What is the difference between your and you're?

'Your' is a possessive pronoun meaning 'belonging to you' (your book, your idea). 'You're' is a contraction of 'you are' (You're amazing. You're welcome.). To test: replace the word with 'you are'. If it makes sense, use 'you're'.

Is it 'your welcome' or 'you're welcome'?

The correct phrase is 'you're welcome' — a contraction of 'you are welcome'. 'Your welcome' is incorrect because 'your' is possessive and doesn't fit here.

Your vs. You're: What's the Difference?

Quick Answer

your = possessive pronoun (belonging to you)

you're = contraction of "you are"

Explanation

YOUR (no apostrophe)

Possessive pronoun — belonging to you

Like: my, his, her, our, their

"Is this your bag?"

"Your idea is brilliant."

YOU'RE (with apostrophe)

Contraction of "you are"

you're = you are

"You're doing great!" (you are)

"You're welcome." (you are)

Quick test: Replace the word with "you are". If the sentence still makes sense → use you're. If not → use your.

Examples

✔Is that your car? (possessive)

✔You're going to love this. (you are)

✔I love your style. (possessive)

✔You're welcome. (you are welcome)

✘Your going to be late.

✘You're bag is on the table.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect: Your the best teacher I've ever had.

Correct: You're the best teacher I've ever had. (you are ✔)

Incorrect: I can't believe you're excuse.

Correct: I can't believe your excuse. (possessive — "I can't believe you are excuse" ✘)

Practice

Choose the correct word:

"_____ going to need _____ passport at the airport."