these

These is a demonstrative word in English that functions as both a determiner and a pronoun to indicate proximity and plurality. As a determiner, it precedes a noun (these books). As a pronoun, it stands in for a noun (these are my friends). It is the plural form corresponding to "this" and forms part of a system with "this" for near-singular, "that" for far-singular, and "those" for far-plural.

Usage centers on proximity and number. These references are typically to items near the speaker and are used with plural, countable nouns (for example, these apples, these days). They are not used with uncountable nouns, where "this" or "that" is preferred (these water would be incorrect; you would say this water). As a pronoun, "these" can stand in for a noun phrase: These are the reasons I disagree, or These are mine.

Etymology and history trace "these" back to Old English demonstratives, with roots in Proto-Germanic. It developed as the near-plural form of the demonstrative pronoun/determiner and has remained the standard plural form for near-reference in Modern English. Related forms appear in many Germanic languages, such as German diese and Dutch deze, reflecting a common lineage of demonstratives across the family.

In usage, "these" is versatile: it introduces a noun phrase, identifies items in the vicinity, or begins a clause referring to a set of things or people just mentioned or understood from context. It contrasts with "these" and "those" to convey proximity and number.

See also

- This

- That

- Those

- Demonstratives

- Pronouns and determiners