Have you ever stopped to think about how we point out specific groups of people or things when we're talking? It's a small detail, but it truly makes a big difference in how clear our messages become. We often use simple words to do this, words that help us draw attention to something particular, even if it's not right in front of us.

When we talk about “those who cried/came,” for instance, we are using a very specific kind of word to pick out a certain set of individuals. This isn't just about the actions themselves, but about the way we identify the group that performed them. It’s about being precise with our language, which, you know, is pretty important for getting your ideas across without confusion.

Our language gives us tools for this kind of pointing, and understanding how they work can really sharpen your communication. So, let's explore how words like "those" help us define and discuss groups, even ones identified by past actions like crying or arriving, and why getting this right matters, basically, for everyone who uses words.

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Table of Contents

• The Power of Pointing Words
• What "My Text" Tells Us About "Those"
• Singular or Plural: Knowing the Difference
• Distance Matters: In Time and Space
• "Those" as a Determiner or a Pronoun
• Avoiding a Common Mix-Up: "Them" vs. "Those"
• Why Precision with "Those" Matters for Clarity
• Practical Tips for Using "Those" Well
• People Often Ask

The Power of Pointing Words

Think about how we talk every day. We constantly refer to things, to people, to ideas. Sometimes, what we're talking about is right here, close to us. Other times, it's far away, either in physical distance or, like, in time. This is where "pointing words" come in, and they are really quite clever, actually. They help us make these distinctions very clearly.

Words like "this," "that," "these," and "those" are what we call demonstratives. They are designed to point. When you say "this book," you mean the book right here. But when you say "that book," you mean one that is a bit further away. This simple difference helps us organize our thoughts and, you know, make sense of the world around us through language.

So, when we consider a phrase like "those who cried/came," we're using "those" to point to a specific collection of people. It’s not just any group; it's the group that fits a certain description, perhaps a group from a past event or one not immediately present. This ability to pick out specific sets of individuals or items is pretty important for clear communication, to be honest.

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What "My Text" Tells Us About "Those"

My text gives us a good rundown on how "those" works. It starts by telling us that "this, that, these and those are demonstratives." This means they are all about showing or pointing. It's like an invisible finger guiding your listener's attention to the right place. That's pretty neat, if you think about it.

It also explains that we use these words to point to people and things. So, whether you're talking about "those apples" or "those people," the word "those" does the same job of singling them out. It's a versatile word, you know, one that helps us categorize and specify.

The text goes on to explain some core rules that really help us use "those" correctly. Knowing these rules can help you speak and write with more confidence, and that, is that, something everyone wants, right? It's about building a solid foundation for your language skills.

Singular or Plural: Knowing the Difference

One of the first things my text points out is the difference between singular and plural forms. It states that "this and that are singular," meaning they refer to one item or person. So, you'd say "this pen" or "that chair."

On the other hand, "these and those are plural." This means they refer to more than one item or person. So, you'd say "these pens" or "those chairs." The meaning of "those" is, in fact, the plural form of "that." This distinction is very important for making sure your sentences are grammatically sound, and, you know, that people understand exactly how many items you're referring to.

When we talk about "those who cried/came," the plural nature of "those" is clear. We are referring to multiple individuals, not just one. This simple rule helps us communicate about groups rather than single members, which is, honestly, a fundamental part of how we share information.

Distance Matters: In Time and Space

My text highlights a very interesting aspect of "those": its connection to distance. It says, "You use those when you are referring to people or things that are a distance away from you in position or time, especially when you indicate or point to them." This is a key insight, really.

Imagine you're looking at a group of birds far off in the sky. You'd say, "Look at those birds!" not "Look at these birds!" because they are not close. Similarly, if you're talking about events that happened a while ago, you might refer to "those days" or "those moments." The distance isn't just physical; it can be temporal too, which, you know, adds a whole layer of meaning.

So, when we use "those who cried/came," we are often referring to a group of people who are not currently present, or whose actions happened in the past. They are "at a distance" from our current conversation. This makes "those" a really useful word for discussing past events or absent groups, pretty much, in any discussion.

"Those" as a Determiner or a Pronoun

The versatility of "those" is also something my text touches upon. It mentions that "They can both be determiners or pronouns." This means "those" can play different roles in a sentence, which is, in a way, pretty cool for such a small word.

When "those" acts as a determiner, it comes before a noun and helps to specify which noun you're talking about. For example, in "those books are heavy," "those" tells you exactly which books. It's like it's determining the specific set of books. This is a very common use, you know, in everyday speech.

When "those" acts as a pronoun, it stands in for a noun that's already understood or doesn't need to be stated directly. For instance, if someone asks, "Which cookies do you want?" you might reply, "I want those." Here, "those" stands in for "those cookies." So, it replaces the noun, which, you know, makes sentences a bit shorter and more efficient. This dual role makes "those" quite flexible, honestly.

Avoiding a Common Mix-Up: "Them" vs. "Those"

My text offers a really helpful warning about a common grammatical error. It states, "It is grammatically incorrect to use “them” in place of “these” and “those” when they are adjectives." This is a mistake many people make, and it's worth paying attention to, basically.

An adjective describes a noun. When "those" is acting as an adjective (or, more precisely, a demonstrative determiner, as discussed), it points to a noun directly following it. For example, you would say "those shoes," not "them shoes." "Them" is a pronoun, and it doesn't work in that descriptive role. So, using "them" instead of "those" in such cases just doesn't sound right to a native speaker, you know, it's a clear grammatical slip.

Keeping this distinction clear helps your writing and speaking sound more polished and correct. It's a subtle difference, but it really shows a good grasp of the language. So, when you're talking about "those who cried/came," you're using "those" correctly to identify the group, not replacing it with "them," which would be, you know, pretty much incorrect in this context.

Why Precision with "Those" Matters for Clarity

The ability to use "those" with precision is more than just following grammar rules; it's about making your message crystal clear. When you say "those things which are most surely believed among us," as my text hints at, you are identifying a specific set of beliefs, distinguishing them from other, perhaps less certain, ideas. This level of specificity helps avoid misunderstandings, which is, honestly, a big deal in communication.

In any conversation, whether casual or formal, being able to accurately point to the right group or item makes a huge difference. Imagine trying to explain something without being able to say "those ones" or "those people over there." It would be much harder to convey your thoughts accurately. So, mastering "those" helps you guide your listener or reader precisely, which, you know, is a sign of good communication.

This precision is particularly important in written communication, where you don't have gestures to help you point. The words themselves must do all the work. So, understanding the nuances of "those" helps you write in a way that leaves no room for doubt about what you're referring to, which is, basically, the goal of any good writer. You can learn more about demonstrative words on our site.

Practical Tips for Using "Those" Well

To really get comfortable with "those," try to pay attention to how it's used in everyday language. Listen for it in conversations, and look for it in books and articles. You'll start to notice the patterns and the situations where it naturally fits. This kind of active observation can really help, you know, cement your understanding.

A good exercise is to practice creating sentences where "those" refers to things at a distance, either physically or in time. For instance, think about "those old photos from last summer" or "those houses down the street." The more you consciously use it, the more natural it will become, pretty much, like any skill you practice.

Also, try to catch yourself if you ever think about using "them" as an adjective. If you're about to say "them cars," pause and correct yourself to "those cars." This self-correction is a very powerful way to improve your grammar over time. Remember, the goal is to be clear and precise, and "those" is a fantastic tool for that, to be honest. For more insights into English grammar, you might find this resource helpful: Oxford Learner's Dictionaries. You can also link to this page for more examples.

People Often Ask

What's the main difference between "these" and "those"?

The main difference is about distance. "These" refers to plural items or people that are close to you, like "these shoes right here." "Those" refers to plural items or people that are farther away, like "those shoes over there." It's a simple way to show proximity, which, you know, is quite handy.

Can "those" refer to people as well as things?

Yes, absolutely. "Those" can refer to both people and things. For example, you can say "those books" or "those students." The word acts the same way whether it's pointing to objects or individuals, which is, basically, very convenient for communication.

Is it always wrong to use "them" instead of "those"?

It's always wrong to use "them" when you need a demonstrative adjective or pronoun that points to something. For example, saying "them apples" instead of "those apples" is grammatically incorrect. "Them" is a personal pronoun, used as an object, like "Give the apples to them." So, they serve different purposes, pretty much, in how sentences are built.