determinerpronouns

Determiner pronouns is a term used in linguistics to describe words that can function either as determiners in noun phrases or as independent pronouns. As determiners, they appear before a noun to specify reference, quantity, possession, or number. As pronouns, they stand alone and substitute for a noun.

In their determiner use, several word classes behave as determiners before a noun. Demonstratives such as this, that, these, those specify proximity or plurality (this book, those cars). Possessives such as my, your, his, her, its, our, their modify a noun to show possession (my car, their ideas). Quantifiers like some, any, several, all indicate quantity or scope (some people, all options). Numerals such as one, two, three also function as determiners when preceding a noun (two cats, one idea). Interrogatives such as which and what can introduce a noun phrase (which book, what amount).

When used as pronouns, the same words can replace a noun. Demonstratives can stand as pronouns (This is mine; Those are yours). Possessive forms also function as pronouns: mine, yours, his, hers, ours, theirs. Some words overlap in both functions depending on position in the sentence. For example, which can be a determiner in which book, and a pronoun in which is yours?

In ordinary grammar, determiners and pronouns are distinct word classes, but many forms cross over, creating what some grammars refer to as determiner pronouns or determiner-like pronouns. The exact terminology varies by framework, but the core idea is the dual role of certain words in signaling reference and substituting for nouns.