Singular verb after 'these' or 'those'

Use a plural verb with the plural demonstratives these and those. If you point to more than one item, say "These are..." or "Those are..." - not "These is..." or "Those is...". Replace the demonstrative with "they" as a quick test: if "they are" fits, use "these/those are".

Quick rule

These/those = plural → use plural verbs: are, have, look, seem, sound. If you mean one item, use this/that + singular verb (is, has, looks, seems, sounds).

• These/Those → plural subject → these/those are.
• This/That → singular subject → this/that is.
• Quick check: swap in "they are." If it reads correctly, keep "these/those are."

Core explanation

The error happens when the speaker treats the demonstrative as if it pointed to one item or when a sentence is drafted quickly without checking agreement. The demonstrative (these/those) determines the verb number, not nearby nouns or a hearable rhythm.

Parenthetical phrases or intervening words don't change agreement: "These, unfortunately, are gone." If you meant one item, write "This, unfortunately, is gone."

Real usage: work, school, casual

• Work: These are the files I emailed this morning. (
  Wrong: These is the files I emailed.)
• Work: Those are the meeting notes from yesterday. (
  Wrong: Those is the meeting notes.)
• Work: These are my top priorities for the sprint. (
  Wrong: These is my top priorities.)
• School: These are the articles required for the assignment. (
  Wrong: These is the articles.)
• School: Those are the solutions the professor posted. (
  Wrong: Those is the solutions.)
• Casual: These are my keys - I left them on the table. (
  Wrong: These is my keys.)
• Casual: Those are funny stories. (
  Wrong: Those is funny stories.)
• Casual: These are the shoes I bought last week. (
  Wrong: These is the shoes.)

Try your own sentence

Test the full sentence out loud. Replace the demonstrative with "they are" or "it is" to check agreement. Context often makes the correct form obvious.

Wrong vs right examples you can copy

Six quick pairs to copy into your notes or use as search-and-replace patterns.

• Wrong: These is my favorite books.
  Right: These are my favorite books.
• Wrong: Those sounds like a good idea.
  Right: Those sound like a good idea.
• Wrong: These is the files you asked for.
  Right: These are the files you asked for.
• Wrong: Those is the results we expected.
  Right: Those are the results we expected.
• Wrong: These is the plans for next month.
  Right: These are the plans for next month.
• Wrong: Those is my friends from college.
  Right: Those are my friends from college.

How to fix your own sentence (rewrite help)

Don't just replace the verb mechanically - confirm the meaning and smooth the phrasing.

• Step 1: Identify whether the demonstrative refers to one item or several.
• Step 2: Choose this/that + singular verb for one item; these/those + plural verb for multiple items.
• Step 3: Reread for tone and clarity; sometimes naming the noun is cleaner.

• Original: This plan is These is my if everyone stays late.
  Rewrite: These are my priorities if everyone stays late.
• Original: The assignment feels These is my now.
  Rewrite: The assignment feels like one of these tasks now. (Or: These are my current tasks.)
• Original: Is that These is my this afternoon?
  Rewrite: Are those mine this afternoon? (Or: Is that mine this afternoon?)

A simple memory trick

Picture "these are" or "those are" as a single spoken chunk that points to multiple items. Train your eye by searching drafts for "These is" and "Those is" and fixing them in batches.

• Hear the plurality: "they are" → "these/those are."
• Don't memorize the incorrect form; replace it with the plural collocation.

Similar mistakes, spacing and hyphenation notes

Writers who slip on demonstratives sometimes make nearby errors: split words, incorrect hyphenation, or wrong verb forms. A quick scan for similar patterns will catch repeat problems.

• Hyphenation: Demonstratives don't change hyphen rules - write "these items" not "these-items."
• Spacing: Watch for accidental splits like "the se" or "tho se" caused by fast typing.
• Verb confusion: Make sure the verb agrees with the demonstrative, not a nearby singular noun.

FAQ

Is "These is my" ever correct?

No. In standard English "these" is plural and takes a plural verb (are). If you mean one item, use "this is" or name the item.

Should I fix "Those is" in casual texts?

Yes. Even in casual messages, correct agreement reduces confusion and keeps your writing clear.

How can I spot the mistake quickly when proofreading?

Use the "they are" test: replace the demonstrative with "they are." Search your draft for "These is" and "Those is" and read those lines aloud.

What if the noun is singular but close in thought?

Either change the demonstrative to this/that + singular verb or make the noun plural. If it's ambiguous, name the noun explicitly.

Do parenthetical phrases affect agreement?

No. Parenthetical words don't change the subject's number: "These, unfortunately, are gone." If you mean a single item, use "This, unfortunately, is gone."

Want a quick check before you send it?

Do a one-line pass: run the "they are" test, scan for "These is"/"Those is," then paste suspicious sentences into a grammar checker if you use one. A short manual pass usually fixes this common error in under a minute.