Wednesday, December 11, 2013

these are them/these are they: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Wednesday, December 11, 2013

these are them/these are they
Although only the pickiest listeners will cringe when you say “these are them,” the traditionally correct phrase is “these are they,” because “they” is the predicate nominative of “these.” However, if people around you seem more comfortable with “it’s me” than “it’s I,” you might as well stick with “these are them.”

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