French grammar: adjectifs démonstratifs

What this grammar point covers

Demonstrative adjectives in French are words used to point out specific people or things. They mean 'this', 'that', 'these', or 'those' in English.

When to use it

Use demonstrative adjectives in French to show which person or thing you are talking about. They help you indicate something close or far, or something specific.

Key forms

• ce (masculine singular, before consonant): ce livre
• cet (masculine singular, before vowel or silent h): cet arbre
• cette (feminine singular): cette maison
• ces (plural, masculine or feminine): ces enfants

Examples

Tips

• Use 'cet' before masculine singular nouns that start with a vowel or silent 'h'.
• 'Ces' is used for all plural nouns, masculine or feminine.
• Do not confuse 'ce/cet/cette/ces' with 'c'est', which means 'it is' or 'this is'.