alternate uses for este, esta, etc.

Hola Gerald

Yes, demonstrative adjectives like "este", "esta", etc., can sometimes function almost like pronouns to refer to a person or thing mentioned earlier. In your example, “Ana irá a la escuela con Pedro con la condición de que este lleve sus libros”, the word “este” stands alone to refer to Pedro. This usage is common in Spanish, particularly in cases where we’re referring back to a previously mentioned person or object in the sentence.

In such contexts, “este/esta/ese/esa” act as stand-ins, similar to English words like “he”, “she”, or “that one”.

For more information on demonstrative pronouns, you can refer to this lesson on demonstrative pronouns. This resource explains the nuances and different ways to use demonstratives in Spanish.

Saludos

Silvia