Their vs There: What Is The Difference ?
Ever typed “their” when you meant “there”? You’re not alone—it’s one of the most common spelling mix-ups in English. These words sound exactly the same, but they mean completely different things. Let’s clear it up with simple explanations, memory tricks, and examples to help you master the difference once and for all.
Difference between their vs there
The confusion happens because both words are homophones—they sound alike but have different meanings and uses.
| Word | Part of speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| their | Possessive pronoun | Shows ownership (something belongs to them) | That’s their car. |
| there | Adverb/pronoun | Refers to a place or introduces a statement | We’re going there. There is hope. |
How to use “their” in a sentence ?
- Their house is beautiful.
- The children took their backpacks.
- I love their sense of humor.
Use their when you’re showing possession—something belongs to “them.”
How to use “there” in a sentence ?
- The keys are over there.
- There is a new shop on the corner.
- Let’s sit there by the window.
Use there when referring to a place or to introduce a sentence (e.g., “There is/are…”).
Tip
Quick rule: > Their = ownership (like “their book”) > There = location or position (“over there”) > Think: “here is in there = place”
their vs there Examples
| Correct Sentence | Why it’s Right |
|---|---|
| Their dog is very friendly. | “Their” shows the dog belongs to them. |
| Put the groceries over there. | “There” refers to a specific location. |
| There is no easy answer. | “There” introduces the sentence. |
| The team celebrated their victory. | “Their” shows possession of the victory. |
Common Mistakes with their and there
-
Swapping them in a sentence
Wrong: Let’s meet at their.
Right: Let’s meet at there. -
Using “there” when showing possession
Wrong: There car is red.
Right: Their car is red. -
Using “their” to introduce something
Wrong: Their is a problem.
Right: There is a problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “their” ever used for one person?
Yes! In modern English, “their” is often used as a gender-neutral singular pronoun (e.g., “Someone forgot their keys.”).
What’s the difference between “there” and “they’re”?
“There” = place or position.
“They’re” = contraction of “they are.”
Example: They’re going there in their car.
How do I quickly check if I’m using the right one?**
Replace with “they are.” If it works, use they’re. If not, ask: Is it about ownership (their) or a place/position (there)?
Is “there” ever a noun?
Yes, in phrases like “getting from here to there.” But most of the time, it’s an adverb or dummy subject.