A1pronounhigh_frequency_chunk

Them

UK /["/ðəm//ðem/"]/US /["/ðəm//ðem/"]/

Definition

used when referring to people, animals or things as the object of a verb or preposition, or after the verb be

In simple words: A word used to refer to people or things that are not you or I.

Examples

  • Tell them the news.
  • What are you doing with those matches? Give them to me.
  • Did you eat all of them?
  • It's them.
  • If anyone comes in before I get back, ask them to wait.

Usage notes

Used to refer to a group of people or things. It's informal in some contexts. Avoid using it as a singular pronoun.

Grammar pattern

pronoun + subject/object

Memory hint

Think of 'them' like 'the elm tree' — it's about what is around us.

Collocations

  • tell them
  • show them
  • get to them

Synonyms

  • they
  • those
  • themselves

Antonyms

  • us
  • we

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'those' when referring to people.
  • Using 'them' as a singular pronoun in formal writing.
  • Mixing up 'them' with 'they' in subject vs. object position.