three of those

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "three of those" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific quantity of items or objects that have been previously mentioned or are understood in context. Example: "I would like three of those cookies from the jar, please."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Three of those people died.

The New York Times

"Three of those, Anna, please".

The New Yorker

Mr. Hajiro received three of those.

The New York Times

They won three of those games.

The New York Times

Three of those remain out of action.

The Economist

Here are three of those lessons.

The New York Times

Mr. Brown vetoed three of those bills.

The New York Times

"Three of those 11 died.

The New York Times

Below, three of those students are highlighted.

Harvard University

Three of those teams offer lacrosse scholarships.

The New York Times - Sports

Three of those were executed in Texas.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "three of those", ensure the context clearly identifies what "those" refers to. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clear communication.

Common error

Avoid using "three of those" when the reference is unclear or distant in the text. Reiterate the noun or use a more specific pronoun to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

Quantifying pronoun phrase. "Three of those" functions as a determiner phrase, specifying the quantity of a previously mentioned or understood set of items. Ludwig confirms that it's a valid phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

17%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Forbes

5%

Vice

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "three of those" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate a specific quantity from a previously identified group. As verified by Ludwig, this phrase is appropriate across various contexts, from news articles to academic papers. It's essential to ensure the reference of "those" is clear to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "three of them" exist, "three of those" remains a versatile choice for specifying quantity with reference. Its prevalence in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and academic institutions underscores its reliability in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

three of the aforementioned

Formally references previously mentioned items, suitable for academic or legal contexts.

three out of those

Highlights the selection process, specifying that three items are chosen from a larger set.

three from them

Focuses on selecting three items from a specific group of people, emphasizing the selection process.

three such items

Emphasizes the type or nature of the items being referred to, maintaining a neutral tone.

three amongst them

Highlights the items as being part of a larger collection, indicating a selection from within.

three instances thereof

Formally refers back to a preceding noun or concept, often used in legal or technical writing.

a trio of those

Uses a more descriptive and slightly formal term, replacing the number with "trio" for emphasis.

specifically three

Underscores the exact quantity, drawing attention to the precise number being mentioned.

three in number

Emphasizes the numerical quantity with a more formal tone and structure.

a few of those

Indicates a small quantity, but less specific than "three", implying an approximate amount.

FAQs

How can I use "three of those" in a sentence?

Use "three of those" when referring to a specific quantity of items or objects that have already been mentioned or are implied in the context. For example, "I tried several flavors, and I liked "three of those" the most."

What are some alternatives to using "three of those"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "three of them", "a few of those", or specify the items directly to avoid pronoun usage.

Is it grammatically correct to say "three of those"?

Yes, "three of those" is grammatically correct when used to refer to a specific group of items or objects that are known to the speaker and listener. The AI confirms that it is valid.

What is the difference between "three of those" and "three of these"?

"Three of those" typically refers to items that are farther away or previously mentioned, while "three of these" refers to items that are closer or currently being presented.