When To Use Those Vs These

Imagine you're strolling through a vibrant farmer's market, overflowing with colorful fruits and vegetables. You point to a cluster of ripe red strawberries and tell your friend, "I want those strawberries." Then, gesturing to the apples closer to you, you say, "And I'll take these apples too." Instinctively, you knew which word to use for each situation. But have you ever stopped to think about the underlying rules governing those and these?

The English language, while often beautiful and expressive, can also be tricky. One area that frequently trips up even native speakers is the proper use of the demonstrative pronouns those and these. While they both point out specific items, they are not interchangeable. Choosing the right one depends on two key factors: proximity and number. Mastering the subtle nuances of those vs. these can significantly improve the clarity and precision of your spoken and written communication. Let's delve into the intricacies of these essential words and unlock the secrets to using them correctly every time.

Main Subheading

The words those and these are both demonstrative pronouns, which means they are used to point to specific nouns. They help us identify and distinguish items based on their location relative to the speaker and the number of items being referred to. However, they differ in their application based on distance. These refers to items that are close to the speaker, while those refers to items that are farther away. This distinction is crucial for clear and accurate communication.

Understanding the proper usage of those and these is vital for effective communication in English. They are fundamental to everyday conversations, academic writing, and professional correspondence. A misunderstanding in their usage can lead to confusion and misinterpretation of the intended message. Therefore, grasping the difference between those and these ensures that your message is conveyed accurately and clearly. Think of them as directional signals in your language toolbox, guiding your listener or reader to the precise items you intend to highlight.

Comprehensive Overview

To fully understand when to use those and these, let's break down the core concepts:

Definitions and Functions:

• These: This is the plural form of "this." It refers to two or more items that are near the speaker in terms of physical or conceptual distance.
• Those: This is the plural form of "that." It refers to two or more items that are further away from the speaker, either physically or conceptually.

Proximity: The Key Distinguisher:

The fundamental difference lies in proximity. These indicates nearness, while those indicates distance. Imagine you are holding a bunch of keys in your hand. You would say, " These keys are for my house." If you see a group of keys lying on a table across the room, you would say, " Those keys must belong to someone else."

Number: Dealing with Plurals:

Both those and these are exclusively used with plural nouns. If you are referring to a single item, you would use "this" for something near and "that" for something farther away. It is crucial to ensure that the noun you are referring to is plural when using those or these. For example, " These books are interesting," not " These book is interesting."

Conceptual Distance:

The concept of distance extends beyond physical proximity. It can also refer to conceptual distance, such as time or ideas. For example:

• " These days, I'm feeling much more energetic." (Referring to the current period of time)
• " Those were the days!" (Referring to a period in the past)
• "I don't agree with those ideas." (Referring to concepts that the speaker disagrees with)

Historical Roots:

The words this, that, these, and those all have roots in Old English. "This" and "these" come from the Old English word "þes," while "that" and "those" come from "þæt." Over centuries, their usage has evolved, but their basic function of indicating proximity and number has remained consistent. Understanding this historical context can provide a deeper appreciation for the nuances of the English language. The evolution of these words reflects the need for humans to clearly distinguish and identify objects and ideas in their environment.

Scientific Foundation (Cognitive Linguistics):

From a cognitive linguistics perspective, those and these are not merely grammatical tools but are deeply intertwined with how we perceive and interact with the world. Our brains create mental maps of our surroundings, categorizing objects based on their spatial relationships to us. When we use these, we are activating a cognitive schema of nearness, signaling to our listener that the referenced items are within our immediate sphere of attention. Conversely, those activates a schema of distance, indicating that the items are outside this immediate sphere. This cognitive process is automatic and largely unconscious, highlighting the fundamental role of language in shaping our perception.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Using these or those with singular nouns: This is a common error. Always ensure the noun is plural.
• Confusing proximity: Make sure to accurately assess whether the items are near or far from the speaker.
• Ignoring conceptual distance: Remember that distance is not always physical; consider the context of time and ideas.
• Overusing demonstrative pronouns: While those and these are useful, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure and use other pronouns or nouns to avoid redundancy.
• Incorrect subject-verb agreement: When using these or those as subjects, ensure that the verb agrees with the plural noun being referenced. For example, " These books are interesting" (not "is interesting").

Trends and Latest Developments

While the basic rules governing those and these remain consistent, their usage is subtly influenced by current trends in language and communication.

Informal vs. Formal Contexts:

In informal conversations, particularly among younger generations, there is a tendency to use these more broadly, sometimes blurring the lines of strict physical proximity. For example, someone might say, " These guys over there are really funny," even if the "guys" are not particularly close. While this usage is becoming increasingly common in casual settings, it is generally not appropriate for formal writing or professional communication. In such contexts, it's crucial to maintain the traditional distinction between those and these for clarity and precision.

Digital Communication:

The rise of digital communication has also introduced new nuances. In text messages or online forums, where physical proximity is irrelevant, the use of those and these often relies on shared context and understanding. For example, in a group chat discussing vacation photos, someone might say, " Those pictures from the beach look amazing!" even if everyone has already seen the pictures. The "distance" in this case is conceptual, referring to a specific set of previously shared images.

Data Analysis:

Analyzing large corpora of text and speech data reveals interesting patterns in the usage of those and these. For example, studies have shown that these is more frequently used in persuasive writing, as it creates a sense of immediacy and connection with the reader. Conversely, those is more common in descriptive writing, where the focus is on objects or ideas that are slightly removed from the immediate context. These data-driven insights can help writers and speakers make more informed choices about their language use.

Expert Insight:

Linguists note that the evolving usage of those and these reflects a broader trend towards informality and contextual dependence in modern communication. As language becomes increasingly fluid and adaptable, it is essential to be aware of these shifts and to adjust our usage accordingly, while still maintaining a strong foundation in the traditional grammatical rules. Understanding the nuances of those and these allows you to convey subtle meanings and connect with your audience more effectively.

Tips and Expert Advice

Here are some practical tips and expert advice to help you master the use of those and these:

1. Visualize the Distance:

Before using those or these, take a moment to visualize the items you are referring to. Are they within arm's reach, or are they across the room? If you can touch them easily, these is likely the correct choice. If they are farther away, those is more appropriate. This simple mental exercise can help you make a more accurate assessment of proximity.

2. Consider the Context:

As mentioned earlier, distance is not always physical. Think about the context of your communication. Are you referring to a period of time, a set of ideas, or a group of people? If the items are conceptually distant, those might be a better choice, even if they are physically close. For example, you might say, " Those were simpler times," even if you are currently in the same location where you experienced those times.

3. Practice with Examples:

The best way to improve your understanding of those and these is to practice using them in different contexts. Try creating your own sentences using each word and ask a native speaker to review them. Pay attention to how other people use those and these in conversations and in writing. The more you expose yourself to different examples, the more intuitive your understanding will become.

4. Pay Attention to Feedback:

If someone corrects your use of those or these, don't be discouraged. Instead, see it as an opportunity to learn and improve. Ask the person to explain why the other word is more appropriate in that context. Keep a record of the mistakes you make and review them periodically. Over time, you will develop a more accurate sense of when to use each word.

5. Use Online Resources:

There are many excellent online resources that can help you improve your grammar and vocabulary. Websites like Grammarly, Merriam-Webster, and the Oxford English Dictionary offer comprehensive explanations of grammatical rules and provide numerous examples of how to use those and these correctly. Take advantage of these resources to supplement your learning.

6. When in Doubt, Simplify:

If you are unsure whether to use those or these, consider simplifying your sentence. You might be able to rephrase it in a way that avoids the need for either word. For example, instead of saying, " Those books on the shelf are interesting," you could say, "The books on the shelf are interesting." While this might not always be possible, it can be a helpful strategy when you are feeling uncertain.

7. Think about your Audience:

Consider your audience when deciding whether to use informal or formal language. If you are writing a research paper or giving a presentation to a professional audience, it is important to maintain a formal tone and adhere to the traditional rules of grammar. However, if you are communicating with friends or family, you might have more leeway to use informal language.

FAQ

Q: Is it ever acceptable to use these to refer to something that is not physically close?

A: Yes, it is acceptable when referring to conceptual proximity, such as time periods (" These days...") or ideas that are currently under discussion.

Q: Can I use those and these interchangeably in certain situations?

A: While informal usage might blur the lines, it is generally best to maintain the distinction between near (these) and far (those) for clarity, especially in formal contexts.

Q: What is the difference between "this" and "these"?

A: "This" refers to a single item that is close, while "these" refers to multiple items that are close.

Q: What is the difference between "that" and "those"?

A: "That" refers to a single item that is far, while "those" refers to multiple items that are far.

Q: How do I improve my understanding of demonstrative pronouns?

A: Practice using them in different contexts, pay attention to feedback, and consult online resources. Visualizing the distance and considering the context can also be helpful.

Conclusion

Mastering the use of those and these is essential for clear and effective communication in English. While the rules governing their usage may seem simple at first, understanding the nuances of proximity, context, and number is crucial for avoiding confusion and conveying your intended message accurately. Remember, these refers to items that are near, while those refers to items that are farther away. By visualizing the distance, considering the context, and practicing regularly, you can confidently use those and these in your everyday conversations and writing.

Now that you have a comprehensive understanding of those vs. these, put your knowledge into practice! Try writing a paragraph using both words correctly. Share your examples in the comments below and let's continue the learning journey together. Your active participation will not only reinforce your own understanding but also help others grasp these important concepts.