When it comes to choosing between “these” and “those,” it can be easy to get confused. Both words are demonstrative pronouns that are used to indicate something specific, but they are not interchangeable.
The proper word to use depends on the context of the sentence. “These” is used to refer to something that is nearby or within reach, while “those” is used to refer to something that is farther away or not within reach.
For example, if you are holding a book in your hand, you would say “I am holding these books,” because the books are nearby and within reach. However, if you are pointing to a book on a shelf across the room, you would say “I am pointing to those books,” because the books are farther away and not within reach.
It’s important to use the correct word to avoid confusion and to ensure that your message is clear. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between “these” and “those” in more detail and provide examples to help you use them correctly in your writing.
Define These
When we use the word “these,” we refer to objects, people, or ideas that are near to us in space or time. It is a demonstrative pronoun that points to something that is close at hand. For example, if you are holding a book in your hand, you could say, “I am reading these pages.”
The word “these” is also used as a determiner to describe a specific group of things that are close to us. For instance, “These books on the table are mine.”
Define Those
On the other hand, “those” is a demonstrative pronoun that refers to objects, people, or ideas that are far away from us in space or time. For example, if you are pointing to a group of birds flying in the sky, you could say, “Look at those birds up there.”
“Those” can also be used as a determiner to describe a specific group of things that are far away from us. For instance, “Those houses across the street are for sale.”
It is important to note that the usage of “these” and “those” is dependent on the proximity of the objects or ideas being referred to. The speaker must be aware of their surroundings and use the appropriate word to convey their message accurately.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Choosing the right words to use in a sentence can be tricky, especially when it comes to deciding between ‘these’ and ‘those’. Here are some guidelines to help you use these words properly in a sentence.
How To Use ‘These’ In A Sentence
‘These’ is a demonstrative pronoun that is used to refer to objects that are close to the speaker or the person being addressed. Here are some examples:
- “These cookies are delicious.”
- “Can you pass me these books?”
- “I love these shoes.”
Notice that in each of these examples, the objects being referred to are close to the speaker or the person being addressed. It is important to use ‘these’ only when referring to objects that are nearby.
How To Use ‘Those’ In A Sentence
‘Those’ is also a demonstrative pronoun, but it is used to refer to objects that are farther away from the speaker or the person being addressed. Here are some examples:
- “Those mountains are beautiful.”
- “Can you see those birds in the sky?”
- “I don’t like those shoes.”
Again, notice that in each of these examples, the objects being referred to are not close to the speaker or the person being addressed. It is important to use ‘those’ only when referring to objects that are farther away.
Using ‘these’ and ‘those’ correctly can help to make your writing more clear and precise. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you are using these words properly in a sentence.
More Examples Of These & Those Used In Sentences
In order to better understand the usage of “these” and “those” in sentences, let us take a look at some more examples:
Examples Of Using “These” In A Sentence:
- These cupcakes are delicious!
- These shoes are too tight.
- These books belong to the library.
- These flowers are blooming beautifully.
- These cookies were baked by my grandmother.
- I love these earrings you gave me.
- These chairs are comfortable to sit on.
- These apples are fresh from the orchard.
- These pens are running out of ink.
- These photos bring back so many memories.
Examples Of Using “Those” In A Sentence:
- Those shoes are out of style.
- Those clouds look like they’re about to rain.
- Those buildings were built in the 1800s.
- Those birds are flying in formation.
- Those cookies were made by a famous chef.
- I don’t like those earrings you’re wearing.
- Those chairs are too heavy to move.
- Those apples are rotten and should be thrown away.
- Those pens are not working properly.
- Those photos were taken on our vacation last year.
By studying these examples, you can gain a better understanding of when to use “these” and “those” in your own writing and speech.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
It’s common to see people using “these” and “those” interchangeably, but this can lead to confusion and miscommunication. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Mistake #1: Using “These” To Refer To Things That Are Far Away
Many people use “these” to refer to things that are far away, but this is incorrect. “These” should be used to refer to things that are close to the speaker. For example:
- Correct: These pens on my desk are blue.
- Incorrect: These mountains in the distance are beautiful.
Mistake #2: Using “Those” To Refer To Things That Are Close
Similarly, “those” should be used to refer to things that are far away. Using “those” to refer to things that are close can be confusing. For example:
- Correct: Those trees in the distance are tall.
- Incorrect: Those books on my desk are interesting.
Mistake #3: Using “These” And “Those” To Refer To People
While “these” and “those” can be used to refer to people, it’s important to be careful with their usage. Using “these” and “those” to refer to people can come across as impersonal or even rude. Instead, use “this” and “that” to refer to a specific person, or use their name. For example:
- Correct: That woman over there is my boss, Sarah.
- Incorrect: These people in the meeting are wasting my time.
Tips To Avoid These Mistakes
To avoid these common mistakes, it’s important to be mindful of the context in which you’re using “these” and “those.” Ask yourself if the object you’re referring to is close or far away, and if it’s a person, consider using their name or “this/that” instead. By being aware of these common mistakes, you can communicate more effectively and avoid confusion.
Context Matters
Choosing between “these” and “those” can depend on the context in which they are used. These two words are demonstrative pronouns that are used to indicate something specific in relation to the speaker or writer. The choice between “these” and “those” can change based on the context in which they are used.
Examples Of Different Contexts And How The Choice Between These And Those Might Change:
- Distance: The choice between “these” and “those” can depend on the distance between the speaker and the object being referred to. When the object is closer to the speaker, “these” is used. When the object is farther away, “those” is used. For example, “These books on the table are mine” vs “Those books on the shelf are yours.”
- Time: The choice between “these” and “those” can depend on the time frame being referred to. “These” is used for things that are happening now or in the immediate future, while “those” is used for things that have already happened or will happen in the distant future. For example, “These assignments are due tomorrow” vs “Those assignments were due last week.”
- Number: The choice between “these” and “those” can depend on the number of objects being referred to. “These” is used for a small number of objects, while “those” is used for a larger number. For example, “These cupcakes are delicious” vs “Those cupcakes are all gone.”
- Subjectivity: The choice between “these” and “those” can depend on the speaker’s personal opinion or preference. “These” is used when the speaker has a positive opinion or preference, while “those” is used when the speaker has a negative opinion or preference. For example, “These shoes are my favorite” vs “Those shoes are uncomfortable.”
Overall, the choice between “these” and “those” can be influenced by a variety of factors, including distance, time, number, and subjectivity. It is important to consider the context in which these words are being used in order to make the appropriate choice between them.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using these and those are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions that require further explanation. In certain cases, the traditional guidelines for using these and those may not apply.
Exception 1: Time
When referring to time, the rules for using these and those can be different. In general, “these” refers to time periods that are close in the future, while “those” refers to time periods that are further away in the future.
| Example | Correct Usage |
|---|---|
| I have a meeting in these two hours. | Referring to a time period that is close in the future. |
| We should plan for our vacation in those few months. | Referring to a time period that is further away in the future. |
Exception 2: Distance
When referring to distance, the rules for using these and those can also differ. In general, “these” refers to objects or places that are closer in proximity, while “those” refers to objects or places that are further away.
| Example | Correct Usage |
|---|---|
| Can you pass me these scissors? | Referring to objects that are close in proximity. |
| Look at those mountains in the distance. | Referring to objects that are further away in proximity. |
It is important to note that these exceptions are not always hard and fast rules, and may vary depending on the context of the sentence. As always, it is important to consider the intended meaning and context of the sentence when deciding whether to use “these” or “those”.
Practice Exercises
Improving your understanding and use of “these” and “those” in sentences can be challenging, but with practice, you can master it. Here are some practice exercises to help you:
Exercise 1: Choose The Correct Word
Choose the correct word to complete each sentence:
| Sentence | Options | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| ______ cookies are delicious. |
|
These |
| ______ books on the shelf are mine. |
|
Those |
| ______ flowers in the garden are blooming. |
|
Those |
| ______ shoes are too tight. |
|
These |
Exercise 2: Fill In The Blank
Fill in the blank with “these” or “those”:
- I love _______ shoes.
- _________ flowers are my favorites.
- _________ cookies are delicious.
- _________ books on the shelf are mine.
- _________ jackets are too big.
Answers:
- These
- Those
- These
- Those
- Those
Conclusion
After learning about the differences between “these” and “those,” it is clear that these two words are not interchangeable. “These” refers to objects that are close in proximity, while “those” refers to objects that are farther away. It is important to use these words correctly in order to avoid confusion and clearly convey meaning.
One key takeaway from this article is that grammar and language use are important aspects of effective communication. By paying attention to the words we use and how we use them, we can ensure that our message is clear and easily understood by others.
Another takeaway is that language is constantly evolving, and it is important to stay up-to-date on changes and new developments. By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, we can improve our communication skills and stay ahead of the curve.
Overall, mastering the use of “these” and “those” is just one small part of effective communication. By paying attention to the words we use and how we use them, we can become better communicators and achieve our goals more effectively.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.