These, Those and They

What is the difference between These, Those and They?

These, Those and They are plural forms of This, That, It. Understanding the difference between these three pronouns may be difficult for an ESL learner because their meaning is very similar.

This ->These

These is used to refer to people and objects that are near the speaker.

• These men are my co-workers.  
• These kids saw the accident.

That -> Those

Those is used to refer to people and objects that are away from the speaker.

• Those men are my co-workers.
• Those kids saw the accident.

It -> They

They is used to refer to people and objects in general, regardless of where they are.

• They are my co-workers.
• They saw the accident.