These three little words cause big headaches: there, their, and they’re. English learners mix them up all the time, and honestly, native speakers do too when they are typing too fast and trusting autocorrect like it is a wise old wizard.
The good news? These words are easy once you learn the job each one does in a sentence. By the end of this guide, you will know how to choose the right word, avoid common mistakes, and spot the difference fast.
Quick tip: if you can say the word out loud, the sentence often sounds the same for all three. That is exactly why spelling matters here.
Quick Meaning Guide
| Word | Pronunciation | Meaning | Example Sentence | Learner Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| there | thair | in, at, or to a place; also used to show that something exists | There is a book on the table. | Often used to introduce a sentence. |
| their | thair | belonging to them | Their car is red. | Possessive adjective. It shows ownership. |
| they’re | thair | short form of “they are” | They’re very busy today. | Contraction. It always means “they are.” |
Yes, they all sound the same. English likes to keep learners on their toes for no good reason.
There: Place Or Existence
There is about a place, direction, or existence.
- There = in that place
- There = to that place
- There is / There are = something exists
| Pattern | Meaning | Example | Learner Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| There is + singular noun | Something exists | There is a problem. | Use is with one thing. |
| There are + plural noun | More than one thing exists | There are three emails. | Use are with plural nouns. |
| Go there | Move to that place | I want to go there. | Very common in everyday English. |
Example sentences:
- There is a coffee shop near my office.
- Put the keys over there on the shelf.
- I have never been there before.
- There are many ways to learn English.
There often points to a place or introduces new information. It does not show ownership. That job belongs to their.
Their: Belonging To Them
Their shows possession. It means “belonging to them.” Use it before a noun.
- Their + noun
- It answers the question: Whose?
| Pattern | Meaning | Example | Learner Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Their house | The house belongs to them | Their house is very old. | Their comes before the noun. |
| Their phones | The phones belong to them | Their phones are on silent. | Works with singular or plural nouns. |
| Their idea | The idea belongs to them | I like their idea. | Common in work, school, and casual speech. |
Example sentences:
- Their English is improving.
- I met their teacher yesterday.
- Their dog is very friendly.
- We should respect their decision.
Helpful note: their is a possessive adjective, like my, your, his, her, our, and its.
They’re: They Are
They’re is a contraction. It means they are.
| Pattern | Meaning | Example | Learner Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| They’re + adjective | They are + description | They’re tired. | Very common in speech and informal writing. |
| They’re + verb-ing | They are doing something now | They’re studying. | Often used for actions happening now. |
| They’re + noun | They are + noun | They’re doctors. | Be careful not to confuse it with their. |
Example sentences:
- They’re coming at 6:00.
- They’re my best friends.
- They’re not ready yet.
- I think they’re on the train.
Spelling note: the apostrophe in they’re replaces the missing letter a from they are.
Fast Trick To Choose The Right Word
Use this simple test:
- If you mean “they are”, use they’re.
- If you mean belonging to them, use their.
- If you mean a place or existence, use there.
Try replacing the word with the full phrase:
- They’re happy. → They are happy. Yes, that works.
- Their house is big. → They are house is big. Nope. Wrong job.
- There is a park nearby. → They are is a park nearby. Also nope.
Little rule, big power: if you can change it to they are, write they’re.
Common Sentences You Will See
| Word | Common Phrase | Example Sentence | Learner Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| there | There is | There is a message for you. | Very common in daily English. |
| there | There are | There are two seats left. | Use with plural nouns. |
| there | over there | The store is over there. | Useful for pointing out a place. |
| their | their own | Everyone has their own style. | Very natural and common. |
| their | their + noun | I forgot their name. | Remember: their comes before a noun. |
| they’re | they’re going to | They’re going to call later. | Common in speech and writing. |
| they’re | they’re not | They’re not sure. | Negative form of “they are.” |
Pronunciation And Spelling Note
These three words usually sound the same in normal speech: thair. That is why the spelling causes confusion.
Here is the real difference:
- there starts with th + ere
- their starts with th + eir
- they’re has an apostrophe because it is short for they are
If spelling feels annoying here, that is normal. English spelling enjoys making simple things look complicated. Very generous of it.
Common Mistakes And Fixes
| Mistake | Wrong Example | Correct Example | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Using their for “they are” | Their happy. | They’re happy. | Their shows possession, not “they are.” |
| Using there for possession | There car is new. | Their car is new. | Ownership needs their. |
| Using they’re for a place | Put it over they’re. | Put it over there. | They’re = they are, not a place. |
| Forgetting apostrophe in contraction | theyre coming | they’re coming | Contractions need the apostrophe. |
Practice: Choose The Correct Word
Fill in the blank with there, their, or they’re.
- 1. ____ is a package at the door.
- 2. ____ going to the meeting in ten minutes.
- 3. I like ____ new apartment.
- 4. Put your bag over ____.
- 5. ____ parents live in Texas.
- 6. ____ are three apples in the bowl.
- 7. I think ____ ready for the test.
- 8. Is that ____ notebook?
Answer key:
- 1. There
- 2. They’re
- 3. their
- 4. there
- 5. Their
- 6. There
- 7. they’re
- 8. their
Mini Remembering Tips
- there = here/where idea, or there is/are
- their = belonging to them
- they’re = they are
There is a place. Their is ownership. They’re is they are. Three tiny words, three different jobs.
Authoritative Dictionary Help
If you want to check the standard meanings and examples, a reliable place to start is Cambridge Dictionary. It is boring in the best possible way.
You can also try a quick check with the English Vocabulary Test or the English Placement Test CEFR if you want to see your current level.
For more easy lessons, visit the Learn English page.
Yak takeaway: if it means they are, use they’re; if it shows ownership, use their; if it points to a place or says something exists, use there. Small words, big spelling drama.
