Their vs There vs They’re: What’s the Difference?
Many learners struggle with their vs there vs they’re because these words sound the same.
Understanding the difference between these three words will help you avoid one of the most common grammar mistakes in English writing.
👉 Download Free Grammar Worksheets & Examples (PDF):

🟢 What Is “Their”?
Their is a possessive adjective. It shows that something belongs to them.
Examples:
- The students forgot their books.
- The children are playing with their toys.
- The team celebrated their victory.
✅ In these sentences, their shows possession.
🔵 What Is “There”?
There refers to a place or location. It can also be used to introduce a sentence.
Examples:
- The keys are over there.
- We went there yesterday.
- There is a book on the table.
✅ In the last example, there introduces the sentence.
🟣 What Is “They’re”?
They’re is a contraction of they are.
Examples:
- They’re going to the park.
- They’re studying for the test.
- They’re very excited about the trip.
💡 Tip: Replace they’re with they are. If it still makes sense, it is correct.
Example:
- They’re happy → They are happy ✔️
💡 Simple Trick to Remember
- Their → belongs to them
- There → place or location
- They’re → they are
❌ Common Mistakes
❌ There house is very big.
✅ Their house is very big.
❌ Their going to the party.
✅ They’re going to the party.
❌ Put the bag over their.
✅ Put the bag over there.
✏️ Example Sentences
- Their car is parked outside.
- The restaurant is over there.
- They’re planning a trip next week.
🔗 Learn More Grammar Rules
👉 Improve your grammar with these guides:
🌍 Helpful External Resources
👉 You can also learn more here:
- Merriam-Webster Dictionary (https://www.merriam-webster.com)
- British Council Grammar Guide (https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/grammar)
👉 These help Google trust your content more
🤔 Why This Mistake Happens
The confusion happens because their, there, and they’re are homophones — words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings.
Because they sound identical when spoken, people often choose the wrong word when writing.
✅ Conclusion
The difference between their, there, and they’re is easy to remember:
- Their shows possession
- There refers to a place or introduces a sentence
- They’re means they are
Mastering these differences will help you avoid common grammar mistakes and improve your English writing.
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❓ FAQs: Their vs There vs They’re
1. What is the difference between their, there, and they’re?
Their shows possession, there refers to a place, and they’re means “they are.”
2. How do I remember their vs there vs they’re?
Their = belongs to them
There = place
They’re = they are
3. Why do people confuse their, there, and they’re?
Because they are homophones (same sound, different meanings).
4. Is “their” a noun or adjective?
Their is a possessive adjective.
5. Can “there” start a sentence?
Yes. Example: “There is a problem.”
