For professionals and writers, knowing the difference between there vs their vs they’re is essential. While these three words can appear similar—they all have to do with possession or location in some capacity—one small mistake could completely derail the intended meaning of a sentence if used incorrectly. So, let’s get into what each of these terms mean and explore easy ways to easily distinguish them so you can confidently use them when crafting your sentences.
What is the Difference Between There vs Their vs They’re?
Understanding the difference between there, their, and they’re can feel overwhelming if you are new to the English language. All three words are homophones, or words that are pronounced the same but have different meanings. The word there is an adverb that is used to identify a place or location. Their is a possessive adjective indicating possession of something by someone. And, they’re is a contraction of two words — they are.
Knowing which one to use depends on context.
If you find yourself uncertain, take a step back and ask yourself if it’s common sense; where is something located versus who owns it? If all else fails, look up the proper usage in a dictionary or online resource – soon enough you’ll be using them correctly in no time!
Definition of ‘There’
The everyday English word ‘there’ is typically used as both an adverb and an adjective, depending on the context of its usage. When used as an adverb, it generally refers to a place that is far away or which cannot be seen. It can also be used to refer to something which is happening at this moment in time, such as “Are you there yet?”.
As an adjective, it usually denotes belonging or ownership, such as in the phrase “Is this yours or mine? No, it’s over there.” Alternatively, ‘there’ can describe a certain condition or situation. For example, “There’s no way to solve this problem.” Hopefully this has helped make sense of the frequently-used term ‘there’.
Examples of ‘There’ in Sentences
There’ can be a handy word to include in sentences when you need to define a place or something that already exists.
- For example, let’s say you wanted to explain your favorite restaurant in the city.
- You might say “There is a great Italian restaurant near my house,” or “There used to be an amazing sushi place on main street.”
Here, the word ‘there’ helps frame where the restaurant is or was located. You could also use it to talk about something intangible like ‘There are so many reasons why I love this season.’ These few examples of ‘there’ show what an important part of speech it is and how useful it can be in both casual and formal conversations.
Definition of ‘Their’
‘Their’ is a possessive pronoun that is used when referring to something owned by multiple people. It is often used in instances when someone does not know the gender of the group of individuals being referred to.
- For example, “They brought their book bags.”
Here, the speaker acknowledges that there is more than one person but doesn’t know exactly how many or who they are. It can also be used as an alternative phrase for “his or her,” such as “Every student should take care of their belongings.” In this case, we’re referring to individuals of both genders: male and female. Although ‘their’ might seem like a simple concept, using it correctly and consistently can add clarity and professionalism to any writing.
Examples of ‘Their’ in Sentences
‘Their’ is a possessive pronoun that is used when referring to something owned by multiple people. It is often used in instances when someone does not know the gender of the group of individuals being referred to.
- For example, “They brought their book bags.”
Here, the speaker acknowledges that there is more than one person but doesn’t know exactly how many or who they are. It can also be used as an alternative phrase for “his or her,” such as “Every student should take care of their belongings.” In this case, we’re referring to individuals of both genders: male and female. Although ‘their’ might seem like a simple concept, using it correctly and consistently can add clarity and professionalism to any writing.
Definition of ‘They’re’
‘They’re’ is a combination of two different words: ‘They’ and ‘Are.’ It is specifically used to replace the phrase “they are” when speaking, but is still considered to be grammatically correct.
They’re’ is short for “they are,” much like how you’d use ‘I’m’ as a shorter way to say “I am.” There are a lot of contraction words people use in conversation today, so using ‘they’re’ correctly definitely adds some flair in your writing or speaking skills. Just remember that it always must refer to someone else other than yourself!
Examples of ‘They’re’ in Sentences
Using “they’re” challenges even the most experienced writers. At its simplest, it is a contraction of “they are”, but there are many instances when what you think is the correct usage could be wrong.
- For example, “They’re going to the store this afternoon” employs “they’re” correctly, making sure the reader knows the subject is plural.
However, when used about a single person, for example “Samantha said they’re coming too” implies that more than one person has made this claim which can create confusion in your reader. Whichever way you use it, make sure its appropriate for the context and try reading your sentence aloud – it can often help you spot verb agreement errors like these.
Common Mistakes When Using There vs Their vs They’re
Writing is a skill that many of us use every day, but not everyone has mastered the nuances of English grammar. One of the most common mistakes people make when they communicate in writing is getting confused between “there,” “their,” and “they’re.
All have different uses – two denote possession and one is a contraction for “they are” – but using them incorrectly can change the meaning of your sentence or render it incomprehensible. Knowing how to use these words correctly can ensure your message comes across loud and clear, and also strengthens your writing skills for any occasion.
How to Remember the Difference between There, Their, and They’re
Knowing the difference between there, their, and they’re can be tricky. But luckily, it’s easy to learn with a few simple tricks.
- Start by learning that ‘there’ is used to refer to a location. “She went THERE yesterday.” ‘Their’ is always followed by a noun and shows possession. For example, “Have you seen THEIR books?”
- Remember that ‘they’re’ is simply a contraction of ‘they are’. So if you can rewrite the sentence using ‘they are’, then use ‘they’re’. For instance, “They’re having trouble remembering this grammar lesson”.
With a few easy steps and practice sentences, you’ll know when each of these words is the right one for your writing.
Tips for Avoiding Confusion with These Words
Everyone has experienced a moment of confusion when trying to identify the correct word for a sentence or phrase. Whether it’s “affect” vs. “effect,” “than” vs. “then,” or any other homophones and homonyms, avoiding such confusion is key in effective communication.
- To help avoid these mix-ups, try making flashcards with each word’s definition and an example of how it should be used in a sentence.
- Then, practice using the words aloud to get used to their pronunciation; this technique also helps you memorize them more quickly!
- To make your studies easier and more organized, categorize the words by topics that become progressively more difficult.
With enough practice, you’ll find that correctly communicating becomes second nature before too long.
The Origin and Etymology Behind these Words
Knowing when to use “there” as an adjective can be tricky, but it’s important to do correctly to get your message across in the clearest way. Familiarizing yourself with the difference between “there,” “their,” and “they’re” is a great place to start. Remember that “there” does not indicate possession and cannot replace a subject-verb combination like “they’re.”
However, it can be used as an adjective by itself or within a sentence as part of a phrase. An example of this would be “go there” which means go to a specific location. “There” can also describe an instance in time (literal or figurative) with phrases such as “up until now” and “so far.” Keep this in mind the next time you are trying to indicate physical or temporal references!
When to Use ‘Their’ as a Possessive Pronoun
When trying to understand when to use ‘their’ as a possessive pronoun, it’s important to remember that it is used to show ownership or possession by a group of people. ‘Their’ is always the plural possessive form; where only one person is being referred to, use ‘his’ or ‘hers.’
An easy way to remember this is the phrase “theirs is the last letter of plural.” Furthermore, don’t confuse ‘their’ with ‘they’re’ which combines two words in one: they and are; or ‘there’ which refers to a place or situation. Understanding when to properly use ‘their,’ ‘they’re’ and ‘there’ can make your writing look professional and polished.
Grammatical Rules Around Using ‘They’re”
The debate surrounding grammar and how it applies to using ‘they’re’ inevitably comes up. Grammar purists have long argued that the use of ‘they’re’ should only apply in instances when one refers to someone as they, while others have championed its place as a gender-neutral pronoun. This poses an interesting question around which rule is most appropriate when entering the realm of spoken language, versus written language.
In speech, it’s generally accepted that individuals can get away with bending grammatical rules, yet when it comes to writing, established rules must be adhered to for the user’s point to effectively be communicated. In short, you can use ‘they’re’ however you wish while speaking but be mindful of the grammatical structure if you intend on using them when writing your next essay!
Ways to Make Sure You are Always Correctly Using These Terms
Using language accurately and appropriately is essential for effective communication. Unfortunately, many terms are often misused or misunderstood. To make sure you are correctly using these terms, it’s important to understand the difference between them and to keep up with any changes in their definitions or connotations.
An excellent way to do this is by reading material from reliable sources such as newspapers, magazines, journals and websites of reputable organizations. These can help you stay informed on the accepted usage of language in different contexts and sharpen your skills. Additionally, researching examples of phrases used correctly can be useful when crafting your own sentences. Taking steps like this will ensure that you’re correctly conveying what you mean to say through the precise use of language.
Conclusion
It is important to understand the differences between there and their. While they may sound alike, these words have different meanings and uses in grammar. When referring to a location or place, use “there”; when indicating possession of something by someone else (or multiple people), use “their”. With practice and understanding of the rules governing these two homonyms, you can ensure that your writing is always grammatically correct!
FAQs
What is the difference between there, their and they’re?
There is an adverb used to indicate a location, their is a possessive pronoun used to indicate possession and they’re is a contraction of the words they are.
When should I use ‘there’?
Use there when you are referring to a physical or abstract place. For example: “I am going there.” or “There isn’t time for that.”
When should I use ‘their’?
Use their when you are talking about something owned by someone else. For example: “Their pencils are all broken” or “They picked up their coats.”
When should I use ‘they’re’?
Use they’re when it is short for the phrase “they are.” For example: “They’re going to the store.” or “They’re the best at what they do.”
Are there any helpful tricks for remembering which word to use?
- Yes! Here is a helpful trick for remembering when to use each of these words:
- There is an “e” in “there,” just like where you are (location).
- Their has an “i” in it, just like possessive pronoun (belonging to someone else).
- They’re has an apostrophe, just like it’s short for two words (they are).
By using this trick, you will be able to remember the difference between these three words and use them correctly in your writing. With practice, you will find it easier to remember when to use which word. And soon enough, you’ll be able to switch easily between there, their and they’re without even thinking about it!
