Difference Between These and They

Edited by Diffzy | Updated on: April 30, 2023

       

Difference Between These and They

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What is a Part of Speech?

Part of speech refers to one of the following types of English words: verb. Noun, Adjective, Adverb, Preposition, Determiner, Conjunction, Interjection.

Although there are many words, they all serve different purposes. Take this example:

  • Some words are a statement of the action
  • Other words can be used to express the same thing
  • Other words can be used to join two words together

These are the "building blocks of the language." These are the building blocks of the Language. Concrete is used to create the foundations for a house. Bricks are used to build walls. To make the walls, we use window frames and door frames. We use cement to connect them all. Each area of the house is responsible for its task.

English Grammar uses pronouns instead of nouns. A demonstrative pronoun in a sentence refers to a specific pronoun. These pronouns may be singular or plural and refer to objects in time or space. English Grammar has two types of demonstrative pronouns: 'These' and 'They. Grammar polishing is made easier by knowing these two types' differences and correct usage.

What is a Pronoun?

Pronouns are used every day. Even if you don't know what pronouns mean, you still use them daily. In this sentence alone, pronouns were used four times.

You use pronouns to substitute for other nouns if your listener or reader already knows the nouns. You might say, "I have a dog." He's brown-colored and white." You don't need to mention your dog in the second sentence. It is grammatically wrong to follow up "I've got a dog" with "brown and" You can make the sentence "he's" by adding the pronoun "he," which turns the phrase "brown & white" into a complete sentence: He's brown & white.

Pronouns can do much more than turn sentences into phrases. Pronouns provide context and help make sentences more meaningful. They also influence how we see people and things. Learn more about pronouns, their uses, and how they are used to create sentences. It's not easy to grasp the meaning of pronouns. Even if you know a lot about them subliminally, reading this comprehensive guide (with examples) on their uses and purposes is worth reading. This will help you improve your English grammar skills and become a better writer.

These vs. They

The main difference between These and They is that 'These' is a demonstrative pronoun, whereas 'They' is known as a noun. A demonstrative pronoun in a sentence refers to something specific. A noun can refer to an individual, a place, or an object. Nouns can be used in sentences as subject, direct, indirect, subject, subject complement, subject complement, object complement, appositive, or adjective.

"These" is a demonstrative noun. These pronouns can be used to describe things or people. Only a few demonstrative verbs exist in English, so they are easy to use. Like all pronouns in English, demonstrative pronouns can be substituted for nouns and noun phrases. More precisely, a demonstrative pronoun indicates something that has been discussed in the context or is known from context. It is also called the latter's predecessor.

The subject of a clause is "They" by using "They." It usually refers to two or more people or objects and reflects the doers' of an action represented by a verb. Example: My parents will be visiting town this week. They will travel by bus.

Difference Between These and They in Tabular Form

Parameters for Comparison These They
Parts of speech Demonstrative pronoun Pronoun
Use It's a pronoun used to refer specifically to something. It can be used in place of a noun.
Tensed Do not use tenses. Future progressive.
Definition This is used to indicate or experience a person or thing that is close at hand. Two or more people can be used.
Example These are my paintings. "They" are my friends.

The tabular form shows the difference between These and They. Now that we know the basics about it lets dive deep down into the topic to know more about it. We will discuss in this article pronouns, demonstrative pronouns, what is they and, their usage, and many more. So, let's get started!

What are "These"?

The demonstrative form of 'these' is 'these.' We use words such as these, these, and others to refer to people or things. The plural form of the word 'these' can be used with plural nouns. Take, for example,

  1. These books can be referred to. (these+ plural noun)
  2. These are the assignments that I have to complete. (these+ plural noun)
  3. Let me count these boxes. (these+ plural noun)

Pronouns can also use demonstratives. If the object or subject is not obvious, we may leave the noun after the word. Example:

  1. These are yours. Obviously, "these" refers to what someone is talking about.

When referring to ideas and things, we also use the term 'these' Take, for example,

  1. These horror films will be viewed in one week.
  2. We've looked through the curtains catalog. Are these colours appealing to you?
  3. These are the essential items you'd need to go trekking.
  4. These books are for journalists.

The expression 'These' can also indicate things that are near the speaker's attention at the moment. Take this example:

  1. These colors are amazing!
  2. I will paint these boxes.
  3. These letters must be posted.
  4. These question papers are required.

What is a Demonstrative Noun?

We need to first check what demonstrative noun is before knowing more about the they. A demonstrative pronoun refers to a pronoun that indicates a specific part of a sentence. These pronouns may indicate items in time or space and can be singular or plural.

Demonstrative pronouns are used to indicate a thing/thing. They can be near, far, or in time.

  • These are the closest things in time and distance
  • They are far away in distance or time:

There are only a few demonstrative verbs in English, so there are three rules to use them correctly. These three rules will help you use these fascinating parts of speech easily.

  • Nouns are always identified by demonstrative pronouns regardless of whether they are named or not. Example: "I cannot believe this." Although we don't know what "this" means, it is certain that the writer can't believe it. Even though we don't know what it is, it exists.
  • Although they are used to describe animals, people, and things, demonstrative pronouns can also be used to describe individuals when the person is identified.
  • Don't confuse demonstrative adjectives and demonstrative pronouns. Although the words are identical, demonstrative adjectives can be used to qualify nouns, while demonstrative pronouns can stand on their own.

Demonstrative pronouns may be used to replace a noun as long as the context of the pronoun can be understood. This concept may seem confusing at first, but the following examples will help clarify it.

What are "They"?

English Grammar uses the third-person pronoun "they" for the term "they". When a group of people are referred to together, it is used. This is an example:

  1. They were all gathered in a park for a meeting.
  2. They wanted to know about your status with regard to your application fees.
  3. Raj and Shankar were both born the same day. They celebrate their birthdays together.

You can also use 'They' to make general statements. Take, for example

  1. They believe God is everywhere.
  2. It is said that there are many opportunities for those who work hard.

It can also be used to refer to unspecified persons or people in general. This is an example:

  1. They have winter in December in Australia.

You can also use it as a single pronoun. You can use it as a single pronoun, for example

  1. If they don't want to, no one needs to leave the auditorium.
  2. Everybody knows what they should do in an exam.
  3. Everybody in the village knows that they are welcome at any time.

"They" is frequently objected to as an indefinite subject, because it lacks an Antecedent. But not all pronouns need an antecedent. The common indefinite pronoun 'they' can be used in many situations. The 13th century saw the first known use of the term "they"

What is the difference between a pronoun for a person?

Language teachers teach us the basics of pronouns. These are words that can be used to substitute for nouns in a language when they are not up for play... or it takes too long to say the full form.

You have probably learned many pronouns in English. They are: he, she and you. You may also have learned that singular nouns are words that only describe one person, one place or one thing. You automatically know that I will eat chocolate for breakfast is about you, the person who lives a full and happy life.

Use

Since at least the 14th Century, the singular pronoun they, together with its counterparts them and there, has been used to describe a person of unknown gender. This use of they was popularized as the use of he to describe a person of any gender became less common in the 20th century. It is accepted when it follows an indefinite pronoun, such as anyone, no one or someone, or a person. For example, anyone can join if they're residents and each to their respective homes. Although they are more common in formal contexts than it is in other contexts where they follow singular nouns their usage of them is less accepted. Ungrammatical sentences such as "Ask a friend if you could help" are still being criticized. They are now used in many instances where he would have been previously, due to the acceptance of them and their obvious benefits. They are now used to refer specifically to individuals, as in Alex is bringing his laptop. Some people prefer the singular they, which is similar to the gender-neutral honorific.

So now as we are done with the detail study of using They and These, we are going to summarise some of the main differences between them.

Main Difference between These and They in Points

These are the main difference between These and They.

  1. "These" is a demonstrative pronoun; "They" is a pronoun.
  2. "These" is used to refer only to persons who are present in person. For example, "These are my parents". "They" is used for something that isn't present in person.
  3. "These" does not have tenses; however, "They" is future progressive.
  4. "These" is always used in the plural, but "They" can also be used in a singular.
  5. "These" is used when an object can be touched directly, while "they can be used anywhere, anytime."

Conclusion

English Grammar describes how the English Language is structured. It can include clauses, pronouns and nouns, sentences, texts, and so forth. English Grammar has eight-word classes or "parts" of speech. These include nouns and determiners, pronouns and verbs, adjectives, prepositions, conjunctions, and adverbs. These classes display the meaning of the words and how they are used in English Grammar.

These parts of speech include 'these' and 'they. These terms are used in everyday conversations. Learners/students of the English Language need to know the difference and where and when to use them.

Pronouns can be words that replace a noun within a sentence. There are many types of pronouns. There are many types of pronouns. Some of these pronouns include I, he/she, it, them/yours, theirs, mine, theirs, yours and anyone else.

Here are some examples of pronouns that are used in sentences

  • I arrived home at six in the evening. (1st person singular pronoun)
  • Was there a red bag at the counter? (Indefinite pronoun)
  • Is this the boy that won the first prize or is it another? (Relative pronoun)
  • This is my mom. (Possessive pronoun)
  • Yesterday, I was hurt while playing cricket. (Reflexive pronoun)

References

  1. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=b9GqBgAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP6&dq=English+grammar+term+they&ots=Nn1qcm-sdo&sig=wFSeQsMRLlW03QbOufOdMxSQcLM
  2. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=RbxAAAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA29&dq=parts+of+speech&ots=Gm1sRQt3Ic&sig=lh2I3cQ4FlSl8lzAvjNneTxvh0c
  3. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=XBZoJnYIb7wC&oi=fnd&pg=PR1&dq=demonstratives+pronouns&ots=JklGpOlcKx&sig=n7gqqK1f5xms5qLI6nr3C-8s6Fs

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"Difference Between These and They." Diffzy.com, 2024. Thu. 21 Mar. 2024. <https://www.diffzy.com/article/difference-between-these-and-they-179>.



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