These vs. They — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 14, 2024
"These" refers to specific items close to the speaker, often plural and demonstrative; "they" is a general pronoun for referring to plural subjects or objects, not specifying proximity.
Difference Between These and They
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Key Differences
"These" is a demonstrative pronoun used to point out specific objects or people that are usually physically near the speaker or figuratively close in the context. On the other hand, "they" is a personal pronoun used to refer to people or objects previously mentioned or generally known in the conversation, without indicating proximity.
The usage of "these" emphasizes a closer, more immediate connection to the items or individuals being discussed, suggesting they are part of the current physical or conversational environment. Whereas "they" can refer to items or people that are either close by or distant, with no implication of the physical or contextual distance.
"These" often introduces the presence of the objects or subjects in a visual context, making it useful in presentations or demonstrations. On the other hand, "they" is used more broadly in both spoken and written English to refer to subjects already identified in a discussion.
In terms of grammatical structure, "these" must match with a plural and usually tangible noun, reinforcing the presence of multiple items. Conversely, "they" is versatile, used with both tangible and intangible nouns, and does not inherently specify number beyond being plural.
From a linguistic perspective, "these" can only function as a demonstrative pronoun, which is a specific role pointing out particular elements. In contrast, "they" serves multiple grammatical roles, including subject and object pronoun, reflecting its flexibility in sentence construction.
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Comparison Chart
Proximity
Indicates closeness, physically or contextually.
No indication of proximity; more general usage.
Usage Context
Used for specific, often visible items.
Used generally for people or objects known from context.
Grammatical Role
Demonstrative pronoun, always plural.
Personal pronoun, plural, versatile in roles.
Implication
Emphasizes immediate or relevant presence.
Broad, can refer to distant or unrelated subjects.
Function
Can only point out, cannot serve as subject alone.
Can be subject, object, or standalone pronoun.
Compare with Definitions
These
Used to introduce items currently being discussed.
These are the issues we need to address.
They
Acts as a subject or object in a sentence.
I saw them yesterday.
These
Demonstrative pronoun referring to specific, nearby items.
These books need to be returned today.
They
Refers to a group known to the speaker and listener.
They have always supported us.
These
Highlights objects in immediate proximity.
Can you move these over there?
They
Non-specific, used in various grammatical positions.
They were found guilty.
These
Points to a group of items or individuals close to the speaker.
These were the best days of our lives.
They
Personal pronoun used for people or things previously mentioned.
They are coming over for dinner.
These
Refers to those items right here.
I don’t like these options.
They
In Modern English, they is a third-person pronoun.
These
Plural of this
They
Used to refer to two or more people or things previously mentioned or easily identified
The two men could get life sentences if they are convicted
These
Plural of this
They
Used to refer to a person of unspecified gender
Ask a friend if they could help
These
The plural of this. See This.
They
(the third-person plural nominative) A group of entities previously mentioned.
Fred and Jane? They just arrived.
Dogs may bark if they want to be fed.
Plants wilt if they are not watered.
I have a car and a truck, but they are both broken.
They
A single person, previously mentioned, but typically not if previously named and identified as male or female, especially if of unknown or (since 21st century) non-binary gender.
They requested a seat at Friday's performance but didn't say if they preferred the balcony or the floor.
If someone enters the restricted area, they are required to present identification.
They
(indefinite pronoun, vague meaning) People; some people; people in general; someone, excluding the speaker.
They say it’s a good place to live.
They didn’t have computers in the old days.
They should increase our wages.
Ha, you believe the moon is real? That's just what they want you to think.
They
There especially as an expletive subject of be.
They
The, those.
They
Their.
They
The plural of he, she, or it. They is never used adjectively, but always as a pronoun proper, and sometimes refers to persons without an antecedent expressed.
Jolif and glad they went unto here [their] restAnd casten hem [them] full early for to sail.
They of Italy salute you.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness.
They
Generic pronoun for any group of persons or objects.
They say it’s going to rain today.
Common Curiosities
Can "these" and "they" be used interchangeably?
No, because "these" specifies proximity and visibility, whereas "they" is more general.
Can "they" refer to objects, or is it only for people?
"They" can refer to both people and objects in plural form.
How do "these" and "they" function differently in sentences?
"These" acts as a demonstrative pronoun pointing to specific items, while "they" is more versatile, serving as subject or object.
How does the use of "they" impact the formality of a sentence?
"They" is neutral in formality and widely acceptable in both formal and informal contexts.
What grammatical errors are common with using "these" and "they"?
Common errors include using "these" for singular nouns or "they" when specificity is needed, which can lead to ambiguity.
Are there cases where "these" can be used without following nouns?
Yes, "these" can stand alone when the nouns they refer to are understood from context, like "I prefer these."
Does "these" imply a closer relationship than "they"?
Yes, "these" often indicates a closer or more immediate relevance.
When should I use "these" instead of "they"?
Use "these" when pointing out specific items close to you; use "they" for general reference.
Is there a scenario where "these" can refer to abstract concepts?
No, "these" typically refers to tangible, specific items and cannot denote abstract concepts.
What are the implications of incorrectly using "these" instead of "they"?
Incorrect use can confuse the listener about proximity or the specific items being referred to, impacting clarity.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
