Are you confused about when to use “these” and when to use “those” in your writing? As two common pronouns in the English language, it’s easy to mix up their usage, but understanding the difference between these two words is essential for clear and effective communication. In this article, we’ll understand the use of “these” and “those” in grammar, providing examples and helpful tips to ensure you use them correctly in your writing. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or simply looking to improve your English language skills, this guide will help you master the art of using “these” and “those.”
Because learning to use the English language effectively requires an understanding of basic grammatical rules, including the proper usage of these and those. This article will provide an overview of the usage of these and those, with examples to illustrate the difference between the two terms.
It will also explain how to use these and those in a variety of contexts, including verbal and written communications. By the end of this article, readers will have a better understanding of how to use these and those in English.
Use Of These And Those | Difference Between These And Those
The terms these and those are both used to refer to a group of people or things. “These” is used to refer to a group that is near in either physical or temporal proximity, while “those” is used to refer to a group that is farther away in either physical or temporal proximity. In other words, “these” is used to refer to a group that is close by, while “those” is used to refer to a group that is farther away.
For example, if there are two people standing in front of you, you would use the term these to refer to the two people. Similarly, if there were two people standing across the room, you would use the term those to refer to them.
“These” and “those” can also be used to refer to a group of things that are either close by or far away. For example, if there are three books on the desk next to you, you would use the term these to refer to the three books. Similarly, if there were three books on the shelf across the room, you would use the term those to refer to them.
For a better understanding just look at that image.
In this image you can see, mangoes are very close to the kid so we use the word “these” to refer to the mangoes. Now look at the second image:
In this image, you can see mangoes are far away from the kid so we used “those” to refer to the mangoes. ant this is the main difference between these and those.
Examples of These and Those
Here are some more examples of how “these” and those can be used in different contexts:
These:
- These shoes are comfortable.
- I like these colors.
- These people are my friends.
- I want to buy these books.
- These mangoes are very sweet.
- These plants are very useful for making medicines.
- These cars require at least 20 liters of petrol.
- These books are yet to be read by me.
- I love these bags that you buy for your sister.
- Who left these snacks in the fridge?
Those:
- Those shoes look nice.
- Those people are strangers.
- I don’t want to buy those books.
- I don’t like those colors.
- Those people are looking very suspicious.
- Those dogs are howling very badly.
- Those were nice buildings that we saw yesterday.
- Do these things belong to the shopkeeper?
- How much do those boxes cost?
- Can you pass me those glasses?
Using These and Those in Verbal Communications
When using these and those in verbal communications, it is important to remember the difference between the two terms. When talking to someone, you should use the term these to refer to something that is close to you, and the term those to refer to something that is farther away.
For example, if you are talking to someone and there is a table between you, you would use the term “these” to refer to the table, and the term “those” to refer to the people standing behind the table.
Using These and Those in Written Communications
When writing, the same principle applies. When writing, you should use the term these to refer to something that is close to you, and the term those to refer to something that is farther away. For example, if you are writing about two people, you would use the term these to refer to the person closest to you, and the term those to refer to the person farther away.
It is also important to note that when using these and those in written communications, the terms should always be followed by a noun. For example, instead of writing “these” or “those”, you should write “these people” or “those people”.
Examples of these and those with explanations
Here are some examples of sentences using “these” with proper explanation:
- These cookies are delicious. In this sentence, “these” is used to refer to a specific set of cookies that are in the speaker’s possession or nearby.
- These days, I’m always tired. “These” is used to refer to a specific time period or era.
- These are my favorite shoes. Here, “these” is used to refer to a specific set of shoes that the speaker owns or is currently wearing.
- These students are doing well in math. In this sentence, “these” is used to refer to a specific group of students that the speaker is referring to.
- These are the instructions for the assignment. “These” is used to refer to a specific set of instructions, likely presented to the speaker in written or verbal form.
- These flowers are beautiful. In this sentence, “these” is used to refer to a specific set of flowers that are in the speaker’s possession or nearby.
- These chairs are uncomfortable. “These” is used to refer to a specific set of chairs that the speaker is currently sitting in or referring to.
- These books are mine. Here, “these” is used to refer to a specific set of books that the speaker owns or is currently holding.
- These days, technology is advancing rapidly. In this sentence, “these” is used to refer to a specific time period or era.
- These cars are very fuel-efficient. “These” is used to refer to a specific group of cars that the speaker is referring to, likely based on a specific set of features or criteria.
Here are some examples of sentences using “those” with proper explanation:
- Those shoes are too small for me. In this sentence, “those” is used to refer to a specific set of shoes that are located farther away from the speaker.
- Those mountains are stunning. “Those” is used to refer to a specific set of mountains that are located farther away from the speaker.
- Those books on the shelf belong to my roommate. Here, “those” is used to refer to a specific set of books that are located farther away from the speaker, likely on a bookshelf.
- Those students over there are playing basketball. In this sentence, “those” is used to refer to a specific group of students that are located farther away from the speaker.
- Those are the books I was telling you about. “Those” is used to refer to a specific set of books that the speaker previously mentioned, likely in a previous conversation or interaction.
- Those flowers over there are blooming early this year. In this sentence, “those” is used to refer to a specific set of flowers that are located farther away from the speaker.
- Those birds are so loud! “Those” is used to refer to a specific set of birds that are located farther away from the speaker.
- Those cookies look delicious. Here, “those” is used to refer to a specific set of cookies that are located farther away from the speaker, likely on a plate or counter.
- Those houses are all very similar in design. In this sentence, “those” is used to refer to a specific group of houses that are located farther away from the speaker.
- Those employees are always on time. “Those” is used to refer to a specific group of employees that the speaker is referring to, likely based on a specific set of qualities or traits.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to understand the difference between the terms these and those in order to use them correctly in both verbal and written communications.
These are used to refer to a group that is near in either physical or temporal proximity, while those are used to refer to a group that is farther away in either physical or temporal proximity.
Examples of how to use these and those in different contexts have been provided, along with a brief explanation of how to use these and those in verbal and written communications. By the end of this article, readers will have a better understanding of how to use these and those in English.
