these children

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "these children" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific group of children that has been previously mentioned or is known to the reader. Example: "These children have shown remarkable talent in their art classes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"These children are citizens.

The New York Times

These children are hungry.

The New Yorker

They kidnap these children.

The New Yorker

We love these children.

The New York Times

"Take pity on these children".

The New Yorker

This is stigmatising these children".

Independent

These children need our help.

The New York Times

"These children are ours.

The Guardian

I'm helping these children".

The New York Times

I love these children".

The Guardian

These children don't.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "these children", ensure the context clearly identifies which specific group of children you are referring to. Avoid ambiguity by providing necessary background information or descriptions.

Common error

Avoid using "these children" without a clear antecedent or context. Readers may become confused if it's not immediately obvious which children you're discussing. Instead, provide a descriptive identifier, or use an alternative like "the children in question".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "these children" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically a demonstrative determiner plus a noun. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it correctly identifies a specific group of children, making it useful for direct reference within a given context. Examples include "These children are citizens" and "These children need our help".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

38%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "these children" is a demonstrative phrase used to refer to a specific group of children already known or understood in the context. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. The phrase appears most frequently in news and formal business contexts, suggesting a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by providing sufficient context so the reference is unambiguous. Alternatives include "these kids" or "those children", depending on the desired level of formality and proximity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

these kids

A more informal and colloquial alternative.

these youngsters

A slightly more formal and polite way to refer to children.

the aforementioned children

Used when the children have been previously discussed or identified.

the children in question

Refers to a specific group of children that is under discussion or investigation.

the children here

Emphasizes the children's presence in a specific location.

those children

Similar in meaning, but can imply a greater distance or detachment.

the little ones

A more affectionate and endearing term.

the minors involved

A legal or formal way to refer to children, often in official contexts.

the younger generation

Broader term referring to children collectively as a group.

the rising generation

Similar to "the younger generation", but emphasizing their future potential.

FAQs

How can I use "these children" in a sentence?

Use "these children" to refer to a specific group of children that has already been mentioned or is understood in the context. For example, "These children are participating in a reading program."

What are some alternatives to saying "these children"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "these kids", "those children", or "the children mentioned above".

Is it appropriate to use "these children" in formal writing?

Yes, "these children" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when referring to a specific group. In very formal contexts, "the aforementioned children" might be more suitable.

What is the difference between "these children" and "those children"?

"These children" usually implies that the children are nearby or more closely associated with the speaker, while "those children" suggests a greater distance or less direct association.