If there’s one common grammar mix-up that tends to trip people up again and again, it’s when to use there, their, or they’re. Picking the incorrect usage is especially common among students, but make no mistake, adults frequently make this error too (just scroll through your Facebook feed for proof!). Here’s a quick breakdown between the three, and helpful tips to remember when to use which word.
There
There represents a place, like in the sentence Please put the hat over there, there represents where the hat should be placed. If you’re using in a sentence, think of another word used to represent places, . fits nicely into , so you can be sure you’re using the right spelling!
Their
Their shows plural possession, like in the sentence Their hats belong on the rack, with meaning a group of individuals. To be sure you’re using correctly, try substituting into the sentence. For example, Our hats belong on the rack is just as correct as Their hats belong on the rack, making the usage of correct.
They’re
<They’re> is a contraction, the shortened version of. It can be used in a sentence like They’re going to buy some hats, with <they’re> standing in for. To be sure to use this word correctly, always test if the sentence still makes sense when you use the full spelling of .
With these tips in mind, you’ll be a pro at picking the correct usage in no time, and will even be able to write such sentences as They’re going to put their hats over there!
Check out the There, Their, They’re INFOGRAPHIC
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