"Those boys are in my class" vs "These boys are in my class"

Question

"Those boys are in my class" vs "These boys are in my class"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Those boys are in my class' is used when referring to boys that are farther away or have been previously mentioned, while 'These boys are in my class' is used when referring to boys that are closer or currently present. The choice between 'those' and 'these' depends on the proximity of the boys being talked about.

Last Updated: March 26, 2024

This phrase is used to talk about boys that are not close to the speaker or have been previously introduced. 'Those' indicates a certain distance or separation from the speaker.

Examples:

Those boys are in my class, but I don't know their names.
I saw those boys in my class at the park yesterday.
Do you remember those boys in my class who won the science fair?
Those boys are in my class, but they sit at the back of the room.
I need to talk to those boys in my class about the upcoming project.

Alternatives:

The boys in my class are those.
The boys in my class are the ones over there.
The boys in my class are the ones I mentioned earlier.
The boys in my class are the ones with the red backpacks.
The boys in my class are the ones who play soccer.

This phrase is used to talk about boys that are close to the speaker or are currently present. 'These' indicates a proximity or closeness to the speaker.

Examples:

These boys are in my class, and they are very friendly.
I need to talk to these boys in my class about their grades.
These boys are in my class, and they always sit in the front row.
Can you help these boys in my class with their homework?
I know these boys in my class very well.

Alternatives:

The boys in my class are these.
The boys in my class are the ones right here.
The boys in my class are the ones in front of me.
The boys in my class are the ones I'm pointing to.
The boys in my class are the ones who like to read.

Answer 1

Those boys are in my class

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to boys that are farther away or have been previously mentioned.

Answer 2

These boys are in my class

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to boys that are closer or currently present.

"Those boys are in my class" vs "These boys are in my class"

Those boys are in my class

These boys are in my class

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