There, Their, They're

There, their, and there are all pronounced the same way, /ˈðeɚ/, but they are different words with different meanings and uses.

There is an adverb that means "to, into, or in that place" or "at that location."

• Put the book over there.
• I saw him standing there.
• The new coffee shop is going to be right there on the corner.

Their is an adjective that means "relating to or belonging to certain people, animals, or things" or "made or done by certain people, animals, or things." It is the possessive form of they.

• Have you seen their new car?
• They loved their son the moment he was born.
• The dogs got all their shots at the vet.
• The house is so old the doors are falling off their hinges.

They're is a contraction of the words "they are."

• They're going to miss the bus if they don’t hurry.
• Call the shop to see if they're open.

I hope this helps. For more posts about words, idioms, grammar, and usage, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

Don't forget to subscribe to our Word of the Day e-mails!

Click here to try one of our vocabulary quizzes before you go!