When To Use Those Vs These

Here's a comprehensive guide on how to differentiate and use "those" versus "these" correctly, ensuring your writing is clear and precise.

When to Use "Those" vs. "These": A Comprehensive Guide

Choosing between "those" and "these" can be tricky, especially for English language learners. Both words are demonstrative pronouns and adjectives, used to point out specific items. However, they differ in their indication of distance, both physical and conceptual. Understanding when to use "those" versus "these" is crucial for clear and effective communication. This article will delve into the nuances of each word, providing examples and guidelines to help you master their usage.

Introduction to Demonstrative Pronouns

Before diving into the specifics of "those" and "these," let's briefly cover demonstrative pronouns. Demonstrative pronouns are words that stand in for nouns and indicate which nouns you're referring to. In English, the primary demonstrative pronouns are:

• This: Refers to a single item that is near in distance or time.
• That: Refers to a single item that is farther away in distance or time.
• These: Refers to multiple items that are near in distance or time.
• Those: Refers to multiple items that are farther away in distance or time.

"Those" and "these" are the plural forms, used to refer to multiple items. The key to understanding their correct usage lies in recognizing the difference in proximity they imply.

Understanding "These"

"These" is used to refer to multiple items that are close to the speaker, either physically or conceptually. It indicates nearness in space, time, or thought.

• Physical Proximity: When you can physically touch or easily reach the items you are referring to, "these" is appropriate.
• Temporal Proximity: "These" can refer to things happening in the present time or a recent past/future.
• Conceptual Proximity: When discussing ideas or concepts that are closely related or currently under consideration, "these" is used.

Examples of "These" in Sentences

• "These books on the table are mine." (Physical proximity - the books are near the speaker)
• "These days, I'm feeling much better." (Temporal proximity - referring to the current period)
• "These are the issues we need to address." (Conceptual proximity - referring to issues currently under discussion)
• "Can you hand me these pens?" (Physical proximity)
• "I've been working hard these past few weeks." (Temporal proximity)
• "These results are quite promising." (Conceptual proximity)

Understanding "Those"

"Those" is used to refer to multiple items that are farther away from the speaker, either physically or conceptually. It implies a sense of distance, whether in space, time, or thought.

• Physical Distance: When the items you are referring to are not within easy reach or are located at a distance, "those" is appropriate.
• Temporal Distance: "Those" can refer to things that happened in the past or are expected in the more distant future.
• Conceptual Distance: When discussing ideas or concepts that are less relevant, already discussed, or generally distant from the current focus, "those" is used.

Examples of "Those" in Sentences

• "Those birds in the sky are migrating south." (Physical distance - the birds are far away)
• "Those were the days!" (Temporal distance - referring to a past time)
• "Those are just a few of the many challenges we face." (Conceptual distance - referring to challenges not immediately being addressed)
• "Look at those mountains in the distance." (Physical distance)
• "I remember those summers we spent at the beach." (Temporal distance)
• "Those concerns are no longer relevant." (Conceptual distance)

Key Differences Summarized

To clearly differentiate between "those" and "these," consider the following points:

• Proximity: "These" implies nearness, while "those" implies distance.
• Context: The context of the conversation or writing will often dictate which word is more appropriate.
• Perspective: The speaker's perspective and location are crucial in determining whether something is "near" or "far."

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Incorrect Proximity: Using "these" for items that are far away or "those" for items that are nearby.
• Confusion in Time: Mixing up "these" and "those" when referring to time periods.
• Lack of Clarity: Not providing enough context to make it clear which items you are referring to.

Practical Exercises

To solidify your understanding, try these exercises:

1. Fill in the Blanks: Choose between "those" and "these" to complete the sentences.
   • "______ cookies on the counter look delicious." (The cookies are within reach)
   • "______ stars we saw last night were incredible." (The stars are far away)
   • "______ are the best years of my life." (Referring to the present time)
   • "I'll never forget ______ days we spent traveling." (Referring to a past time)
2. Rewrite Sentences: Rewrite the following sentences to use either "those" or "these" appropriately, depending on the context you create.
   • "The flowers are beautiful."
   • "The memories are precious."
   • "The problems need solving."

Tips for Mastering "Those" and "These"

• Pay Attention to Context: Always consider the context of your sentence or conversation. What are you referring to, and how far away is it in terms of space, time, or concept?
• Practice Regularly: The more you practice using "those" and "these," the more natural it will become.
• Read Widely: Pay attention to how native English speakers use these words in writing and conversation.
• Ask for Feedback: If you're unsure, ask a native English speaker to review your writing and provide feedback.

Those vs These in Different Contexts

In Writing

When writing, clarity is paramount. Use "those" and "these" carefully to avoid ambiguity. For example, in academic writing, when referring to previous studies, consider the relevance and immediacy of the studies to determine whether "these" or "those" is more appropriate.

• "These studies provide further evidence..." (Referring to studies directly related to the current discussion).
• "Those studies, while significant, did not address..." (Referring to studies that are less directly related or have limitations).

In Speaking

In spoken English, gestures and tone of voice can provide additional context. You might point to items when using "these" to emphasize their proximity or use a more distant gesture when using "those."

• "I'll take these, please." (While pointing to items on a counter).
• "Did you see those clouds earlier?" (Referring to clouds that are no longer visible).

In Formal vs. Informal Settings

The use of "those" and "these" doesn't generally change between formal and informal settings. However, the overall clarity and precision of language are more critical in formal contexts.

• Formal: "These findings suggest..."
• Informal: "These things show..."

Both are correct, but the formal version is more precise and suitable for academic or professional writing.

Advanced Usage of "Those" and "These"

Beyond the basic rules, there are more nuanced ways to use "those" and "these" to add depth and clarity to your writing and speech.

Using "Those" to Generalize

"Those" can be used to refer to a general category or type of thing, rather than specific items.

• "Those who study hard tend to succeed." (Referring to people in general who study hard).
• "Those were simpler times." (Referring to a past era in a general sense).

Using "These" to Emphasize Immediacy

"These" can emphasize the current importance or relevance of something.

• "These are critical moments in our history." (Highlighting the significance of the present time).
• "These actions will have consequences." (Emphasizing the direct and immediate impact of actions).

"Those of Us" vs. "These of Us"

The phrase "those of us" refers to a subset of people who share a particular characteristic or experience, often implying a sense of distance or detachment. "These of us" is less common but can be used to emphasize a current or immediate connection.

• "Those of us who have experienced loss understand the pain." (Referring to a group with shared past experiences).
• "These of us who are here today are committed to change." (Emphasizing the current group's dedication).

The Role of Context in Choosing "Those" vs. "These"

Context is king. The surrounding sentences and the overall situation play a crucial role in determining which word is most appropriate.

• Example 1:
  • "I have two options: A and B. These options are both viable." (Referring to the options just mentioned).
  • "I considered several options, but those turned out to be impractical." (Referring to options considered earlier but discarded).
• Example 2:
  • "These are the tools we need for the job." (Showing the tools that are currently available).
  • "We used to have better tools; those were the days!" (Referring to tools from the past).

Cultural Considerations

While the basic rules for "those" and "these" remain consistent across different English-speaking cultures, subtle differences in usage can exist. Pay attention to how native speakers in your target region use these words to ensure your communication is natural and idiomatic.

Alternative Ways to Express Proximity

If you find yourself struggling with "those" and "these," consider alternative ways to express proximity.

• Using Specific Nouns: Instead of "these books," say "the books here" or "the books on the table."
• Adding Adverbs: Use adverbs like "nearby" or "distant" to clarify location.
• Rephrasing: Restructure the sentence to avoid the need for a demonstrative pronoun altogether.

Conclusion

Mastering the use of "those" and "these" is essential for clear and effective communication in English. By understanding the nuances of proximity in space, time, and concept, you can confidently choose the correct word and avoid common mistakes. Remember to pay attention to context, practice regularly, and seek feedback when needed. With these tips and exercises, you'll be well on your way to mastering these tricky demonstrative pronouns.