French grammar: les adjectifs démonstratifs

What this grammar point covers

Demonstrative adjectives in French are words used before a noun to show which person or thing you are talking about, like 'this', 'that', 'these', or 'those' in English.

When to use it

Use demonstrative adjectives in French to point out or specify a particular person or thing. For example, when you want to say 'this book' or 'those apples'.

Key forms

• ce (before masculine singular nouns starting with a consonant): ce livre
• cet (before masculine singular nouns starting with a vowel or mute h): cet arbre
• cette (before all feminine singular nouns): cette voiture
• ces (before all plural nouns): ces enfants, ces maisons

Examples

Tips

• Remember to match the form with the gender and number of the noun.
• 'Ce' changes to 'cet' before masculine singular nouns that start with a vowel or mute h.
• 'Ces' is used for all plural nouns, both masculine and feminine.

Exceptions and edge cases

• Use 'cet' instead of 'ce' before masculine singular nouns that start with a vowel or mute h.