1)指示代词分单数( this/ that)和复数( these/ those)两种形式,既可作限定词又可做代词,例如:
单数 复数
限定词: This girl is Mary. Those men are my teachers.
代词: This is Mary. Those are my teachers.
2)指示代词的句法功能
指示代词主要有四个,即 this, that, these和 those。它们在句中可作主语、宾语、表语、定语等。
This is my book.(主语)
I want that.(宾语)
My book is that.(表语)
I like that dress.(定语)
注意:
1. 为避免重复,可用 that和 those代替前面提到的名词。如:
The playground of this school is bigger than that of that school. ( That= the playground)
My seat is next to that of the mayor.( that= mayor's seat)我的座位在市长座位旁边。
2. 用来回指上文提到的事情时,可用 this或 that,但是若要指下文叙述的事情,通常要用 this。如:
- - She is a beautiful girl.
- - Who said that?
I want to know this: Is she beautiful? 我想知道这一点:她美吗
3. 在打电话时,通常用 this指自己,用 that指对方:
Hello. This is Jim. Is that John? 喂,我是吉姆,你是约翰吗
4. 除用作代词外, this和 that还可用作副词,用以修饰形容词或副词,意为"这么"、"那么",相当于 so。
如:
I've done only that much. 我所做的就这么多。
Is he always this busy? 他总这么忙吗
5. 指示代词 this, that和 these在作主语时可指物也可指人,但作其他句子成分时只能指物,不能指人。而 those作宾语后接定语从句时可以指人。而且只有 that、 those后面可以跟定语从句。
如:(对) That is my teacher. 那是我的老师。( that作主语,指人)
(对) He is going to marry this girl. 他要和这个姑娘结婚。( this作限定词)
(错) He is going to marry this. ( this作宾语时不能指人)
(对) I bought this. 我买这个。( this指物,可作宾语)
He admired those who looked beautiful. 他赞赏那些外表漂亮的人。( those指人)
(错) He admired that who danced well. ( that作宾语时不能指人)
(对) He admired that which looked beautiful. 他赞赏外表漂亮的东西。