those
Referring to people or things further away (plural).
Use 'those' to identify multiple items or people located at a distance from you.
Palabra en 30 segundos
- Used to point at multiple things far away.
- The plural counterpart to the singular word 'that'.
- Requires a plural noun or plural verb agreement.
Summary
Use 'those' to identify multiple items or people located at a distance from you.
- Used to point at multiple things far away.
- The plural counterpart to the singular word 'that'.
- Requires a plural noun or plural verb agreement.
Use distance as your guide
If you are pointing at something far away, reach for 'those'. If you can touch it, use 'these'.
Watch your verb agreement
Always pair 'those' with plural verbs like 'are' or 'were'. Never use 'is' or 'was' with 'those'.
Cultural pointing etiquette
In many Western cultures, pointing at people with a finger can be considered rude. Use 'those' with a subtle nod or eye direction instead.
Ejemplos
4 de 4Those shoes look very comfortable.
Those were the best years of my life.
Are those yours?
Those results support our previous hypothesis.
Familia de palabras
Truco para recordar
Think of 'Those' as 'Th-far-ose'. If it's far, use 'those'.
Overview
'Those' serves as a crucial linguistic tool for pointing out multiple entities that are not close to the speaker. Because it is plural, it must always be followed by a plural noun (e.g., 'those books') or stand alone as a pronoun representing a plural group. It functions primarily to create distance, distinguishing items 'over there' from those 'right here' (which would be 'these').
Usage Patterns
When used as a determiner, 'those' precedes a plural noun, such as 'those cars' or 'those people.' When used as a pronoun, it replaces the noun entirely, for example, 'I like these shoes, but I prefer those.' Grammatically, it requires plural verb agreement; one must say 'Those are mine' rather than 'Those is mine.'
Common Contexts
It is frequently used in daily life when identifying objects in a store, pointing out people in a photograph, or referring to events that happened in the past. In academic or formal writing, it is often used to refer back to a previously mentioned group of ideas or items to avoid repetition.
Similar Words: The primary contrast is with 'these,' which refers to things nearby. While 'those' suggests distance, 'these' suggests proximity. It is also distinct from 'them,' which is a personal pronoun used as an object. 'Those' acts as a pointer or identifier, whereas 'them' simply refers to the people or things themselves without the spatial implication.
Notas de uso
Use 'those' when the distance is clear to the listener. It is neutral in register, suitable for both casual conversation and professional reports. Always ensure the noun following it is plural.
Errores comunes
A common error is saying 'those book' instead of 'those books'. Another mistake is using 'those' when the object is physically close to the speaker. Remember that plural nouns must always follow the determiner.
Truco para recordar
Think of 'Those' as 'Th-far-ose'. If it's far, use 'those'.
Origen de la palabra
Derived from Old English 'þā', which was the plural form of the demonstrative pronoun 'þæt' (that). It has evolved alongside the English language to maintain its function as a distal demonstrative.
Contexto cultural
In English-speaking cultures, using demonstratives like 'those' helps clarify focus in group settings. It is essential for clear communication when identifying specific items in a busy environment.
Ejemplos
Those shoes look very comfortable.
everydayThose were the best years of my life.
formalAre those yours?
informalThose results support our previous hypothesis.
academicFamilia de palabras
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
those who
in those days
Se confunde a menudo con
These is for plural items nearby. Those is for plural items far away.
Them is an object pronoun used to refer to a group. Those is a demonstrative used to point out a group.
Patrones gramaticales
Use distance as your guide
If you are pointing at something far away, reach for 'those'. If you can touch it, use 'these'.
Watch your verb agreement
Always pair 'those' with plural verbs like 'are' or 'were'. Never use 'is' or 'was' with 'those'.
Cultural pointing etiquette
In many Western cultures, pointing at people with a finger can be considered rude. Use 'those' with a subtle nod or eye direction instead.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the correct word for the sentence.
Look at ___ birds flying high in the sky.
Birds are plural and far away, so 'those' is the correct choice.
Puntuación: /1
Preguntas frecuentes
3 preguntasNo, 'those' is specifically for things that are distant. For items close to you, you should use 'these'.
No, it can function as both a determiner (followed by a noun) and a pronoun (standing alone). Both usages are grammatically correct.
No, 'those' is gender-neutral in English. It applies equally to people, objects, and abstract concepts regardless of gender.
Aprende en contexto
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