’s a pronoun.

Quick Practice: Demonstrative or Interrogative?

Identify the pronoun subject and whether it’s demonstrative or interrogative:

1. That was the best concert ever.
2. Who left the door open?
3. These are my favorite jeans.
4. What caused the problem?

Answers: 1. That (demonstrative) | 2. Who (interrogative) | 3. These (demonstrative) | 4. What (interrogative)

The Bottom Line

Demonstrative pronouns point things out, and interrogative pronouns ask questions—but both can function as subjects. Whether you’re saying “This is perfect” or asking “Who did this?” you’re using pronouns as subjects. Just make sure you’re not confusing them with adjectives, and you’ll be golden.

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