Which is Correct: ‘I Bought These’ or ‘I Bought Those’?
As you navigate through English, you may come across phrases where the correct usage can be a bit confusing. Two such phrases are 'I bought these' and 'I bought those.' Both are correct, and the choice between them depends on the context in which you are using them. Let’s explore the nuances of these phrases in detail.Understanding the Basics
The words 'these' and 'those' are plurals of 'this' and 'that,' respectively. They are used to refer to objects that are either in proximity (these) or at a distance (those). These: Used for things that are close by or in front of you. Those: Used for things that are farther away or not in immediate view. For example,andI bought these. "I bought these” refers to things I hold in my hand.
I bought those. "I bought those” refers to things pointed to at a nearby table.
Common Usage Examples
Let’s delve into more examples to understand the usage better.1. Proximity vs. Distance
If you are holding something and want to refer to it, you would use 'these.' Conversely, if you are referring to objects that are not in your immediate presence, you would use 'those.'Proximity Example: While holding a book and someone asks what you just bought, you would say, “I bought these.”
Distance Example: While standing near a table, if you point to some items and say, “I bought those,” it indicates those items are not with you but are indeed part of the conversation.
2. Emphasis on Proximity
In certain contexts, you might want to emphasize the proximity of the items you are referring to. Using 'those' can help achieve this.Emphasis Example: If you want to emphasize that you bought items right in front of you, you could use 'those.' For example, 'I bought those shiny new pens over there.' This emphasizes both the proximity and the quality of the items.
Usage in Different Contexts
The correct usage of 'these' and 'those' can vary based on the context. Consider the following examples in different scenarios:1. Shopping Scenario
Imagine you are shopping in a store and want to tell your friend about an item you just purchased.Scenario Example: As you leave the store, you tell your friend, “I bought those wallets over there.” In this case, 'those' indicates that the wallets are not with you but are in the store, which adds a clear context to your statement.
2. Virtual Conversations
In a virtual setting, you might use 'those' to refer to things on a video screen or a shared screen during a live broadcast.Virtual Example: During a live stream, you might say, “I bought those artworks that are up on the screen.” This clarifies that you are referring to the visual items on the screen and not something you hold in your hand.