It’s a question that might pop up in a grammar lesson, or perhaps while you're puzzling over a sentence: what exactly is the plural of 'that'? The answer, as many of us learned, is 'those'. But English, bless its intricate heart, rarely stops at the obvious, does it? The words 'them' and 'those' can feel like old friends, familiar and useful, yet sometimes their roles blur, especially when we're thinking about plurality.
Let's start with the bedrock. The word 'plural' itself, as the reference material reminds us, simply means referring to more than one person or thing. It’s the fundamental concept behind how we talk about multiple items, whether it's 'cats' instead of 'cat' or 'ideas' instead of 'idea'. This applies to nouns, of course, but also to other word types.
Now, 'those'. It’s the clear-cut plural of 'that'. Think of it as pointing to things that are further away, or perhaps things that have been mentioned before. "Can I help you with those bags?" is a classic example. It’s a determiner, specifying which bags we’re talking about – not just any bags, but a particular set of them, plural and distinct from 'this' or 'these'. It can also function as a pronoun, standing in for a plural noun: "The red cars are fast, but those over there are even faster."
Then we have 'them'. This is where things get a little more nuanced, and frankly, more interesting. 'Them' is primarily the object form of 'they'. It refers to multiple people, animals, or things that have already been mentioned. "I saw the students, and I spoke to them." Here, 'them' is the direct object of the verb 'spoke'. It’s also the object of prepositions: "Give the books to them."
Interestingly, 'them' has also evolved to serve a crucial role in inclusivity. It can be used as a singular pronoun for someone whose gender is unknown or who identifies as non-binary, a modern adaptation that reflects the evolving nature of language. "If a student needs help, ask them what they need." This usage, while perhaps newer to some, is increasingly recognized and accepted.
Here’s where the potential confusion might arise: in some non-standard or informal contexts, 'them' can sometimes be used in a way that resembles 'those', acting as a determiner. You might hear something like "Them cookies look delicious." While grammatically questionable in formal settings, it highlights how language can be fluid and how speakers might intuitively use a word to indicate plurality. However, for standard English, 'those' is the correct plural determiner for 'that'.
So, while 'those' is the direct plural of 'that', 'them' is the object form of 'they' and carries its own significant grammatical weight and social evolution. Understanding these distinctions isn't just about memorizing rules; it's about appreciating the subtle ways English allows us to express plurality, specificity, and even evolving social considerations. It’s a reminder that language is a living, breathing thing, constantly adapting and offering us new ways to connect and communicate.
