There, Their, or They're?
What Is the Difference between "There," "Their," and "They're"?
"There," "their," and "they're" sound similar, but they have very different meanings. It is important to understand the difference between these words because using the wrong one is considered a basic mistake."There" is a place.
- I live there.
- There are lots of shops.
"Their" is for possession.
- I understand their argument.
"They're" is short for "they are."
- Where are the rabbits? They're near the tree.
Its Your Go!
Select the right one to fill the gap.More about "They're," "Their," and "There"
"There," "their," and "they're" are common words, and your readers will expect you to use the right one.They're
"They're" is a contraction of "they are." It can always be expanded to "they are." This is a 100% rule!Example sentences with "they're":
- They're not leaving on Saturday now. (Do the expansion test: "They are not leaving on Saturday now.")
- I cannot believe they're from Boston. (Test: "I cannot believe they are from Boston.")
- More than 20 people left they're coats in the cloakroom. (Test: "More than 20 people left they are coats in the cloakroom." This is nonsense. Therefore, "they're" is wrong.)
- My doctor gave me two weeks to live. I hope they're in August. (Comedian Ronnie Shakes) (Test: "I hope they are in August.")
- Things are only impossible until they're not. (Captain Jean-Luc Picard) (Test: "Things are only impossible until they are not.")
Their
"Their" is for possession. It is like "my," "your," "his," "her," "its," and "our." These are called possessive determiners ("possessive adjectives" in traditional grammar).Example sentences with "their":
- Can you show the guests to their cabins? (Do the "our" test: "Can you show the guests to our cabins?"
- I have seen their footprints before. (Test: "I have seen our footprints before."
- Their all leaving. (Test: "Our all leaving."
- Their less likely to cause offence. (Test: "Our less likely to cause offence."
- Experience is the name every one gives to their mistakes. (Playwright Oscar Wilde)
This sounds okay. Therefore, "their" is correct.)
This sounds okay. Therefore, "their" is correct.)
This is nonsense. Therefore, "their" is wrong. It should be "They're.")
This is nonsense. Therefore, "their" is wrong. It should be "They're.")
There
"There" is like "here" because it represents a place. ("There" and "here" are both adverbs of place.) "There" has two uses:(1) It means a specific place.
- She is there.
(2) It means that something exists.
- There are two apples.
More example sentences with "there":
- The Germans are over there. (In this example, "there" is a specific place.)
- There is a good reason I'm not attending the party this year. (In this example, it means "a good reason exists.")
Ready for All 3?
Here is an example with "they're," "their," and "there."- They're unqualified, and their opinions were worthless while they were there.
A Video Summary
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Test Time!
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