those that

USAGE SUMMARY

"those that" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to refer to a specific group of people or things that are being referred to. For example, "Those that chose to stay were rewarded for their loyalty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Those that fail disappear.

The Economist

"Those that have more money?

The New York Times

Those that have not would.

The New York Times

Those that have retained it have stagnated.

The Economist

For those that are, where are they?

The New York Times - Arts

Those that are unrealized would remain untaxed.

The New York Times

(Those that do are wildly expensive).

The New York Times

Those that remain yearn for better leadership.

The Economist

tutelage than those that grew the slowest.

The New York Times

Those that did not were deemed pessimistic.

The New York Times - Science

"They are subsidizing those that do".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "those that" to clearly specify a subset of a larger group, especially when the distinction is important. For example, "Among all applicants, only "those that" meet the criteria will be interviewed".

Common error

Don't use "those that" when a simpler pronoun like "they" or "them" would suffice. For example, instead of "The books "those that" are on the top shelf are mine", say "The books on the top shelf are mine."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "those that" functions as a relative pronoun introducing a relative clause. It specifies a subset of a larger group based on a particular condition or characteristic. Ludwig confirms this usage with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "those that" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction that acts as a relative pronoun introducing a relative clause. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's employed to specify a subset within a larger group, often for clarification or categorization. While its register is generally neutral, leaning towards formal, it's widely acceptable in diverse contexts such as News & Media and Science, as evidenced by examples from sources like The New York Times and The Economist. When using "those that", ensure it accurately reflects a plural subject and avoid redundancy for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the ones who

Replaces "those that" with a more direct and common alternative.

the ones that

Similar to "the ones who", but applies to both people and objects.

people who

Focuses specifically on people rather than a broader range of entities.

individuals who

More formal alternative to "people who", suitable for professional contexts.

those which

More formal alternative, typically used for things rather than people.

entities that

Broadens the scope to include non-human subjects or objects.

that which

Singular form referring to a specific thing or idea.

the part that

Highlights a specific part or aspect of something.

the section which

Specifies selection from a limited category

the cases where

Refers to specific instances or situations.

FAQs

How can I use "those that" in a sentence?

"Those that" is used to refer to a specific group of people or things. For example, "Those that succeed spread prosperity."

What is a more formal alternative to "those that"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "those which" or "individuals who", depending on whether you're referring to things or people.

Is it always necessary to use "those that," or can I use "that"?

The phrase "those that" is plural. If you're referring to a single item, use "that which" instead. Ensure the pronoun agrees in number with what you're referring to.

What's the difference between "those that" and "the ones who"?

The phrases "those that" and "the ones who" are often interchangeable, but "those that" can apply to both people and things, while "the ones who" is typically used for people.