Those

Definition

Those is a demonstrative pronoun used to refer to specific items or people that are farther away in distance or time. This word helps clarify and specify which objects or individuals are being discussed, making communication more precise. It plays a vital role in distinguishing between items in conversation, particularly when contrasting them with nearer objects or more immediate references.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Those can be used as a subject, an object, or an adjective in a sentence, demonstrating its versatility in grammar.
2. It often appears in constructions that involve contrast, emphasizing the distance between referred items and others being discussed.
3. In plural form, 'those' is always paired with plural nouns, indicating multiple items or individuals.
4. The pronunciation of 'those' emphasizes the long 'o' sound, which differentiates it from similar sounding words.
5. 'Those' can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it suitable for various types of communication.

Review Questions

• How does the usage of 'those' enhance clarity in communication compared to other pronouns?
  • 'Those' enhances clarity by specifying particular items or individuals that are not close in distance or time, allowing speakers to differentiate them from others. This specificity helps listeners understand exactly what is being referred to, reducing ambiguity. For instance, saying 'those apples' clearly indicates apples that are farther away, whereas saying 'these apples' would suggest proximity. By using 'those,' speakers create a clearer mental picture for their audience.
• Discuss the grammatical roles that 'those' can play within a sentence and provide examples.
  • 'Those' can function as a subject, object, or determiner in sentences. As a subject, it can appear at the beginning, such as in 'Those are my friends.' As an object, it could be used like this: 'I saw those at the store.' Lastly, when used as a determiner, it modifies nouns directly: 'I prefer those cookies.' Each of these roles highlights its versatility and importance in structuring clear sentences.
• Evaluate how the choice between 'those,' 'these,' and 'them' can impact the meaning conveyed in communication.
  • Choosing between 'those,' 'these,' and 'them' impacts meaning by conveying proximity and specificity. 'Those' indicates items or individuals that are distant, while 'these' refers to those that are near. On the other hand, 'them' serves as an object pronoun without indicating distance. For example, saying 'I love these shoes over those' shows preference for nearby shoes while comparing them to distant ones. The choice of pronoun shapes how information is perceived and understood in conversations.

Related terms

this:

This is a demonstrative pronoun that refers to a specific item or person that is close in distance or time.

these: These is a plural demonstrative pronoun used to refer to specific items or people that are nearby.

them:

Them is a personal pronoun used as the object of a verb or preposition to refer to people or things already mentioned.