Those vs They

Question

Okay, although I know that 'they' is a subject pronoun and 'those' is a demonstrative pronoun, I'm still confused on the use of 'those'.

Please see the following sentences:

1) I like my classes. They are interesting.

2) I like my classes. Those are interesting. --> I know this is incorrect, but my question is: Why can't 'those' be used?

Basically, do we only use 'those' when we can see the objects?

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

Being able to see the object has very little to do with it. The following is equally odd (in the reading where no one is pointing to the cookies or indicating their presence in any way).

I like cookies. Those are very good.

those is used to make a contrast, whether implicitly or explicitly. In the sentences discussed above there is no contrast.

Here's a case where there is contrast:

I don't like books on physiology. They are boring. But I do like books about grammar very much. Now those are interesting.

Do you see all those sandwiches on the table? See the ones with ham and cheese? Those are my favorites.

(In each case you could say they instead of those. Either word is all right in those cases.)

CJ

Anonymous · Answer

Hi Jim:

My related question is this. If I point to some objects and ask, "What are they?", can the response be, "They are bracelets."?

Thanks.

Jason

CalifJim · Answer

Anonymous If I point to some objects and ask, "What are they?", can the response be, "They are bracelets."?

Yes. That can be the response.

However, we don't usually point to objects and ask "What are they?" We typically ask "What are those?"

CJ

Anonymous · Answer

WHAT ARE THOSE?!!!?!??!?!/!?

BarbaraPA · Answer

AnonymousWHAT ARE THOSE?!!!?!??!?!/!?

Did you have a question?

Desk cat 299 · Answer

Do I say they are my glasses or those are my glasses?

Those vs They

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