French grammar: 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 French demonstrative adjectives to point out or specify a particular person or thing, or to distinguish between people or things. They always come before a noun.

Key forms

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

Examples

Tips

• Use 'cet' only before masculine singular nouns starting with a vowel or silent 'h'.
• 'Ces' is used for all plural nouns, no matter the gender.
• Do not confuse 'ce', 'cet', 'cette', and 'ces' with the pronoun 'ce' (as in 'C'est').

Exceptions and edge cases

• Remember that 'cet' is only for masculine singular nouns that begin with a vowel or silent 'h', not for feminine nouns.