Them Meaning
Them Definition & Usage
Used to refer to multiple people or things that have already been mentioned or are easily identified.
Examples
- "I saw the kids playing outside. I asked them to come in for dinner."
- "The books are on the shelf. Please put them back when you're done."
- "She gave them the money they needed."
- "Do you know where they went? I haven't seen them all day."
- "I called them earlier, but they didn't answer the phone."
Used as a singular pronoun to refer to a person whose gender is unknown or to refer to a person who prefers non-gendered pronouns.
Examples
- "Alex forgot their book at home. I hope they come back to get it."
- "If anyone calls, tell them I'll be back soon."
- "Jordan said they would meet us later; I wonder where they are."
- "It's hard to say if the new employee will like them, but I think they'll do fine."
- "The doctor said they would call me once the results come in."
Cultural Context
'Them' is a versatile pronoun that can be used in a variety of contexts. It is essential in English because it simplifies communication, avoiding the need for more cumbersome descriptions. Its use as a gender-neutral singular pronoun is a relatively recent development but has become increasingly common, particularly in discussions about gender identity.
The Case of the Missing Keys
Story
The Case of the Missing Keys
It was a quiet morning when Jessica realized she had lost her keys. She had been at the coffee shop, chatting with her friend, Mark, and now she couldn’t find them anywhere. The whole day seemed to be slipping through her fingers as she searched the café for her lost items. She retraced her steps, looking for them in every corner and under every table. 'Have you seen my keys?' she asked the barista. He shook his head. 'No, but I’m sure they’re somewhere around here. Maybe you left them at your table.' Mark, who had been sitting beside her, picked up his phone. 'I’ll help you look,' he said, looking a little distracted. 'Do you need them for anything important?' He seemed more concerned about his own phone than helping her find her keys. As Jessica sat down again, she realized that perhaps she had been too harsh in thinking Mark was being inconsiderate. 'I guess I’ve got to trust them to turn up on their own,' she thought, knowing the keys would probably show up at the last place she would expect. Later that day, when she met Mark again, she mentioned, 'I finally found them!' Mark smiled, clearly relieved. 'Where were they?' he asked. 'In my coat pocket, all along,' she laughed, feeling a bit embarrassed but grateful that they had been found. Mark looked at her with a smile. 'Well, at least you can stop stressing over them.' As they laughed about the whole situation, Jessica couldn’t help but think about how often she lost things and how often she depended on others to help her find them. The word 'them' had become a constant in her day, representing not just her lost keys but the little things that made life a little more complicated—and a little more funny too.
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