those two

USAGE SUMMARY

"those two" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when trying to refer to two specific people, objects, events, or ideas. For example: "Those two items in the corner are the only ones left."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And sometimes those two blend".

Forbes

"Those two little whores.

The New Yorker

Those two guys.

The New York Times

Put those two together.

Independent

One of those two.

The New Yorker

Between those two men".

The New York Times

That's between those two.

Independent

Strong arms, those two.

The New York Times - Sports

Those two were spared.

The New York Times - Magazine

So those two things.

The Guardian

"Sometimes those two things coincide".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid repetition, consider using synonyms like "both of them" or "the pair" if the reference is clear.

Common error

Avoid using "those two" without establishing a clear reference. Ensure the reader knows exactly who or what "those two" refers to, or replace it with a more specific identifier.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "those two" is as a demonstrative phrase acting as a determiner or pronoun. It identifies and specifies two particular entities, as showcased in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "those two" is a demonstrative phrase used to specifically refer to two entities previously mentioned or easily identifiable. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts. While synonyms like "both of them" and "the pair" exist, "those two" remains a common and effective choice. Remember to ensure a clear reference to avoid ambiguity, and consider the formality level when choosing alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

these two

Changes the demonstrative pronoun but maintains the same meaning, implying closer proximity.

both of them

A simpler, more direct way to refer to two individuals.

the two of them

Slightly more emphatic than "both of them".

the two individuals

More formal and specific than "those two".

the pair in question

Highlights a specific couple under discussion.

the two mentioned

Similar to "aforementioned pair" but less formal.

the aforementioned pair

Replaces the demonstrative with a more formal term, indicating a previously mentioned couple.

the couple in that instance

Refers to a pair within a specific situation.

the specified duo

More technical, emphasizing precision.

the aforementioned parties

Highly formal, suitable for legal or official contexts.

FAQs

How do I use "those two" in a sentence?

Use "those two" to refer to two specific people, things, or ideas that have already been mentioned or are easily identifiable in the context. For example, "John and Mary went to the store. /s/Those+two are buying groceries".

What can I say instead of "those two"?

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

Which is correct, "those two" or "that two"?

"Those two" is correct when referring to a plural entity, while "that two" is grammatically incorrect. You would use "that" with a singular noun.

Is it better to use "those two" or mention the names again?

Using "those two" is appropriate for brevity once the entities have been introduced. If clarity is paramount or there's a risk of confusion, re-mentioning the names might be better.