Definitive adjectives are divided into three classes: I. articles, II. pronominal adjectives, and III. numeral adjectives.
II. Pronominal Adjectives
From A New English Grammar for Schools, by Thomas Harvey:
1. A pronominal adjective is a definitive adjective that would be a pronoun if it stood by itself.
Attached to a noun without an article, however, it limits the noun by denoting “which” and represents a noun understood:
all men; each soldier; yonder mountain
2. Some pronominal adjectives are
this, that, these, those, former, latter, both, same, yon, yonder, all, any, another, certain, divers, enough, few, little, many, much, no, none, one, own, other, several, some, sundry, which, whichever, whichsoever, what, whatever, whatsoever, each, every, either, neither.
a. This
“This” (plural “these”) distinctly points out an object as near in place or time.
this desk; these
books
b. That
“That” (plural “those”) distinctly points out an object as not near, or not so near as some other object.
that desk; those
books
In speaking of two objects, that should refer to the former, and this to the latter.
These horses are larger than those.
c. Former and latter
“Former” and “latter” are used to designate which of two objects previously mentioned is referred to.
The cry of danger to the Union was raised to divert their assaults upon the Constitution. It was the latter, and not the former, which was in danger.
3. There are four pronominal adjectives which represent objects taken separately.
They are each, every, either, and neither.
a. Each
“Each” can be applied to one of two or any greater number.
Each warrior drew his battle blade.
Useless each without the other.
Useless each without the other.
b. Every
“Every” denotes all taken separately.
They received
every man a penny.
Every person in the room was astonished.
Every person in the room was astonished.
c. Either
“Either” should be applied to one of two objects only.
Either of the two roads leads to town.
You may have either horse.
You may have either horse.
d. Neither
“Neither” means not either.
Which of the two
shall I take? both? one? or neither?
Exercise
Select the pronominal adjectives from the following: —
1. Both forts were taken.2. That is the same man we saw yesterday.3. Yonder mountain is a volcano.4. All men are mortal.5. Have you any wheat to sell?6. He took another road.7. Enough has been said already.8. “A little learning is a dangerous thing.”—Pope.9. “Many men of many minds.”— Shakespeare.10. There is much wealth in this town.11. “Ye shall flee when none pursueth you.”12. I love my own home.13. Several victories were gained.14. I have bought some books.15. He has sundry parcels.
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