These vs. They

Attribute	These	They
Subject	Used to refer to specific things or people that are nearby or have been previously mentioned	Used to refer to a group of people or things that are not necessarily nearby or have not been previously mentioned
Number	Generally used for plural nouns	Also used for plural nouns
Usage	Used when the noun is known or specified	Used when the noun is unknown or unspecified

Introduction

When it comes to the English language, pronouns play a crucial role in communication. Two commonly used pronouns are "these" and "they." While they may seem similar at first glance, there are distinct differences between the two that can impact how they are used in sentences. In this article, we will explore the attributes of "these" and "they" to better understand their unique characteristics.

Definition and Usage

Let's start by defining each pronoun. "These" is a demonstrative pronoun that is used to refer to more than one item that is nearby or within sight. It is often used to indicate objects that are physically present. For example, "These cookies are delicious." On the other hand, "they" is a personal pronoun that is used to refer to a group of people or things that have already been mentioned or are known to the speaker and listener. For example, "They are going to the park."

Number Agreement

One key difference between "these" and "they" is their number agreement. "These" is a plural pronoun that refers to multiple items, while "they" can be both singular and plural. When using "these," it is important to ensure that the noun it is referring to is also plural. For example, "These books are on the shelf." In contrast, "they" can refer to a single person or thing if the context allows for it. For example, "They is my best friend."

Distance and Proximity

Another distinction between "these" and "they" is their relationship to distance and proximity. As a demonstrative pronoun, "these" is used to indicate items that are close to the speaker or within sight. It implies a sense of immediacy and physical presence. On the other hand, "they" does not carry the same connotation of proximity. It can refer to people or things that are near or far, depending on the context of the sentence. For example, "These shoes are too tight" versus "They live in a different city."

Subject and Object Pronouns

When it comes to their grammatical functions, "these" and "they" also differ in their roles as subject and object pronouns. "These" is primarily used as a subject pronoun to introduce or identify a group of items. For example, "These are my favorite flowers." On the other hand, "they" can function as both a subject and object pronoun. It can be used to refer to the subject of a sentence, as in "They are coming over later," or as an object, as in "I saw them at the store."

Gender Neutrality

One advantage of using "they" over "these" is its ability to provide gender neutrality in language. In recent years, there has been a push for more inclusive language that does not assume gender based on pronouns. "They" can be used to refer to individuals without specifying their gender, making it a versatile pronoun for a diverse range of contexts. On the other hand, "these" does not offer the same level of gender neutrality and may inadvertently reinforce gender stereotypes in language.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while "these" and "they" are both important pronouns in the English language, they serve distinct purposes and have unique attributes. "These" is a demonstrative pronoun that indicates proximity and refers to multiple items, while "they" is a personal pronoun that can be singular or plural and offers gender neutrality. Understanding the differences between "these" and "they" can help improve clarity and precision in communication. By using these pronouns effectively, speakers can convey their intended meaning with accuracy and nuance.