Overview
Demonstratives shift perspective in reported speech: this → that, these → those. Example: 'I love this city' → She said she loved that city. This change reflects the physical and temporal distance between the original speech event and the reporting context.
Demonstrative Changes
- this →that
- these →those
- Direct'I love this city,' she said.
- ReportedShe said she loved that city.
- Direct'These results are amazing.'
- ReportedHe said those results were amazing.
Why They Change
- this / these = close to the speaker.
- that / those = distance — reflecting the shift in perspective when reporting later or from a distance.
- NoteNo change if you are in the same location or time: 'I love this city.' (still here) ✓
Other Demonstratives
- such →stays such (no change)
- Direct'Such results are rare.'
- ReportedHe said such results were rare. ✓
When to use
Storytelling
She said that hotel had been beautiful.
Conversation
He said that decision had been wrong.
News
Officials said those measures had proved effective.
Academic
The author argued that those findings were significant.