Their vs. There vs. They're: Rules, Examples & Quick Tips
Their, there, and they're are three of the most commonly confused words in English. They sound identical but mean completely different things. Here is everything you need to never mix them up again.
Quick Reference Chart
Their
Possessive pronoun
Shows ownership. "belonging to them"
"Their house is on the corner."
There
Adverb / pronoun
Refers to a place, or introduces a clause.
"The book is over there."
They're
Contraction
Short for "they are."
"They're coming to dinner."
"Their" — Showing Possession
Their is a possessive pronoun. It means "belonging to them." Use it whenever you are talking about something that belongs to a group of people.
- —Their dog runs loose in the yard every morning.
- —The students handed in their assignments.
- —Their opinions differ on almost everything.
- —I love their new apartment.
- —The team celebrated their victory.
Memory trick: "Their" contains heir — an heir inherits possessions. If it is about ownership, use their.
"There" — Referring to a Place (or Introducing a Clause)
There has two main jobs. First, it refers to a location or position. Second, it introduces the existence of something ("there is," "there are").
- —The keys are over there on the counter.
- —There is a problem with the engine.
- —We went there last summer.
- —There are three reasons I disagree.
- —Put the box right there.
Memory trick: "There" contains here. Both words refer to a place. Here, there, everywhere.
"They're" — The Contraction of "They Are"
They're is simply a contraction of "they are." Whenever you are unsure, try expanding it. If "they are" works in the sentence, then they're is correct.
- —They're planning a surprise party. (They are planning...)
- —I think they're lost. (They are lost.)
- —They're the best team in the league. (They are the best...)
- —Do you know if they're coming? (They are coming?)
- —They're always late to meetings. (They are always late...)
Common Mistakes
Incorrect
"The kids left there toys outside."
Should be their — the toys belong to the kids.
Correct
"The kids left their toys outside."
Incorrect
"Their going to be late."
Should be they're — short for "they are."
Correct
"They're going to be late."
Incorrect
"They're house is beautiful."
Should be their — "they are house" does not make sense.
Correct
"Their house is beautiful."
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with their, there, or they're:
- _______ is a new restaurant on Main Street. → There
- _______ bringing _______ own chairs. → They're ... their
- I put the glasses over _______. → there
- _______ car is parked in _______ driveway. → Their ... their
- Do you think _______ ready? → they're
All Three in One Sentence
The classic example that uses all three:
"They're going to park their car over there."
They are (contraction) → their car (possession) → over there (place).
Write With Confidence
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