where are those

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'where are those' is an acceptable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you are asking about specific items that have been mentioned previously. For example, "I saw some books yesterday, where are those?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Where are those liberals?

The New York Times

Where are those quasars now?

The New York Times - Science

But where are those helicopters?

The Economist

Where are those cards played?

Independent

"Where are those lines?

The New York Times

Where are those pearls?

The New York Times - Arts

So where are those?

The New York Times

Where are those documents?

The New York Times

Where are those words?

The New Yorker

Where are those new Alaskans coming from?

The New York Times

Where are those boys now?

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "where are those", ensure that the reference is clear to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "where are those" if the items being referred to have not been previously introduced or are not clearly defined within the context. This can lead to confusion and misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "where are those" functions as an interrogative expression, specifically used to inquire about the current location or status of previously mentioned or understood entities. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a grammatically correct and widely recognized construction in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "where are those" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to inquire about the location or status of previously identified items or individuals. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral tone, suitable for various situations. Effective use depends on clear contextual reference to avoid ambiguity. While alternative phrases such as "where have they gone" or "what became of them" may be more appropriate depending on nuances, "where are those" serves as a direct and versatile means of seeking information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

where are they now

Emphasizes the current situation compared to a past state.

where have they gone

This suggests a movement or relocation, prompting a search for the items in a new place.

what is the location of those

A more formal way of asking about the whereabouts of something.

where might those be

Suggests uncertainty and exploration of possible locations.

where can they be

This alternative emphasizes uncertainty about the location, adding a sense of mystery or concern.

can you tell me where those are

A polite way to inquire about the location, suitable for customer service or assistance contexts.

what became of them

This implies a disappearance or change of state, focusing on the outcome rather than the current location.

what's happened to those

Focuses on the events or circumstances affecting the items, suggesting a change or problem.

what's the status of those

This alternative focuses on the present condition or progress of something, suitable for formal contexts.

where do you find those

This shifts the focus to the means or method of obtaining the items, rather than their current location.

FAQs

How can I use "where are those" in a sentence?

You can use "where are those" to inquire about the location or status of items or people previously mentioned in the conversation or writing. For example, "I left my keys here; "where are those"?"

What phrases are similar to "where are those"?

Similar phrases include "where have they gone", "what became of them", or "where can they be", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "where are those" in formal writing?

Yes, "where are those" is acceptable in both formal and informal writing, provided the context and reference are clear. In highly formal contexts, you might consider a more precise alternative like "what is the location of those".

What's the difference between "where are those" and "where are these"?

"Where are those" refers to specific items or people that have been previously identified or mentioned. "Where are these" typically refers to items or people that are present or nearby. For example, "I have some new books, "where are these"?" indicates the books are present, while ""where are those"" implies the books were mentioned before.