these
determiner
UK/ðiːz/US/ðiːz/
Used to identify a specific group of people or things that are near in distance or time.
Example Sentences
These books are my favorites; I read them every chance I get.
Can you pass me those apples? No, I need these ones right now.
These shoes are more comfortable than the ones I wore yesterday.
She admired these paintings in the gallery for hours.
These cookies are freshly baked and delicious.
They decided to keep these documents for future reference.
These cars are environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient.
He prefers these methods over the traditional approaches.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
pronoun
UK/ðiːz/US/ðiːz/
Used to refer to a specific group of people or things that are near in distance or time.
Example Sentences
I don't like these; can I have some of those instead?
These are exactly what I was looking for.
Do you want to join us? These will be fun.
She couldn't believe these were the final results.
Are these yours, or did you borrow them?
These have been on sale all week.
I think these need to be repaired before we can use them.
These were delivered earlier than expected.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
Refers to several closely related or nearby objects or ideas.This term serves as the plural form of “this,” often signaling multiple items that are either physically close or contextually relevant. For example, “I need these documents for the meeting” points to specific papers within reach or recently discussed. It can function as a demonstrative pronoun—“These are the ones I was looking for”—or a demonstrative determiner modifying a noun—“These shoes are on sale.” In both cases, it contrasts with “those,” which typically indicates items farther away (physically or conceptually). When speaking or writing, use it when you want to draw attention to more than one object, concept, or piece of information directly associated with your current focus or immediate context. Pay attention to clarity: if there are multiple sets of items in play, you might have to specify which group “these” refers to by adding detail, such as “these three” or “these blue folders.”
Alternatives
Alternatives or related demonstratives depend on proximity or reference. “Those” contrasts with “these,” referring to items at a distance—“Those boxes in the corner need labeling.” For singular references, you’d use “this” (immediate/near) or “that” (further/different set). You can also rephrase to avoid demonstratives altogether: instead of “These are interesting,” try “The following points are interesting,” if you want a more formal or explicit approach. However, keep in mind that “these” is quite direct and versatile, so switching to other phrasing may dilute immediacy or clarity. If you’re crafting a more descriptive sentence, you might consider enumerating or naming the items directly. By varying your usage of demonstratives and explicit descriptors, you can maintain clarity in contexts where you’re juggling multiple references or comparing numerous sets of objects or ideas.
Writing
In writing, “these” can help transition smoothly from a mention of multiple elements to commentary on them: “We have analyzed three key trends. These trends indicate a shift in consumer preferences.” Such usage keeps the flow logical and cohesive. Be mindful of readability—excessive reliance on “these” without specifying what they refer to can confuse readers. Instead, pair the demonstrative with a brief noun phrase for clarity: “These trends,” “These studies,” or “These factors.” In formal documents, specifying your reference helps prevent ambiguity, especially if you’ve introduced multiple concepts. Also, consider when to shift from “these” to synonyms or direct references if you notice repetitive language. Properly used, it maintains a crisp, structured link between previously stated points and further explanation.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “these” is often used to show or hand over items physically: “Could you pass me these napkins?” or “Take these forms to your supervisor.” It’s also a common way to point out things in your immediate vicinity—“Look at these pictures on my phone.” The word signals something in close range or something you just mentioned, allowing for quick, direct communication without constant restating of the items’ names. You might even hear “these guys” or “these ones” informally, especially if you’re referring to a group of people or objects you’re currently talking about. Just ensure your audience understands which items or people you mean if there’s any potential confusion—context usually helps in casual chatter, but clarity remains key when multiple sets of items could be involved.
Etymology
From Old English “þæs” (the plural form akin to “this”), the modern “these” solidified its function as a demonstrative pointing to plural items or ideas. Early Germanic languages relied heavily on distinct articles and demonstratives to mark proximity, number, and case, and this tradition carried through the Middle English period. Over time, spelling and pronunciation shifted slightly as the language standardized, though the core purpose remained intact. “These” has long been contrasted with “those,” with both words descending from parallel Old English forms that distinguished near from far. Today, these demonstratives play a crucial role in guiding listeners or readers to understand how many items exist and where they stand relative to the speaker, ensuring clarity when referencing multiple, specific objects.