When To Use Those Vs These

Have you ever paused mid-sentence, hovering between "those" and "these," unsure which demonstrative pronoun to use? You're not alone. Many English speakers, even native ones, find themselves momentarily stumped by these seemingly simple words. The confusion often arises because the correct choice depends on understanding distance – both physical and conceptual – from the speaker. Mastering the usage of "those" and "these" is crucial for clear and precise communication, ensuring your message is accurately conveyed.

Choosing between "those" and "these" boils down to proximity. "These" refers to things that are near, either physically or in time, to the speaker. "Those," on the other hand, points to things that are farther away. But the nuance lies in understanding how "near" and "far" are interpreted in various contexts. This article will delve into the comprehensive usage of "those" and "these," exploring their applications in different scenarios, clarifying common points of confusion, and providing practical tips to help you use them with confidence.

Main Subheading

The words "those" and "these" are demonstrative pronouns and adjectives, playing a vital role in indicating specific items or groups of items. They help listeners or readers understand exactly what the speaker is referring to. However, their correct usage is contingent on understanding the concepts of proximity – both physical and temporal – and number (singular vs. plural, which further connects to "this" and "that," the singular counterparts).

Many languages have similar demonstrative systems, but the specific rules and nuances can vary. This can lead to errors when speakers translate directly from their native language. In English, mastering "those" and "these" (along with "this" and "that") is fundamental to achieving fluency and clarity. These words are used constantly in everyday conversation and writing, making a solid understanding of their usage essential for effective communication. They are not just grammatical niceties; they are crucial tools for precise expression.

Comprehensive Overview

To truly understand when to use "those" versus "these," we need to dissect their definitions, explore their historical roots, and examine the underlying concepts that govern their usage.

Definitions and Core Concepts:

These: This demonstrative pronoun and adjective refers to items that are close to the speaker in space or time. It always refers to plural nouns. Think of "these" as indicating items "right here" or "happening now."
Those: Conversely, "those" refers to items that are further away from the speaker in space or time. It also refers exclusively to plural nouns. Envision "those" as indicating items "over there" or "happening then."

The fundamental concept underlying their use is proximity. This proximity can be literal, referring to physical distance, or figurative, referring to temporal distance (time) or even conceptual distance (ideas). For instance, "These ideas are interesting" implies the speaker is currently engaged with the ideas, while "Those ideas were interesting" suggests the ideas belong to the past.

Scientific Foundations (Psycholinguistics):

From a psycholinguistic perspective, the use of demonstratives like "those" and "these" is closely tied to our spatial and temporal cognition. Our brains are wired to understand the world in terms of space and time. When we use "these," our brains activate neural pathways associated with the immediate environment. When we use "those," we activate pathways associated with a more distant environment.

Studies in cognitive psychology have shown that even subtle differences in wording, such as using "this" versus "that," can influence how people perceive and remember information. This highlights the importance of choosing the right demonstrative to align with the intended meaning and impact. The choice of demonstrative can influence a listener's attention and focus, guiding them toward the intended referent.

Historical Roots:

The words "this," "that," "these," and "those" have deep roots in Old English. They evolved from demonstrative pronouns that served similar functions: indicating proximity and distance. Over centuries, their forms and usages have been refined, but the core meaning has remained consistent. Tracing their etymology reveals the enduring human need to distinguish between what is near and what is far.

Understanding the historical context can provide a deeper appreciation for the subtle nuances in their usage. For example, certain archaic usages, while no longer common, can shed light on the evolutionary path of these words. Studying historical texts can reveal how the emphasis on proximity and distance has shaped the English language over time.

Essential Concepts Deep Dive:

Physical Proximity: This is the most straightforward application. If you can point to the items in question and they are within easy reach, "these" is generally the correct choice. If they are across the room, down the street, or otherwise significantly distant, "those" applies.
- Example: "These cookies are delicious" (said while holding a plate of cookies). "Those cookies look delicious" (said while looking at cookies on a table across the room).
Temporal Proximity: "These" can refer to the present time or a time very close to the present. "Those" refers to the past or the future.
- Example: "These days, I'm feeling much better." "Those were the days!" (referring to a past period). "These next few weeks will be crucial for the project." "Those years after college were a blur."
Conceptual Proximity: This is where it gets trickier. "These" can refer to ideas or concepts that are currently under discussion or consideration. "Those" can refer to ideas that have been previously mentioned or are generally understood.
- Example: "These arguments are compelling." "Those arguments, however, have been refuted." "These are my terms." "Those were her conditions."
Emotional Proximity: Sometimes, the choice between "those" and "these" reflects emotional connection. "These" can indicate a sense of closeness or ownership, while "those" can suggest detachment.
- Example: "These are my children" (implying a strong emotional bond). "Those are the neighbors' kids" (more detached).
Plurality: Both "those" and "these" always refer to more than one item. If you are referring to a single item, you must use "this" (for things nearby) or "that" (for things farther away). This is a fundamental rule that cannot be broken.
- Example: "This book is interesting." "These books are interesting." "That car is fast." "Those cars are fast."

Trends and Latest Developments

While the fundamental rules governing "those" and "these" remain constant, their usage can be influenced by evolving communication styles and technological advancements. Here's a look at some trends and developments:

Informal Communication: In informal online communication (texting, social media), the rules can sometimes be relaxed. However, even in informal settings, accuracy is still important for clear communication. Overly casual usage can lead to misunderstandings, even if unintentional.
Global English: As English becomes increasingly globalized, variations in usage are emerging. Non-native speakers may sometimes use "those" and "these" differently, reflecting the rules of their native languages. This doesn't necessarily constitute incorrect usage, but it can sometimes lead to confusion.
Data Analysis: Linguistic analysis of large text corpora (collections of written text) can provide insights into how "those" and "these" are used in different contexts. These analyses can reveal patterns and trends that might not be apparent through traditional grammatical analysis. For example, some studies have shown that "these" is becoming increasingly common in contexts where "those" might have been used previously, possibly reflecting a trend toward a greater sense of immediacy.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI-powered writing tools and grammar checkers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their ability to identify and correct errors in the usage of "those" and "these." However, these tools are not always perfect, and it's important to understand the underlying rules yourself to ensure accuracy. AI can also analyze vast amounts of text data to identify trends in how these words are used in different contexts.
Popular Opinion: There isn't a strong popular opinion against "those" or "these", but more about its confusion. Many people struggle with the concept of proximity. Grammar enthusiasts and language purists often emphasize the importance of using these demonstratives correctly to maintain clarity and precision. However, in everyday conversation, slight errors are often overlooked, especially if the meaning is still clear.

Professional insights suggest that while informal communication may allow for some flexibility, maintaining accuracy in formal writing and professional communication is crucial. Misusing "those" and "these" can undermine your credibility and create confusion, especially in technical or academic contexts.

Tips and Expert Advice

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

Visualize the Distance: Before using "those" or "these," mentally picture the objects or concepts you are referring to. Are they close to you, either physically or in time? If so, "these" is likely the correct choice. Are they farther away? Then "those" is more appropriate.
- For example, imagine you are giving a presentation. If you are referring to the slides currently on the screen, you would say, "These slides show the latest data." If you are referring to slides you showed earlier, you might say, "Those slides provided context for this analysis."
Consider the Context: Pay attention to the surrounding sentences and the overall context of the conversation or writing. The context can provide clues about the intended meaning and help you choose the right demonstrative.
- For example, if you are discussing a past event, "those" is more likely to be correct. If you are discussing a current situation, "these" is more likely to be appropriate. "Remember those summer days?" (past). "These summer days are incredibly hot!" (present).
Practice with Examples: The best way to master "those" and "these" is to practice using them in different contexts. Try writing your own sentences and examples, and ask a friend or colleague to review them.
- Start by creating simple sentences with clear physical proximity. Then, gradually move on to more complex sentences involving temporal or conceptual proximity. For instance: Physical: "These flowers smell lovely." "Those trees are very tall." Temporal: "These past few weeks have been hectic." "Those years were a challenge." Conceptual: "These arguments are well-reasoned." "Those assumptions are flawed."
Read Widely and Pay Attention: Pay attention to how native English speakers use "those" and "these" in their writing and speech. The more you read and listen, the more you will internalize the correct usage.
- Pay attention to the nuances of usage in different genres and contexts. For example, the usage in a novel might be different from the usage in a scientific article. Actively notice these differences and try to understand the reasons behind them.
Don't Overthink It: While it's important to be mindful of the rules, don't overthink it to the point of paralysis. In most cases, the correct choice will be fairly obvious. If you're unsure, err on the side of simplicity and clarity.
- Remember that communication is the primary goal. If your meaning is clear, a minor error in the usage of "those" or "these" is unlikely to cause significant problems. However, striving for accuracy will improve your overall communication skills.

FAQ

Q: Is it ever acceptable to use "those" and "these" interchangeably?

A: No, it is generally not acceptable to use them interchangeably. They have distinct meanings based on proximity, and using the wrong one can lead to confusion. However, in very informal contexts, the rules may be relaxed slightly.

Q: Can "those" and "these" be used with uncountable nouns?

A: No. "Those" and "these" can only be used with plural countable nouns. With uncountable nouns, you would use "this" or "that" with appropriate quantifiers (e.g., "this water," "that information").

Q: What's the difference between "those of you" and "these of you"?

A: "Those of you" refers to a specific group of people who share a particular characteristic or have done something specific. "These of you" is less common, but would refer to a group of people who are present or being directly addressed. Example: "Those of you who completed the assignment on time will receive extra credit". Or "These of you here today".

Q: How do I choose between "those" and "these" when referring to something abstract, like feelings or ideas?

A: Consider the temporal or conceptual distance. If you are currently experiencing the feelings or discussing the ideas, use "these." If you are referring to past feelings or previously mentioned ideas, use "those."

Q: Are there any regional variations in the usage of "those" and "these"?

A: While the fundamental rules are consistent across dialects of English, there may be slight regional variations in emphasis or preferred phrasing. However, these variations are unlikely to cause significant confusion.

Conclusion

Mastering the difference between "those" and "these" is essential for clear, precise, and effective communication. While the concept of proximity – whether physical, temporal, or conceptual – may seem simple, its application requires careful consideration of context and intended meaning. By understanding the nuances of these demonstrative pronouns and adjectives, you can significantly improve your writing and speaking skills.

Now that you have a comprehensive understanding of "those" and "these," put your knowledge into practice! Try incorporating these tips into your daily communication. Practice identifying the correct usage in various contexts, and challenge yourself to use "those" and "these" with confidence and accuracy. Share this article with others who might find it helpful, and let's work together to improve our collective understanding of the English language!