Mastering "These": A Definitive Guide To Clarity In Communication

ciata 08 Apr 2024

"These" is a demonstrative adjective used to refer to specific people, things, or ideas that are already known or mentioned.

It is often used in contrast to "those," which refers to people, things, or ideas that are not as well known or mentioned. For example, you might say "These are my friends" to introduce a group of people you are with, or "Those are my books" to refer to a collection of books on a shelf.

"These" can also be used to refer to a general group of people, things, or ideas. For example, you might say "These are the best movies of the year" to give your opinion on a group of films, or "These are the problems that we need to solve" to identify a set of issues that need to be addressed.

In addition to its use as a demonstrative adjective, "these" can also be used as a pronoun. In this case, it refers to a group of people, things, or ideas that have already been mentioned. For example, you might say "I like these" to express your approval of a group of items, or "I don't like these" to express your disapproval.

"These"

The demonstrative adjective "these" is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of ways to refer to specific people, things, or ideas. Here are six key aspects of "these" to consider:

Demonstrative: "These" is used to point out specific people, things, or ideas that are already known or mentioned.
Plural: "These" is always used to refer to a plural group of people, things, or ideas.
Proximity: "These" is typically used to refer to people, things, or ideas that are close to the speaker.
Contrast: "These" can be used in contrast to "those" to distinguish between two groups of people, things, or ideas.
Anaphoric: "These" can be used to refer back to a group of people, things, or ideas that have already been mentioned.
Exophoric: "These" can also be used to refer to a group of people, things, or ideas that are not explicitly mentioned, but are understood from the context.

These six aspects of "these" demonstrate the versatility of this word and its importance in the English language. By understanding how to use "these" correctly, you can effectively communicate your thoughts and ideas.

Demonstrative

The demonstrative adjective "these" is used to point out specific people, things, or ideas that are already known or mentioned. This is an important function of "these" because it allows us to refer to specific entities without having to repeat ourselves. For example, instead of saying "The books are on the table," we can simply say "These books are on the table." This makes our speech and writing more concise and efficient.

In addition, the use of "these" can help to create a sense of immediacy and connection between the speaker and the listener. When we use "these" to point out something, we are essentially saying that it is important and that we want the listener to pay attention to it. This can be a powerful tool for emphasis and persuasion.

Here are some examples of how "these" can be used in everyday speech and writing:

"These are my friends."
"These are the books that I was talking about."
"These are the problems that we need to solve."

As these examples show, "these" is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts. By understanding how to use "these" correctly, you can improve your communication skills and make your speech and writing more clear and effective.

Plural

The plural nature of "these" is an important aspect of its usage. It means that "these" can only be used to refer to a group of people, things, or ideas that is more than one. This is in contrast to the singular demonstrative adjective "this," which is used to refer to a single person, thing, or idea.

Facet 1: Clarity and Specificity
The use of "these" to refer to a plural group of people, things, or ideas helps to create clarity and specificity in communication. By using "these," we can avoid any confusion about whether we are referring to a single entity or a group of entities.
Facet 2: Emphasis and Contrast
The plural nature of "these" can also be used to create emphasis and contrast. By using "these" to refer to a specific group of people, things, or ideas, we can set them apart from other groups.
Facet 3: Cohesion and Coherence
The use of "these" to refer to a plural group of people, things, or ideas can help to create cohesion and coherence in writing and speech. By using "these" to refer back to a previously mentioned group, we can avoid repetition and make our communication more streamlined.

In conclusion, the plural nature of "these" is an important aspect of its usage. It helps to create clarity and specificity, emphasis and contrast, and cohesion and coherence in communication.

Proximity

The concept of proximity is closely connected to the demonstrative adjective "these." Proximity refers to the spatial or temporal closeness of something to the speaker or writer. When we use "these" to refer to people, things, or ideas, we are typically referring to those that are close to us in some way.

There are several reasons why proximity is important in the context of "these." First, proximity helps to create a sense of immediacy and connection between the speaker and the listener. When we use "these" to refer to something that is close to us, we are essentially saying that it is important and that we want the listener to pay attention to it. This can be a powerful tool for emphasis and persuasion.

Second, proximity can help to create clarity and specificity in communication. By using "these" to refer to something that is close to us, we can avoid any confusion about what we are referring to. For example, instead of saying "The books are on the table," we can simply say "These books are on the table." This makes our speech and writing more concise and efficient.

In conclusion, the concept of proximity is closely connected to the demonstrative adjective "these." Proximity helps to create a sense of immediacy and connection between the speaker and the listener, and it can also help to create clarity and specificity in communication.

Contrast

The demonstrative adjectives "these" and "those" play a crucial role in distinguishing between two groups of people, things, or ideas. The contrast created by these words allows for clear and specific referencing, enhancing communication and understanding.

The primary function of "these" in this context is to highlight the proximity or immediacy of the group it refers to. When we use "these," we indicate that the people, things, or ideas we're discussing are close to us, either physically or figuratively. In contrast, "those" is used to refer to people, things, or ideas that are farther away or less immediately relevant.

This distinction is essential for creating clarity and avoiding confusion in communication. For instance, consider the following sentence: "These books are on the table, and those books are on the shelf." In this example, "these" refers to the books that are close to the speaker, while "those" refers to the books that are farther away. Without this distinction, the sentence would be ambiguous and unclear.

Beyond clarity, the contrast between "these" and "those" also serves to emphasize and differentiate between the two groups being discussed. By using "these" to highlight the specific group we're focusing on, we can create a sense of contrast and distinction.

In conclusion, the contrast between "these" and "those" is a key aspect of the demonstrative adjective "these." This contrast allows us to distinguish between two groups of people, things, or ideas, creating clarity, specificity, and emphasis in communication.

Anaphoric

The anaphoric function of "these" is closely connected to its role as a demonstrative adjective. Anaphora is a grammatical device used to refer back to a previously mentioned noun or group of nouns. "These" serves this purpose by establishing a clear connection between the current discourse and preceding information.

The importance of anaphoric "these" lies in its ability to maintain coherence and avoid repetition. By using "these" to refer back to previously mentioned entities, we can create a smooth flow of information and prevent unnecessary restatement. For example, consider the following sentence: "The students were excited about the field trip. These students had been planning the trip for weeks." In this example, "these" refers back to the previously mentioned "students," creating a cohesive connection between the two sentences.

Furthermore, anaphoric "these" plays a crucial role in discourse organization. It allows us to structure our thoughts and ideas by grouping related information together. For instance, in academic writing, "these" can be used to introduce a series of points or arguments that support a particular thesis statement. By doing so, "these" helps to create a logical flow of information and makes it easier for readers to follow our reasoning.

In conclusion, the anaphoric function of "these" is an essential aspect of its usage. It allows us to refer back to previously mentioned entities, maintain coherence, avoid repetition, and organize our thoughts effectively.

Exophoric

The exophoric function of "these" expands its versatility even further. Exophora refers to the use of language to refer to something outside of the immediate context. When we use "these" exophorically, we are referring to people, things, or ideas that are not explicitly mentioned in the conversation or text, but are understood from the shared knowledge or experience of the speaker and listener.

Facet 1: Implicit Reference
Exophoric "these" allows us to make implicit references to shared knowledge or experiences. For example, if two colleagues are discussing a project they have been working on, one might say, "These changes need to be made before the deadline." In this context, "these" refers to the specific changes that need to be made, which are understood by both colleagues without being explicitly stated.
Facet 2: Contextual Cues
Exophoric "these" relies heavily on contextual cues to establish its referent. These cues can be verbal, such as previous conversations or shared experiences, or nonverbal, such as gestures or the physical environment. For instance, if a teacher holds up a stack of papers and says, "These are the essays that need to be graded," the students understand that "these" refers to the essays in the teacher's hand, even though the essays themselves are not explicitly named.
Facet 3: Cultural and Social Factors
Exophoric "these" is also influenced by cultural and social factors. The shared knowledge and experiences that form the basis for exophora can vary depending on the cultural and social context. For example, the phrase "these times" may have different meanings in different cultures, referring to different periods of historical or social significance.

In conclusion, the exophoric function of "these" adds another layer to its multifaceted nature. It allows us to make implicit references, rely on contextual cues, and navigate cultural and social factors in our communication. By understanding how to use "these" exophorically, we can enhance our communication skills and make our messages more effective.

FAQs on "These"

This section addresses frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the demonstrative adjective "these" to enhance understanding and accurate usage.

Question 1:What is the primary function of "these"?

Answer: "These" serves as a demonstrative adjective used to refer to specific people, things, or ideas that are already known or mentioned in a conversation or context.

Question 2:How does "these" differ from "those"?

Answer: "These" is used to refer to people, things, or ideas that are closer to the speaker in terms of physical or conceptual proximity, while "those" is used to refer to people, things, or ideas that are farther away.

Question 3:When should "these" be used in a sentence?

Answer: "These" should be used when referring to a specific group of people, things, or ideas that have already been established in the discourse or are understood from the context.

Question 4:Can "these" be used to refer to a singular entity?

Answer: No, "these" is always used to refer to a plural group of people, things, or ideas.

Question 5:How does "these" contribute to clarity in communication?

Answer: By using "these" to refer to specific entities, we avoid ambiguity and ensure that the intended referents are clear to the listener or reader.

Question 6:What are some common errors to avoid when using "these"?

Answer: Common errors include using "these" to refer to a singular entity, using it without a clear antecedent, or confusing it with "those" when the intended referents are farther away.

In summary, "these" is a versatile demonstrative adjective that plays a crucial role in indicating specific people, things, or ideas in communication. Understanding its proper usage enhances clarity, precision, and overall effectiveness in conveying messages.

Transition to the next article section: Exploring the nuances of "these" in various contexts

Tips on Using "These" Effectively

The demonstrative adjective "these" plays a crucial role in clear and precise communication. Here are some tips to enhance your usage of "these":

Tip 1: Establish Clear Antecedents

Ensure that "these" has a clear antecedent in the preceding context. Avoid using "these" without a "these"

Tip 2: Maintain Proximity

"These" should refer to people, things, or ideas that are close to the speaker in terms of physical or conceptual proximity. Avoid using "these" for distant entities.

Tip 3: Distinguish from "Those"

Use "these" for entities that are closer to the speaker, and "those" for entities that are farther away. This distinction helps avoid confusion and enhances clarity.

Tip 4: Avoid Singular Usage

"These" is always used to refer to plural entities. Avoid using "these" to refer to a singular person, thing, or idea.

Tip 5: Enhance Specificity

When referring to multiple specific entities, use "these" to highlight their distinct characteristics or qualities.

Tip 6: Foster Coherence

Using "these" to refer back to previously mentioned entities helps maintain coherence and avoid unnecessary repetition.

Tip 7: Consider Context

Be mindful of the context when using "these." Exophoric usage of "these" relies on shared knowledge or situational cues.

Summary: By following these tips, you can effectively utilize "these" to enhance clarity, precision, and coherence in your communication

Transition to the article's conclusion: The effective use of "these" is essential for clear and impactful communication.

Conclusion

As we have explored, "these" serves as a versatile demonstrative adjective that plays a crucial role in language and communication. It allows us to refer to specific people, things, or ideas, ensuring clarity and precision in our messages.

By understanding the various facets of "these," we can enhance our communication skills, fostering effective and meaningful interactions. The ability to use "these" appropriately contributes to the overall coherence, specificity, and impact of our language.

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