Confused about there or their? These words sound alike but have different meanings and uses. There refers to a place or existence, while their shows possession. This guide also explains they’re, so you can understand the difference and avoid common spelling mistakes.
Quick Answer: There, Their, or They’re?
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| There | A place, position, or existence | There is a note over there. |
| Their | Belonging or connected to them | They forgot their keys. |
| They’re | Short for they are | They’re waiting outside. |
These words are homophones in standard American English: they sound alike but have different spellings and meanings.
How to Use There
There refers to a location, introduces something that exists, or points to a situation.
1. To show a place
- Please put the folder over there.
2. To say that something exists
Use there with forms of be, such as is, are, was, and were.
- There is a mistake in this sentence.
3. In expressions
There can also add emphasis or refer to a situation.
- There! The room looks much better now.
- She was there for me when I needed help.
How to Use Their
Their is a possessive determiner. It comes before a noun and shows that something belongs to, or is associated with, a person or group.
- The children packed their lunches.
- Their new office opens next week.
Their can also refer to one person when that person’s gender is unknown or irrelevant, or when they use they/them pronouns.
Example: Each customer should keep their receipt.
How to Use They’re
They’re is the contraction of they are. It is common in conversation and everyday writing. In especially formal writing, you may prefer the full form they are.
- They’re planning a trip.
- I think they’re ready for the meeting.
How to Choose the Correct Word
- Can you replace it with “they are”? Use they’re.
- Does it show ownership or association? Use their.
- Does it refer to a place, existence, or situation? Use there.
Compare: They’re leaving their bags there.
Common Mistakes
| Incorrect | Correct | Why? |
| Their going home. | They’re going home. | It means “they are.” |
| Put it over their. | Put it over there. | It refers to a place. |
| They left there coats. | They left their coats. | It shows possession. |
FAQs
Are there, their, and they’re pronounced the same?
Yes. They are homophones, so sound alone cannot identify the correct spelling.
Can their refer to one person?
Yes. Singular their is used when a person’s gender is unknown or irrelevant, and when someone uses they/them pronouns.
Is they’re informal?
It is common in everyday and professional writing. In very formal academic work, they are may be preferred.
Conclusion
Use there for a place, existence, or situation; their for possession or association; and they’re for they are. Check the sentence’s meaning to choose the right spelling.
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There or Their: Meaning, Differences, and Examples
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Bryan Garner an experienced English language writer specializing in grammar, usage, word choice, and clear American English. He focuses on making complex language rules simple, accurate, and practical.
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