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There, Their, or They're?
What Is the Difference between "There," "Their," and "They're"?
"There," "their," and "they're" are easy to confuse because they sound identical.- "There" is a place. For example:
- I live there.
- There are lots of shops.
- "Their" is for possession. For example:
- I understand their argument.
- "They're" is short for "they are." For example:
- Where are the rabbits? They're near the tree.
Infographic for "There," "Their," and "They're"
Here is an infographic explaining the difference between "there," "their," and "they're":
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. A mistake involving one of these is a serious risk to your credibility as a writer.They're
"They're" is a contraction of "they are."Example sentences with "they're":
- They're not leaving on Saturday now.
- I cannot believe they're from Boston.
- More than 20 people left they're coats in the cloakroom.

Making a there/their/they're mistake can undermine your credibility. How would you react to this office sign? (It should be "their" not "they're.")
- 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).- Can you show the guests to their cabins?
- I have seen their footprints before.
- Their all leaving.
- Their 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 adverbs of place.)"There" has two uses:
(1) It means a specific place.
- She is there.
- There are two apples.
- The Germans are over there.
- There is a good reason I'm not attending the party this year.
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
Here is a 5-minute video summarizing this lesson on "there," "their," and "they're."Ready for the Test?
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