pointing words

Meanings

1. 1nounpluralinformal

   Words such as 'this,' 'that,' 'these,' and 'those' that show which person or thing you mean.

   Grammar: Always plural. Use 'a pointing word' for one item, but the set is usually called 'pointing words.'

   Patterns

   • use pointing words
   • pointing words like this and that

   In the sentence 'This book is mine,' the word 'this' is one of the pointing words.

   Teachers often ask children to circle the pointing words in a story.

   Pointing words help the reader know exactly which thing you are talking about.

2. 2nounplural

   Words or phrases that direct attention to something, often while literally pointing at it.

   Grammar: Plural; used in general descriptions of speech or writing.

   Patterns

   • pointing words and gestures

   His speech was full of pointing words like 'over there' and 'right here.'

   She used pointing words and hand movements to guide the tourists.

Word forms

Common combinations

pointing words like this and that

Pointing words like this and that are easy for beginners to learn.

use pointing words

Try to use pointing words when you introduce a new topic.

circle the pointing words

The worksheet asks students to circle the pointing words.

pointing words and gestures

Pointing words and gestures can both show direction.

Synonyms and how they differ

demonstratives

The formal grammar term for words like 'this' and 'that'; 'pointing words' is a simpler teaching label.

determiners

A wider grammar category that includes pointing words but also articles and quantifiers.

Word family

point verb

To show direction with your finger or with words.

pointing adjective

Describing something that shows direction or indicates a target.

Commonly confused: pointing words or point of view?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “pointing words”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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