these two people

USAGE SUMMARY

"these two people" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to two specific individuals within a group. For example, "These two people exemplify the hard work and dedication needed to succeed".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Just like these two people.

The Guardian - Music

These two people were twin poles of the Pulverdrome universe.

The Guardian - Film

Given these two people, this is what had to happen.

The New Yorker

It is the past and these two people definitely existed.

The Guardian - Film

"And suddenly these two people without uniforms just arrested him".

The New York Times

What's happening, and who are these two people?

The New York Times

"Turning these two people over to the I.N.S. has just reinforced that fear," Ms. Muñoz said.

The New York Times

"These two people were really the ringleaders of this whole thing," Colonel Phillabaum said.

The New York Times

"I cannot trust any of these two people who are fighting.

The New York Times

"These two people are so lovely, they are so lovely, why, why, oh why?" she said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Then there is another wrinkle--these two people are reading a minimum of two other works.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal or formal writing, consider substituting "these two people" with "the aforementioned individuals" for a more professional tone.

Common error

Avoid using "these two people" excessively in formal writing; it can sound too casual. Opt for more formal alternatives like "the individuals in question" or "the aforementioned persons".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "these two people" functions as a determiner and a noun phrase, identifying and specifying a particular pair of individuals. Ludwig examples show this phrase being used in diverse contexts, from news reports to film reviews, highlighting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Books

9%

Film

6%

Less common in

Tech

2%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "these two people" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to a specific pair of individuals. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, consider formality when choosing alternatives like "these two individuals" for professional settings. Remember to clearly identify who "these two people" are to avoid ambiguity, and be mindful of the context when using "these" versus "those". By following these guidelines, you can confidently and accurately use "these two people" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Both individuals

Directly refers to two distinct persons.

These individuals

Slightly more formal and less personal than "these two people".

Those two individuals

Emphasizes the individuality of the persons referred to.

The said pair

A more legalistic or formal way to refer to two people already specified.

The aforementioned pair

More formal and implies prior mention of the individuals.

The aforementioned duo

Similar to "aforementioned pair" but slightly more casual.

The pair under discussion

Highlights that the two are currently being talked about.

The couple in question

Suggests the two are related or central to a specific matter.

The couple concerned

Emphasizes worry or relevance to a particular situation.

The twosome involved

Informal, implies participation in an event or situation.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "these two people"?

You can use alternatives like "these two individuals", "both of these people", or "the aforementioned pair" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "those two people" instead of "these two people"?

Yes, "those two people" is grammatically correct and interchangeable. "These" typically refers to people nearby or being directly addressed, while "those" refers to people further away or not directly involved in the conversation.

When should I use "these two people" versus "those two people"?

"These two people" typically refers to individuals who are present or have been recently mentioned. "Those two people" refers to individuals who are not present or are more distant in the conversation.

Is "these two persons" a correct alternative to "these two people"?

While grammatically correct, "these two persons" is less common and sounds more formal or archaic. It's generally better to use "these two people" in most modern contexts.