Use 'those' to identify multiple items or people located at a distance from you.
30秒词汇
- Used to point at multiple things far away.
- The plural counterpart to the singular word 'that'.
- Requires a plural noun or plural verb agreement.
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.
例句
Those shoes look very comfortable.
everydayThose shoes look very comfortable.
Those were the best years of my life.
formalThose were the best years of my life.
Are those yours?
informalAre those yours?
Those results support our previous hypothesis.
academicThose results support our previous hypothesis.
常见搭配
常用短语
those who
people who
in those days
long ago
容易混淆的词
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.
语法模式
How to Use It
使用说明
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.
常见错误
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.
Tips
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.
词源
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.
文化背景
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.
记忆技巧
Think of 'Those' as 'Th-far-ose'. If it's far, use 'those'.
常见问题
3 个问题No, '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.
自我测试
Look at ___ birds flying high in the sky.
Birds are plural and far away, so 'those' is the correct choice.
得分： /1
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.
例句
4 / 4Those shoes look very comfortable.
Those shoes look very comfortable.
Those were the best years of my life.
Those were the best years of my life.
Are those yours?
Are those yours?
Those results support our previous hypothesis.
Those results support our previous hypothesis.
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about
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above
A2表示比其他事物更高的位置，就在上面。
accident
A2发生的不幸事件，可能造成损害或伤害。
action
A2为了达到目的而采取的行动过程。
after
A2‘after’的意思是‘在……之后’，表示在时间上或空间上晚于某事。
afterward
A2At a later or subsequent time.
again
A2‘again’的意思是‘再一次’，表示某事再次发生或被重复。
aged
B1用来描述人或事物处于特定的年龄。
alive
A2指有生命的状态，不是死亡的。
all
A2‘all’指的是某事物的全部，或者每一个。
