# these

/ˈðiz/ (US) · /ðˈiːz/ (UK) · CEFR A1 · Pronoun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/these
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

the plural form of 'this'. You use it to point to people or things that are close to you in space or time.

For teachers: the plural demonstrative pronoun used to identify specific people or things nearby or currently being discussed. Functions as the plural counterpart to 'this'.

## Examples

- These are my favorite shoes.
- I found these keys on the kitchen counter this morning, but I don't know who they belong to.
- While those earlier theories focused on external behavior, these more recent studies prioritize the internal cognitive processes that drive decision-making in high-stress environments.

## Pitfalls

- Not "these book are good" but "these books are good" — 'These' must be followed by a plural noun; learners often use it with a singular noun by mistake.

## Usage notes

- Functions as a plural demonstrative pronoun or determiner; must agree with a plural noun or refer to a plural antecedent.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.