Sentence With The Word Those

Mastering the Mighty "Those": A Comprehensive Guide to Sentence Construction

The seemingly simple word "those" holds surprising versatility in the English language. Understanding its nuances is crucial for crafting clear, concise, and impactful sentences. This comprehensive guide explores the various ways "those" functions grammatically, offering examples and explanations to help you confidently incorporate this word into your writing and speech. We'll delve into its usage with different parts of speech, explore common errors, and provide ample practice through diverse sentence constructions.

Understanding the Pronoun "Those"

At its core, "those" is a demonstrative pronoun. This means it points to or refers to a specific noun or group of nouns that have already been mentioned or are readily visible. It's the plural form of "that," distinguishing it from singular demonstrative pronouns such as "this" and "that." The key to using "those" correctly lies in understanding its referent – what exactly is it pointing to?

1. Referring to Plural Nouns:

The most straightforward use of "those" is to refer to a previously mentioned plural noun.

• Example: "I saw several birds; those birds were singing beautifully." Here, "those" clearly refers to the "several birds" mentioned in the preceding clause.

• Example: "The apples on the left are red; those on the right are green." "Those" specifically points to the apples on the right.

2. Referring to Plural Nouns Implied by Context:

Sometimes, the plural noun "those" refers to doesn't need to be explicitly stated. The context makes it clear.

• Example: "Those are my favorite shoes." (The context, perhaps a visual display of shoes, implies the plural noun being referred to.)

• Example: "I prefer those over these." (The context suggests a comparison between two sets of items, making the meaning of "those" clear).

3. "Those" with Prepositional Phrases:

"Those" frequently works in conjunction with prepositional phrases, which add detail and specificity to its referent.

• Example: "Those in the front row should stand up." Here, "those" refers to the people located in the front row.

• Example: "Those of you who haven't finished should continue working." This specifies the subset of the audience that needs to continue their task.

• Example: "Those with allergies should inform the staff." This example points to people with a specific characteristic (allergies).

4. "Those" as a Determiner:

While primarily a pronoun, "those" can sometimes function as a determiner, modifying a noun that follows. This usage is less common than its pronoun function but still grammatically correct.

• Example: "Those magnificent mountains inspired awe." Here, "those" modifies the noun "mountains."

• Example: "Those delicious cookies were gone in minutes." Here, "those" modifies the noun "cookies."

"Those" in Different Sentence Structures

The placement and function of "those" drastically influence the sentence's meaning. Let's explore different sentence structures where "those" plays a pivotal role.

1. Simple Sentences:

Simple sentences offer the most straightforward use of "those."

• Example: Those flowers smell amazing.
• Example: Those books are mine.
• Example: Those are excellent ideas.

2. Complex Sentences:

In complex sentences, "those" can connect independent and dependent clauses.

• Example: Because those cookies were so delicious, I ate the entire batch. (Here, "those" refers to the cookies, and the dependent clause explains the reason for eating them.)

• Example: Although those challenges were significant, we persevered and succeeded. (The dependent clause provides context for the main clause.)

3. Compound Sentences:

Compound sentences, particularly those using conjunctions, can showcase the versatile nature of "those."

• Example: Those birds sang sweetly, and those squirrels chattered incessantly. (This uses "those" to refer to two distinct plural nouns).

• Example: The meeting was unproductive; those present were clearly not engaged. (Here, "those" refers to the attendees).

4. Sentences with Relative Clauses:

Relative clauses further enrich the meaning surrounding "those."

• Example: Those who attended the workshop received a certificate. (The relative clause "who attended the workshop" specifies which individuals received certificates).

• Example: Those ideas, which were initially dismissed, proved invaluable later. (The relative clause adds detail to the specific ideas).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While "those" is relatively simple to use, some common errors can muddy the clarity of your sentences.

1. Vague Referents:

Ensure the noun "those" refers to is clear and unambiguous. Avoid using "those" when the referent is unclear from the context. For example, "Those are nice," without specifying what "those" refers to, is grammatically incorrect.

2. Singular/Plural Mismatch:

Always remember that "those" is plural. Avoid using it to refer to singular nouns. Instead, use "that."

3. Incorrect Antecedent Agreement:

The antecedent (the noun "those" refers to) must agree in number (plural) with "those." Incorrect usage creates confusing and ungrammatical sentences.

Advanced Usage of "Those"

Let's explore some more advanced, nuanced ways to utilize "those" in your writing.

1. "Those" in Comparisons:

"Those" is frequently used in comparative statements.

• Example: "I prefer those shoes to these."
• Example: "Those results were significantly better than the previous ones."

2. "Those" with Superlative Adjectives:

"Those" can be used with superlative adjectives to highlight the best or worst among a group.

• Example: "Those were the most challenging circumstances I ever faced."
• Example: "Those are the best cookies I've ever tasted."

3. Figurative Language with "Those":

While less common, "those" can feature in figurative language, such as metaphors or similes.

• Example: "Those eyes held a storm of emotion." (Metaphor)
• Example: "His words were as sharp as those of a viper." (Simile using "those" to avoid repetition)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can "those" be used in formal writing?

A: Absolutely! "Those" is perfectly acceptable in formal writing as long as its referent is clear and its usage grammatically correct.

Q: Is it ever correct to use "those" with a singular noun?

A: No, "those" is strictly a plural demonstrative pronoun and should only be used to refer to plural nouns. Use "that" for singular nouns.

Q: How can I improve my use of "those" in my writing?

A: Practice, practice, practice! Pay close attention to the referents of your demonstrative pronouns, ensuring they are clear and unambiguous. Carefully review your sentences to eliminate any potential errors in antecedent agreement.

Conclusion

Mastering the usage of "those" is a testament to a deeper understanding of English grammar and sentence construction. While seemingly insignificant, this word offers a significant opportunity to elevate the precision and clarity of your writing. By understanding its grammatical functions, exploring various sentence structures, avoiding common pitfalls, and embracing its advanced applications, you can confidently incorporate "those" into your communication repertoire and craft truly impactful sentences. Remember, clear communication hinges on precise word choice, and "those" – when used correctly – plays a significant role in achieving that goal. Continue practicing, and you will find yourself using this seemingly small word with growing confidence and mastery.