When to use these or those is a common question for English learners who want to sound natural when pointing out objects, people, or ideas. The choice between these and those depends on proximity—both physical and psychological—as well as the context in which the demonstrative pronoun appears. Understanding the subtle nuances helps you avoid awkward phrasing and makes your communication clearer, whether you’re writing an email, giving a presentation, or chatting with friends.
Understanding Demonstratives in English
Demonstratives are words that point to specific nouns. In English, the four primary demonstratives are this, that, these, and those. While this and that refer to singular nouns, these and those are their plural counterparts.
People argue about this. Here's where I land on it Small thing, real impact..
- These – refers to plural nouns that are near the speaker (in space, time, or psychological closeness).
- Those – refers to plural nouns that are far from the speaker (in space, time, or psychological distance).
Beyond literal distance, speakers often use these words to express emotional or conceptual proximity. To give you an idea, you might say “These ideas excite me” when the concepts are currently relevant, even if they aren’t physically close.
When to Use These
Use these when the nouns you are referencing are:
-
Physically close to you or the listener And that's really what it comes down to..
- Can you pass these books on the table?
- I love these shoes; they’re right here.
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Recently mentioned or currently under discussion.
- We’ve reviewed the proposals. These options seem the most viable.
- After the meeting, she said, These are the points we need to act on.
-
Temporarily near in time—referring to the present or very recent past/future.
- These days, remote work is increasingly common.
- I’ll finish these tasks before lunch.
-
Psychologically close—when the speaker feels a sense of ownership, familiarity, or emotional attachment.
- These memories of my childhood make me smile.
- I’m proud of these achievements; they reflect hard work.
Examples in Sentences
- Could you move these chairs to the other side of the room?
- These results indicate a positive trend.
- I don’t like these noisy neighbors; they keep me awake.
When to Use Those
Use those when the nouns you are referencing are:
-
Physically far from you or the listener.
- Look at those mountains in the distance.
- Can you see those cars parked across the street?
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Previously mentioned but not the immediate focus.
- We discussed several strategies. Those we rejected were too costly.
- The teacher gave examples; those on the board were confusing.
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Temporarily distant—referring to a past period, future time, or something not currently relevant Small thing, real impact..
- Those were the days when we played outside until dark.
- I’ll consider those proposals next quarter.
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Psychologically far—when the speaker feels detached, critical, or wants to underline separation.
- I can’t believe those rumors are still circulating.
- Those people never listen to advice.
Examples in Sentences
- Please put those files in the cabinet.
- Those results need further verification.
- I admire those artists who push creative boundaries.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even advanced learners sometimes mix up these and those. Below are typical pitfalls and tips to steer clear of them.
| Mistake | Why It Happens | Correct Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Using these for distant objects | Confusing physical distance with emotional closeness | Switch to those when the item is out of immediate reach. Here's the thing — |
| Using those for present‑time concepts | Overgeneralizing “far” to temporal contexts | Use these for present‑day trends, feelings, or ongoing situations. In practice, g. In practice, , this information, that advice). |
| Applying demonstratives to uncountable nouns | Thinking plural form is required | Use this or that with uncountable nouns (e. |
| Omitting the noun after the demonstrative | Assuming the noun is obvious | Keep the noun clear unless context makes it unmistakable (e.Worth adding: g. , I like these → I like these designs). |
Quick tip: If you can replace the demonstrative with “these ones” or “those ones” and the sentence still sounds natural, you’ve chosen the right word.
Practical Guidelines for Choosing Between These and Those
- Identify the noun’s location – Ask yourself: Is the object near me or far away?
- Check the temporal frame – Is the reference to now/recent (these) or then/past/future (those)?
- Gauge emotional proximity – Do you feel connected or detached?
- Match number – Remember these/those only work with plural nouns; for singular, use this/that.
- Read aloud – Sometimes hearing the sentence helps you feel which demonstrative fits the rhythm and meaning.
Mini‑Exercise
Fill in the blank with these or those:
- ___ cookies on the plate are fresh.
- I still remember ___ summer trips to the lake.
- Can you move ___ boxes to the storage room?
- ___ theories have been disproven by recent studies.
- Look at ___ stars; they’re brighter tonight.
Answers: 1. these, 2. those, 3. these, 4. these, 5. those Easy to understand, harder to ignore..
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use these or those with uncountable nouns?
A: No. Demonstratives these and those are strictly plural. For uncountable nouns, use this or that (e.g., this water, that advice).
Q: What if the noun is plural but I’m unsure about distance?
A: Default to physical distance if you can see the objects. If distance is ambiguous, consider temporal or psychological closeness. When in doubt, these tends
to be safer for vague or nearby references.
Q: Are these rules the same in British and American English?
A: Yes. Demonstrative usage for proximity and plurality remains consistent across dialects. That said, regional preferences might influence word choice in informal contexts (e.g., British English sometimes uses these for emotional closeness more flexibly).
Q: How do I handle abstract concepts?
A: For abstract nouns, use this or that (singular) or these or those (plural) based on conceptual proximity. For example: This idea feels revolutionary (temporal/emotional closeness) vs. Those outdated policies need revision (distant in time or relevance).
Q: What about plural nouns with collective meaning?
A: Treat them as plural. These or those apply regardless of whether the noun is countable or collective. For instance: These players (individual athletes) or Those students (a group as a whole).
Conclusion
Mastering these and those hinges on attentiveness to physical, temporal, and emotional cues. By anchoring your choices in the noun’s location, timeframe, and your relationship to the subject, you’ll communicate with precision and clarity. Remember, context is your compass: when in doubt, prioritize physical distance for tangible objects and emotional resonance for abstract ideas. With practice, these distinctions will become second nature, sharpening both your writing and spoken English. Keep these guidelines handy, and soon you’ll handle demonstratives with confidence—no more guessing games!
Final Thoughts
Understanding when to use these and those is more than a grammatical exercise—it’s a tool for precise communication. These demonstratives act as linguistic signposts, guiding both speaker and listener through the nuances of proximity, time, and perspective. While the rules may seem simple, their application is deeply tied to the context of a sentence, requiring a blend of logic and intuition. By honing this skill, you not only avoid confusion but also enhance your ability to convey ideas with clarity and intent. Whether you’re describing a nearby object, referencing a distant memory, or navigating abstract concepts, these and those empower you to tailor your language to the moment. As with any aspect of language, consistency and observation are key. Over time, these choices will become instinctive, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: expressing your thoughts with confidence and precision. Keep refining your ear, your eye, and your awareness of context, and let these and those serve as reliable allies in your journey toward fluent, effective communication.
