yellow group · The short answer
DEMONSTRATIVES
Each puzzle word passes the same exact test. The four mappings show how the answer works.
THAT points to one person, thing, or idea treated as relatively distant.
THESE points to multiple people or things treated as relatively near.
THIS points to one person, thing, or idea treated as relatively near.
THOSE points to multiple people or things treated as relatively distant.
Why this group was difficult
- The words have several grammatical jobs
Each entry can appear before a noun or stand alone, so its shared identity may not be immediately obvious. - Two tempting short words sit nearby
THE and OTHER resemble words that could join THIS and THAT in an everyday phrase, but they belong elsewhere.
How to spot this pattern next time
When several short words seem related, test whether they form a complete named grammar set rather than merely sounding natural in a phrase.
Check number and distance together: THIS and THAT are singular, while THESE and THOSE are their plural counterparts.
Four useful facts behind the group
- All four entries can point to people, things, or ideas.
- THIS and THESE conventionally indicate relative nearness.
- THAT and THOSE conventionally indicate relative distance.
- The quartet contains two singular and two plural forms.
Questions players ask
The details people search after seeing the group
What connects THAT, THESE, THIS, and THOSE?
They are DEMONSTRATIVES, words used to point to people, things, or ideas.
Why does THE not belong with THIS and THAT?
THE is a definite article, and on this board it is required by a different exact relationship.
How can I spot a demonstratives group again?
Look for the four-way pattern formed by near versus far and singular versus plural pointing words.