these
The plural form of 'this', used to identify specific people or things near the speaker in space or time. It can function as either a pronoun or a determiner to point out multiple items.
Examples
3 of 5These are my favorite books on the shelf.
These are my favorite books on the shelf.
These results indicate a significant improvement in performance.
These results indicate a significant improvement in performance.
Do you want to see these?
Do you want to see these?
Word Family
Memory Tip
Remember: 'These' has the letter 'e' like the word 'near' (if you stretch it!), and it is the plural friend of 'this'.
Quick Quiz
___ flowers in my hand smell wonderful.
Correct!
The correct answer is: these
Examples
These are my favorite books on the shelf.
everydayThese are my favorite books on the shelf.
These results indicate a significant improvement in performance.
formalThese results indicate a significant improvement in performance.
Do you want to see these?
informalDo you want to see these?
These observations are consistent with previous experimental data.
academicThese observations are consistent with previous experimental data.
Please sign these contracts and return them to the office.
businessPlease sign these contracts and return them to the office.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
one of these days
one of these days
these things happen
these things happen
along these lines
along these lines
Often Confused With
'This' is used for one thing (singular), while 'these' is used for two or more things (plural).
'These' refers to things close to the speaker, while 'those' refers to things further away.
Usage Notes
Use 'these' when referring to plural objects or people that are physically close to you or mentioned recently in a conversation.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using 'this' with plural nouns, such as saying 'this people' instead of 'these people'.
Memory Tip
Remember: 'These' has the letter 'e' like the word 'near' (if you stretch it!), and it is the plural friend of 'this'.
Word Origin
From Old English 'thās', the plural of 'thes' (this).
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
___ flowers in my hand smell wonderful.
Correct!
The correct answer is: these
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
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