Mastering ‘These’ and ‘Those’: A Comprehensive Guide

Navigating the nuances of English grammar can sometimes feel like traversing a labyrinth. Among the many potential stumbling blocks, the correct usage of demonstrative pronouns like ‘these’ and ‘those’ often presents a challenge, especially for non-native speakers. This comprehensive guide aims to demystify these two words, providing clear explanations, illustrative examples, and practical exercises to help you confidently incorporate them into your everyday communication.

What are Demonstrative Pronouns?

Before diving into the specifics of ‘these’ and ‘those,’ it’s important to understand the broader category they belong to: demonstrative pronouns. These pronouns point to specific people, places, things, or ideas. In English, the demonstrative pronouns are ‘this,’ ‘that,’ ‘these,’ and ‘those.’ They differ in terms of proximity (near vs. far) and number (singular vs. plural).

* **This:** Refers to a singular object or person that is near in proximity (physically or conceptually).
* **That:** Refers to a singular object or person that is far in proximity.
* **These:** Refers to multiple objects or people that are near in proximity.
* **Those:** Refers to multiple objects or people that are far in proximity.

‘These’: Pointing to the Near and Plural

‘These’ is the plural form of ‘this.’ It is used to refer to multiple items that are close to the speaker or writer, either physically or in a more abstract sense.

Physical Proximity

The most straightforward application of ‘these’ is when referring to objects that are physically close. Consider these examples:

* “**These** cookies look delicious.” (The cookies are in front of the speaker).
* “Can you help me carry **these** boxes?” (The boxes are near the speaker).
* “**These** flowers smell amazing.” (The speaker is close enough to smell the flowers).
* “I bought **these** shoes yesterday.” (The speaker is likely showing or referring to shoes they have on, or that are in their possession).
* “**These** are the instructions you need to follow.” (The instructions are handed over or placed next to the person being instructed).

Conceptual Proximity

‘These’ can also refer to things that are close in time, thought, or discussion, even if they are not physically present.

* “**These** days, I’m very busy with work.” (Referring to the current period of time).
* “**These** are my reasons for resigning.” (Referring to reasons that are about to be, or have already been, explained).
* “**These** concerns need to be addressed immediately.” (Referring to concerns that are being discussed or are top-of-mind).
* “**These** problems are difficult to solve.” (Referring to a set of current, related problems).
* “**These** results are preliminary, but promising.” (Referring to a set of recent research results).

Using ‘These’ with Nouns

‘These’ is typically followed by a plural noun. The noun specifies what ‘these’ is referring to. It can function as a determiner (also known as an adjective) modifying a noun.

* “**These books** are very interesting.” (Books is the plural noun).
* “**These students** are working hard.” (Students is the plural noun).
* “**These ideas** are worth considering.” (Ideas is the plural noun).
* “**These buildings** are historic landmarks.” (Buildings is the plural noun).
* “**These opportunities** should not be missed.” (Opportunities is the plural noun).

Using ‘These’ as a Pronoun

In some cases, ‘these’ can stand alone as a pronoun, particularly when the noun is understood from the context.

* “Which apples do you want? **These** look ripe.” (The noun ‘apples’ is implied).
* “I like **these** better than those.” (The nouns being compared are implied from a previous statement or context).
* “**These** are the ones I was telling you about.” (The noun being discussed is implied).
* “Whose keys are **these**?” (The noun ‘keys’ is understood to be the things being held or pointed at).
* “Are **these** yours?” (Referring to a set of objects previously mentioned or presented).

‘Those’: Pointing to the Distant and Plural

‘Those’ is the plural form of ‘that.’ It’s used to refer to multiple items that are further away from the speaker or writer, either physically or conceptually.

Physical Distance

The most common use of ‘those’ involves objects that are physically distant. Consider these examples:

* “**Those** mountains are majestic.” (The mountains are visible but far away).
* “Who are **those** people standing over there?” (The people are at a distance from the speaker).
* “Can you see **those** birds flying in the sky?” (The birds are high above, far from the observer).
* “**Those** cars are blocking the driveway.” (The cars are a distance away, creating an obstruction).
* “Look at **those** stars tonight!” (The stars are very far away in the night sky).

Conceptual Distance

‘Those’ can also refer to things that are distant in time, thought, or discussion.

* “**Those** were the days!” (Referring to a past time that is considered good).
* “**Those** issues are no longer relevant.” (Referring to issues that have been resolved or are no longer important).
* “**Those** are just rumors; don’t believe them.” (Referring to rumors that are considered unreliable or untrue).
* “**Those** policies need to be revised.” (Referring to outdated or ineffective policies).
* “**Those** memories still haunt me.” (Referring to memories of the past that are painful).

Using ‘Those’ with Nouns

Like ‘these,’ ‘those’ is typically followed by a plural noun, which specifies what ‘those’ is referring to. Again, it acts as a determiner/adjective modifying a noun.

* “**Those clouds** look like they might bring rain.” (Clouds is the plural noun).
* “**Those houses** are very expensive.” (Houses is the plural noun).
* “**Those ideas** are outdated.” (Ideas is the plural noun).
* “**Those trees** provide a lot of shade.” (Trees is the plural noun).
* “**Those websites** are no longer active.” (Websites is the plural noun).

Using ‘Those’ as a Pronoun

‘Those’ can also stand alone as a pronoun, especially when the noun is understood from the context.

* “I don’t want these; I want **those**.” (The objects being referred to are implied).
* “**Those** are the ones I prefer.” (The noun is implied from a previous statement).
* “Which paintings do you like? **Those** over there?” (The noun ‘paintings’ is understood).
* “**Those** are the reasons I decided to leave.” (The reasons are likely to be known or explained).
* “Are **those** the documents you need?” (Referring to documents visible or previously mentioned).

Key Differences: ‘These’ vs. ‘Those’

The main difference between ‘these’ and ‘those’ boils down to proximity. ‘These’ refers to items that are near, while ‘those’ refers to items that are far.

| Feature | These | Those |
| —————– | ————————————- | ————————————— |
| Proximity | Near (physical or conceptual) | Far (physical or conceptual) |
| Number | Plural | Plural |
| Usage with Nouns | Followed by a plural noun | Followed by a plural noun |
| Pronoun Usage | Can stand alone when noun is implied | Can stand alone when noun is implied |

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Several common mistakes can occur when using ‘these’ and ‘those.’ Being aware of these pitfalls can help you improve your accuracy.

* **Using ‘this’ or ‘that’ instead of ‘these’ or ‘those’ for plural nouns:** This is a frequent error. Remember that ‘this’ and ‘that’ are singular, while ‘these’ and ‘those’ are plural. Incorrect: “This books are interesting.” Correct: “These books are interesting.”
* **Incorrectly identifying proximity:** Pay attention to whether the objects you’re referring to are near or far from you. Misjudging the distance can lead to using the wrong pronoun. For example, pointing to mountains far away and saying, “These mountains are beautiful,” is incorrect.
* **Confusing ‘these/those’ with ‘there/their/they’re’:** These are homophones or near-homophones and are common sources of confusion. ‘There’ indicates a place, ‘their’ indicates possession, and ‘they’re’ is a contraction of ‘they are.’ Only ‘these’ and ‘those’ are demonstrative pronouns. Incorrect: “They’re books are on the table.” Correct: “These books are on the table.” Or, “Those books are on the table.”
* **Forgetting to use a plural noun:** ‘These’ and ‘those’ must be used with plural nouns (or understood plural nouns). Incorrect: “These book is interesting.” Correct: “These books are interesting.”
* **Using ‘these’ when referring to something in the distant past:** Although ‘these’ can refer to the present time, when referring to the distant past, ‘those’ is usually more appropriate. For example, you would say “Those were difficult times” and not “These were difficult times” when talking about events from many years ago.

Practice Exercises

To solidify your understanding of ‘these’ and ‘those,’ try these practice exercises. Fill in the blanks with the correct pronoun.

1. Look at ______ birds flying overhead.
2. ______ are the best cookies I’ve ever tasted!
3. ______ issues need to be addressed immediately. (The issues are being discussed now)
4. ______ days were much simpler than today. (Referring to the past)
5. Can you pass me ______ pencils on the desk? (The desk is near you)
6. ______ are my reasons for disagreeing with the proposal. (Presenting the reasons)
7. Who owns ______ bicycles parked outside?
8. I prefer ______ shoes over here to the ones you’re wearing.
9. ______ were the most challenging years of my life. (Referring to years long ago)
10. ______ comments are inappropriate and should be removed. (Referring to recent comments on a forum)

Answer Key

1. Those
2. These
3. These
4. Those
5. Those
6. These
7. Those
8. These
9. Those
10. These

Advanced Usage Scenarios

Beyond the basic rules, ‘these’ and ‘those’ can be used in more nuanced ways.

Emphasis and Contrast

You can use ‘these’ and ‘those’ to emphasize a particular item or contrast it with another.

* “**These** are the solutions we need, not those half-hearted measures!” (Emphasizing the importance of certain solutions and contrasting them with inadequate ones).
* “While I appreciate the sentiment, I disagree with **those** methods.” (Distancing oneself from specific methods).
* “**These** are my principles, and I stand by them.” (Emphasizing one’s commitment to certain principles).
* “Don’t confuse **these** facts with those misleading rumors.” (Highlighting the importance of facts over rumors).
* “**These** results confirm our hypothesis, unlike those earlier inconclusive findings.” (Contrasting new, definitive results with previous uncertain ones).

Referring to Groups or Categories

Often, ‘these’ and ‘those’ are used to describe groups of people, things, or concepts.

* “**Those** who study hard will succeed.” (Referring to a group of people who are diligent students).
* “**These** initiatives aim to improve community well-being.” (Referring to a set of specific projects or programs).
* “**Those** interested in joining should sign up now.” (Referring to a group of potentially interested people).
* “**These** types of investments are considered high-risk.” (Referring to a certain class of investments).
* “**Those** experiencing difficulties should seek help.” (Referring to individuals facing particular challenges).

Referring to Actions or Events

Sometimes, ‘these’ and ‘those’ can refer to actions or events described in a previous clause or sentence.

* “He said he would help, but **those** promises were never kept.” (Referring to the unfulfilled promises).
* “They implemented the changes, and **these** measures significantly improved efficiency.” (Referring to the changes that were implemented).
* “She accepted the award, and **these** achievements were celebrated by all.” (Referring to the accomplishments that led to the award).
* “The company announced layoffs, and **those** decisions were met with widespread criticism.” (Referring to the announcement of layoffs).
* “We conducted the experiment, and **these** results have profound implications.” (Referring to the results that came from the experiment).

‘These’ and ‘Those’ in Formal and Informal Settings

The use of ‘these’ and ‘those’ remains consistent across formal and informal settings. However, the context in which they are used, and the complexity of the surrounding language, might differ. In formal writing, you might see more complex sentences that rely on ‘these’ and ‘those’ to refer to abstract concepts or detailed arguments. In informal settings, their use is more likely to be tied to immediate physical surroundings.

Alternatives to ‘These’ and ‘Those’

While ‘these’ and ‘those’ are frequently used, there are instances where alternative phrasing might be more appropriate or elegant. Consider these options:

* **The:** Instead of “These books are mine,” you could say, “The books are mine,” especially if the books have already been mentioned.
* **The aforementioned:** In formal writing, instead of “Those issues need to be addressed,” you could say, “The aforementioned issues need to be addressed.”
* **Specific:** Instead of “These types of cars are expensive,” you could say, “Specific types of cars are expensive.”
* **Such:** Instead of “Those kinds of behaviors are unacceptable,” you could say, “Such behaviors are unacceptable.”
* **Demonstrative Adjectives + Noun Repetition:** Rather than “Those are my reasons”, one might use “The reasons I previously listed…”

Conclusion

Mastering the use of ‘these’ and ‘those’ is a crucial step in improving your English grammar and communication skills. By understanding the concepts of proximity, number, and context, and by practicing regularly, you can confidently and accurately use these demonstrative pronouns in your writing and speaking. Remember to pay attention to the physical and conceptual distance between you and the objects or ideas you’re referring to, and to avoid common mistakes like confusing ‘these’ and ‘those’ with other similar-sounding words. With practice and attention to detail, you’ll be well on your way to mastering these essential elements of English grammar.