There vs. Their vs. They're

Quick Answer

there = place or existence (Put it over there. There is a way.)

their = possessive pronoun (their house, their ideas)

they're = contraction of "they are" (They're coming.)

Explanation

THERE

1. Place (≠ here)

2. Existence (there is/are)

"Put it over there."

"There is a problem."

Tip: "here" is inside "there"

THEIR

Possessive — belonging to them

"Their house is big."

"I like their music."

Like: my, your, his, her, our

THEY'RE

Contraction: they are

"They're coming soon."

"They're my friends."

Test: replace with "they are"

Memory trick: The word here is hidden inside there — both deal with place. Their contains heir — someone who inherits (owns) things. They're has an apostrophe → contraction of "they are".

Examples

I left my keys over there. (place)
Their flight was delayed. (possessive)
They're planning a trip to Japan. (they are)
There are many ways to solve this problem.
I love there new apartment.
Their going to be late.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect: Have you seen there new car?

Correct: Have you seen their new car? (possessive — belonging to them)

Incorrect: They're house is beautiful.

Correct: Their house is beautiful. ("they are house" ✘ → use their)

Practice

Fill in the blank:

"_____ late again — _____ boss is standing right _____ ."

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