these two things

USAGE SUMMARY

"these two things" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to two things that you have already mentioned, or two things that are obvious in the context of the sentence. For example: "You need to consider both the cost and the quality when choosing a new product - these two things are equally important."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"These two things are incompatible.

The New Yorker

These Two things are one.

The New Yorker

"These two things go hand in hand".

Independent

I think these two things speak positively".

The New York Times

These two things separately are not complete.

The New York Times

These two things are completely equivalent.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Amazingly these two things aren't connected.

The Guardian - Sport

Interestingly, these two things may be connected.

The Guardian

These two things are inextricably connected.

The Guardian - Opinion

These two things are quite different.

The Guardian - Tech

These two things, they are not compatible.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "these two things", ensure it's clear what the two things are to avoid ambiguity. Briefly reiterate the items if necessary for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "these two things" without a clear antecedent. Readers should not have to guess what you are referring to; make the connection explicit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "these two things" functions as a demonstrative pronoun phrase, referring back to two previously mentioned items or concepts. It serves to connect different parts of a discourse by explicitly linking them. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a common way to refer to items already established in context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "these two things" is a demonstrative pronoun phrase used to refer back to two previously mentioned items or concepts, ensuring cohesion and avoiding repetition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It's most commonly found in News & Media and Academia, with a neutral register. To ensure clarity, always make sure the reference is clear to your audience. Alternatives like "these aspects" or "both of these factors" can be used depending on the specific context. Make sure that you clarify what are the referred to items. This will ensure that you are expressing concepts correctly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

both of these factors

Directly indicates that there are two influential elements.

these couple of items

Replaces "things" with "items", suggesting a more concrete or specific reference.

these aspects

Focuses on particular facets or elements of a situation.

these elements

Emphasizes the individual constituents of a larger whole.

the aforementioned points

More formal; emphasizes that the items have already been discussed.

these subjects

Highlights that there are two areas being discussed.

the pair of elements

Highlights that there are two distinct parts involved.

the two items in question

More formal and specifies that the items are under discussion.

the duo of aspects

Slightly more stylistic; emphasizes the pairing of the elements.

these considerations

Emphasizes factors that need to be taken into account.

FAQs

How can I use "these two things" in a sentence?

Use "these two things" to refer back to two specific items or concepts already mentioned. For example: "The budget and the timeline are critical to this project; "these two things" must be carefully managed."

What are some alternatives to "these two things"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "these aspects", "both of these factors", or "the aforementioned points".

Is it okay to start a sentence with "these two things"?

While grammatically correct, starting a sentence with "these two things" might sometimes sound less elegant. Consider rephrasing for a smoother flow, or using a more specific term if appropriate.

How do I ensure clarity when using "these two things"?

To maintain clarity, make sure the two items you are referring to are explicitly stated in close proximity to the phrase ""these two things"". Avoid ambiguity by being precise in your references.