these
Referring to people or things near the speaker (plural).
Use 'these' to point out multiple things that are close to you.
Mot en 30 secondes
- Used for plural items near the speaker.
- Always pairs with a plural noun.
- Contrast with 'those' for distant items.
Summary
Use 'these' to point out multiple things that are close to you.
- Used for plural items near the speaker.
- Always pairs with a plural noun.
- Contrast with 'those' for distant items.
Always check for plural nouns
Whenever you use 'these', ensure the noun that follows is plural. If the noun is singular, switch to 'this'.
Avoid 'these ones'
While common in speech, saying 'these ones' is often considered redundant. Simply using 'these' is usually sufficient and more concise.
Spatial awareness in English
English speakers rely heavily on demonstratives to define physical space. Using the correct word helps listeners visualize your environment clearly.
Exemples
4 sur 4These apples are fresh.
These terms and conditions apply to all users.
Are these your glasses?
These data suggest a significant trend.
Famille de mots
Astuce mémo
Think of the 'e' in 'these' as standing for 'everything' in a group. If there is more than one thing nearby, 'these' is the word to seize.
Overview
The word 'these' is a fundamental demonstrative determiner in English. Its primary function is to point out specific items within a group that are near the speaker in terms of space, time, or discourse. Because it is a plural determiner, it must always be followed by a plural noun.
Usage Patterns
'These' is used when the speaker is referring to more than one thing. For example, if you are holding several books, you would say 'These books are heavy.' If you are referring to things that are far away, you would use 'those' instead. Grammatically, 'these' can also act as a demonstrative pronoun when it stands alone as the subject or object of a sentence, such as in the phrase 'These are my favorite.'
Common Contexts
You will encounter 'these' frequently in everyday conversation, academic writing, and retail settings. It is essential for clarifying which items you are interested in or discussing. In professional settings, it is often used to refer to specific documents or ideas previously mentioned in the conversation (e.g., 'These findings are significant').
Similar Words Comparison: The most common point of confusion is between 'this' and 'these'. 'This' is used for singular nouns, while 'these' is strictly for plural nouns. Additionally, 'these' is contrasted with 'those'. While 'these' implies proximity, 'those' implies distance. Understanding this spatial relationship is critical for accurate communication. Mastering the distinction between singular/plural and near/far demonstratives is a hallmark of reaching A2 proficiency.
Notes d'usage
The word 'these' is used in all registers of English. It is essential for clarity when distinguishing between multiple items. Always ensure subject-verb agreement follows the plural nature of 'these'.
Erreurs courantes
Learners often use 'these' with a singular noun (e.g., 'these book'). Another common error is using 'these' to refer to things that are far away instead of 'those'. Always remember to check the noun count and distance.
Astuce mémo
Think of the 'e' in 'these' as standing for 'everything' in a group. If there is more than one thing nearby, 'these' is the word to seize.
Origine du mot
The word originates from the Old English 'thes', which was the masculine singular form. Over time, it evolved into the modern plural demonstrative used today.
Contexte culturel
In English-speaking cultures, using demonstratives correctly is vital for politeness and clarity. Pointing at objects while using 'these' is common, though pointing at people is generally considered rude.
Exemples
These apples are fresh.
everydayThese terms and conditions apply to all users.
formalAre these your glasses?
informalThese data suggest a significant trend.
academicFamille de mots
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
these days
like these
through these
Souvent confondu avec
This is used for singular nouns, whereas these is used for plural nouns. They both indicate proximity.
Those is used for plural nouns that are far away. These is used for plural nouns that are close.
Modèles grammaticaux
Always check for plural nouns
Whenever you use 'these', ensure the noun that follows is plural. If the noun is singular, switch to 'this'.
Avoid 'these ones'
While common in speech, saying 'these ones' is often considered redundant. Simply using 'these' is usually sufficient and more concise.
Spatial awareness in English
English speakers rely heavily on demonstratives to define physical space. Using the correct word helps listeners visualize your environment clearly.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
___ shoes are very comfortable.
Shoes is a plural noun, so the plural demonstrative 'these' is required.
Identify the correct sentence.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
In this case, 'these' acts as a pronoun referring to a plural group of people, which is grammatically correct.
Rearrange the words to form a correct sentence.
are / keys / these / mine
The determiner 'these' must precede the plural noun 'keys' to form the subject.
Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsNo, 'these' is strictly for plural nouns. You must use 'this' for singular items.
'These' refers to items that are close to the speaker. 'Those' refers to items that are further away.
Yes, it can stand alone as a pronoun to represent a group of items. For instance, 'These are delicious' refers to cookies you are currently holding.
It is neutral and commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. It is a standard grammatical requirement in all forms of English.
Apprendre en contexte
Ce mot dans d'autres langues
Grammaire lie
Expressions liées
Vocabulaire associé
Plus de mots sur general
about
A1'About' signifie 'à propos de' quand on parle d'un sujet, ou 'environ' pour une quantité.
above
A2Indique une position plus haute que quelque chose d'autre, juste au-dessus.
accident
A2Un événement imprévu qui cause du tort ou des blessures.
action
A2C'est le fait de faire quelque chose pour atteindre un but.
after
A2'After' veut dire 'après', quelque chose qui arrive plus tard dans le temps ou dans l'espace.
afterward
A2At a later or subsequent time.
again
A2'Again' veut dire 'encore', que quelque chose se produit une deuxième fois ou plus.
aged
B1Cela précise l'âge d'une personne ou d'un objet.
alive
A2Quelque chose qui est en vie, qui n'est pas mort.
all
A2'All' désigne la totalité de quelque chose, chaque élément sans exception.
