What do demonstrative pronouns do?

Demonstrative pronouns play a crucial role in language by directly identifying and pointing out specific persons, objects, or ideas. Words such as "this," "that," "these," and "those" serve as demonstrative pronouns, allowing speakers and writers to clearly reference what they are discussing. For example, saying "this is my book" specifies which book is being referred to—making the communication precise and clear. This function is essential for effective communication, especially when distinguishing between items in conversation or writing.

Other options relate to different roles in language: indicating time pertains to adverbs, expressing ownership involves possessive pronouns, and questioning is the domain of interrogative pronouns. These functions are separate and distinct from the primary role of demonstrative pronouns.