Them vs. These

Attribute	Them	These
Definition	Refers to a group of people or things previously mentioned	Refers to a group of people or things near the speaker
Usage	Used when referring to a group of people or things that are not close to the speaker	Used when referring to a group of people or things that are close to the speaker
Distance	Indicates a greater distance from the speaker	Indicates a closer distance to the speaker
Context	Typically used in a more general or abstract context	Typically used in a more specific or immediate context

When it comes to the English language, the words "them" and "these" are commonly used pronouns that serve different purposes. While both words refer to a group of people or things, they are used in distinct contexts and have unique attributes that set them apart. In this article, we will explore the differences between "them" and "these" and discuss how they are used in various situations.

Usage of Them

The word "them" is a pronoun that is used to refer to a group of people or things that are not present in the immediate conversation. It is often used to replace a noun that has already been mentioned or is understood from the context. For example, in the sentence "I gave them the book," the word "them" is used to refer to a group of people who received the book. "Them" is also used as the object of a verb or preposition, such as in the sentence "I talked to them about the project."

One key attribute of "them" is that it is a plural pronoun, meaning it refers to more than one person or thing. This distinguishes it from the singular pronoun "him" or "her," which refer to a single individual. Additionally, "them" can be used to refer to both people and things, making it a versatile pronoun that can be applied in a variety of contexts.

Usage of These

In contrast to "them," the word "these" is a demonstrative pronoun that is used to refer to specific people or things that are present or near the speaker. It is often used to point out or identify objects that are within reach or in close proximity. For example, in the sentence "These cookies are delicious," the word "these" is used to refer to the cookies that are in front of the speaker.

Like "them," "these" is a plural pronoun that refers to more than one person or thing. However, unlike "them," "these" is used to refer to objects that are physically close to the speaker or within the immediate environment. This proximity attribute sets "these" apart from "them" and gives it a more specific and tangible quality.

Comparison of Attributes

While both "them" and "these" are plural pronouns that refer to groups of people or things, they differ in terms of their usage and context. "Them" is used to refer to objects that are not present or are not physically close to the speaker, while "these" is used to refer to objects that are nearby or within reach. This distinction in proximity gives each pronoun a unique quality that affects how they are used in sentences.

Another key difference between "them" and "these" is their function as pronouns. "Them" is often used as the object of a verb or preposition, while "these" is used as a demonstrative pronoun to point out specific objects. This difference in function influences the role that each pronoun plays in a sentence and how they contribute to the overall meaning.

Examples of Usage

To further illustrate the differences between "them" and "these," let's consider some examples of how each pronoun is used in sentences:

• "I gave them the keys to the car." (Them refers to a group of people who received the keys.)
• "I talked to them about the project." (Them is the object of the preposition "to.")
• "These flowers are beautiful." (These points out the flowers that are nearby.)
• "I can't believe these are the shoes you bought." (These identifies the shoes in question.)

By examining these examples, we can see how "them" and "these" are used in different contexts and how they contribute to the clarity and specificity of a sentence. Understanding the attributes of each pronoun can help writers and speakers use them effectively in their communication.