those
determiner
UK/ðəʊz/US/ðoʊz/
Used to identify a specific group of people or things that are not close in distance or time.
Example Sentences
Those cars over there belong to our neighbors.
Can you hand me those books on the top shelf?
She didn't like those dresses you bought for her.
Those are the best cookies I've ever tasted.
They decided to visit those museums during their vacation.
I can't believe those changes were implemented so quickly.
Those trees provide plenty of shade in the summer months.
He pointed to those mountains in the distance, admiring their beauty.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
pronoun
UK/ðəʊz/US/ðoʊz/
Used to refer to specific people or things previously mentioned or easily identified.
Example Sentences
I don't like those; can I have some of these instead?
Those are exactly what I was looking for.
Do you want to join us? Those will be fun.
She couldn't believe those were the final results.
Are those yours, or did you borrow them?
Those have been on sale all week.
I think those need to be repaired before we can use them.
Those were delivered earlier than expected.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
Refers to plural items or concepts at some distance.This demonstrative draws attention to plural or multiple items perceived as more distant than ones labeled by a closer counterpart. It contrasts with a similar term used for nearer objects, thus conveying a sense of separation—either physically (“Look at those lights across the street”) or figuratively (“Those arguments from last week still stand”).When using it, ensure your audience understands which specific group of items or ideas you’re referencing. In casual speech, context and possibly a gesture can suffice: “Those papers on the table belong to me.” For more formal writing or detailed instructions, add clarifying nouns to keep the reference explicit—“Those regulations, outlined in Section 2, guide our policies.”Its utility extends beyond tangible objects. You might also employ it to discuss abstract notions that have been introduced earlier: “Those points you raised about funding remain unaddressed.” By pairing it with qualifiers like “particular,” “aforementioned,” or “previously mentioned,” you further sharpen clarity, guiding your audience directly back to the items or issues at hand. This usage strengthens cohesion in both spoken exchanges and written texts by maintaining a consistent link to ideas or objects introduced at an earlier stage. Balanced application helps you avoid confusion and keep your message on target, subtly signaling which group of items or concepts are under discussion and why they matter in your current context.
Alternatives
Depending on the proximity and number of items, you can opt for other demonstratives or phrasing. For closer or immediately relevant items, a contrasting choice exists, signaling lesser distance or current focus. When you’re dealing with singular references, switch to a form indicating just one item, either near or far, depending on context. Alternatively, instead of pointing with a demonstrative, you might identify objects using specific names or descriptors, for instance, “the documents on her desk” or “the issues we discussed at the last meeting.”Sometimes you can also rephrase your sentence to avoid demonstratives altogether, especially if you wish to sound more formal or precise. Instead of “We need to address those concerns,” you might say, “We need to address the concerns raised in last Monday’s session.” Such clarity can prove especially useful when writing for an audience unfamiliar with background details. It prevents ambiguity and keeps your references firmly anchored in context. Mixing these methods—demonstratives, specific nouns, or clear rephrasings—offers stylistic variety while ensuring your readers or listeners know exactly which group or concept you intend.
Writing
In written communication, this term helps you consistently reference details introduced in earlier parts of your text, whether in an essay, a report, or a set of instructions. It can steer readers back to main points or previously mentioned items, reinforcing coherence across paragraphs. However, like any demonstrative, overuse may lead to ambiguity, especially if you’ve referred to multiple subjects in rapid succession. To avoid confusion, specify which details you mean—e.g., “Those recommendations outlined in Section 4 address staffing concerns” rather than “Those recommendations address staffing concerns.”For formal or academic prose, pairing demonstratives with a short identifying noun—“those findings,” “those policies,” “those critiques”—often creates a smoother reading experience. This technique ensures your audience quickly links each mention to the subject discussed, without sifting through several possibilities. If you’re summarizing arguments from prior sections or pointing to data in charts and tables, well-placed demonstratives guide readers through your structure. By keeping references exact, you maintain a crisp narrative flow, making your ideas more accessible. Finally, as with all pronouns and demonstratives, review your drafts to confirm you’ve used each instance effectively, preserving both clarity and variety.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, you’ll use this term to talk about items not immediately within arm’s reach, or to recall discussions from moments or days before. For instance, “Those snacks we had at the party were amazing!” signals items that belong to a past event rather than what’s present right now. Gestures, tone, and shared context simplify usage—pointing across the room or referencing a recent topic will suffice to show what set of objects or issues you have in mind.If someone walks in holding multiple boxes, you might say, “Where should I place those?” indicating you’re aware of them but aren’t yet interacting with them directly. Or when discussing a friend group you chatted with recently, you might mention, “Those people we met yesterday seemed friendly.” Because day-to-day speech relies heavily on context and mutual understanding, the demonstrative feels natural, bridging what you see or remember with a sense of distance. Just ensure your conversation partner knows what you’re calling attention to. If needed, clarify: “I mean those books on the far shelf, not the ones on the table.” Doing so keeps casual dialogues smooth and helps avoid unnecessary back-and-forth questions about which items you mean.
Etymology
Stemming from Old English forms related to demonstrative pronouns for plural items, this term has evolved in lockstep with its counterpart that denotes nearby items. Early Germanic dialects distinguished notions of proximity through different word forms, a feature shared by many modern languages. Over time, as English simplified its case system, these plural demonstratives coalesced into the familiar forms we use today.Ancient usage frequently appeared in both literary and everyday contexts, guiding readers and listeners to understand the speaker’s or writer’s frame of reference. While earlier Middle English writings showcased varied spellings, the core function—differentiating between near and far items in the plural sense—remained consistent. With standardization in printing and widespread literacy, the modern spelling became entrenched. Yet its enduring purpose has stayed the same: to highlight multiple entities, typically set off by physical or conceptual distance from the speaker’s immediate focus. By preserving this simple distinction, the English language efficiently marks closeness vs. remoteness, even if the differences at times shift from purely spatial to thematic or contextual.