Those are

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Those are" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to identify or point out specific items or people. Example: "Those are the books I mentioned earlier." Alternative expressions include "These are" and "Those things are."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Those are very visible.

The New York Times

Those are real headaches.

The New York Times

"Those are tough plays.

The New York Times - Sports

"Those are my Yankees.

The New York Times

Those are reasonable complaints.

The New Yorker

Those are the instruments".

The New York Times

"Those are our constituents".

The New Yorker

Those are our voices".

The New York Times

Those are undeniably important.

The New York Times

"Those are my comments.

The New York Times

"Those are my expectations.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Those are", ensure that the referent is clear from the context. Avoid ambiguity by explicitly mentioning what "those" refers to in a preceding sentence or clause.

Common error

Avoid using "Those are" without a clear referent. For instance, don't say "Those are important" without specifying what "those" refers to. Provide context to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "Those are" is to identify or specify particular items, people, or concepts. It serves as a demonstrative phrase, pointing out something that is already known or being introduced within the context. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Those are" is a versatile and grammatically sound demonstrative phrase used to identify or specify particular items or concepts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and commonly used. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts and functions to provide information and clarification by pointing out specific entities. When using "Those are", it's important to ensure that the referent is clear to avoid any ambiguity. Alternatives like "They are" or "These are" may be used depending on the context and proximity of the referent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

They are

Uses a different pronoun to refer to something previously mentioned, differing in specificity based on context.

These are

Indicates items closer in proximity or time, changing the focus from more distant items.

That is what they are

Emphasizes the nature or definition of the items being referred to, adding a layer of explanation.

Such are

Presents the items in a more formal or literary style, indicating a specific quality or characteristic.

This is what they represent

Shifts the focus to the symbolic or representative value of the items.

Those happen to be

Adds a tone of unexpectedness or coincidence regarding the items being identified.

That is their nature

Focuses on the inherent characteristics or qualities of the items.

They can be defined as

Offers a formal definition or explanation of the items.

Those may include

Introduces a non-exhaustive list of items fitting a certain category.

Those consist of

Specifies the components or elements that make up the items.

FAQs

How can I use "Those are" in a sentence?

"Those are" is used to identify specific items or people that are not near you. For example, "Those are the books I was telling you about."

What's the difference between "These are" and "Those are"?

"These are" refers to items or people that are close to you, while "Those are" refers to items or people that are farther away. For instance, "These are my keys" (in my hand) vs. "Those are my keys" (on the table across the room)."

What can I say instead of "Those are"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "They are", "That is what they are", or "Such are".

Is it correct to use "Those are" in formal writing?

Yes, "Those are" is perfectly acceptable in formal writing as long as it is used correctly and the referent is clear. However, in some academic contexts, more precise language may be preferred.