“There” vs. “Their” vs. “They’re” - What’s the Difference?

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Learning English can be tricky, especially when it comes to words that sound the same but have different meanings. Midoo AI is here to help!

Today, we’ll learn the difference between there, their, and they’re, so you can write with confidence and never mix them up again.

There – Talking About a Place or Situation

There usually refers to a place or position, or it can be used to introduce something.

Examples:

  1. The book is over there on the table.
  2. There is a cat sitting on the wall.
  3. Look! There goes the bus.
  4. There are many ways to learn English.
  5. I put my keys over there.

Tip: If you can replace the word with “here” or “in that place,” it should be there.

Their – Showing Possession

Their is a possessive word. It shows that something belongs to someone.

Examples:

  1. Their house is really big.
  2. The kids played with their toys.
  3. I like their new car.
  4. Their dog is very friendly.
  5. They forgot their homework at school.

Tip: If you can replace the word with “my” or “our,” it should be their.

They’re – Short for “They Are”

They’re is a contraction. It means they are.

Examples:

  1. They’re going to the park later.
  2. I think they’re very smart.
  3. They’re not ready yet.
  4. They’re excited about the trip.
  5. Do you know if they’re coming to the party?

Tip: If you can replace the word with “they are,” then use they’re.

Quick Tricks to Remember

  • There → place (“over there”)
  • Their → possession (“their bag”)
  • They’re → contraction (“they are happy”)

Midoo AI suggests practicing with sentences every day. The more you see them in context, the easier it gets!

FAQs

1. Can “there” be used to start a sentence?

Yes! “There” is often used to introduce something, like: There is a new cafe in town.

2. How do I know when to use “their” or “they’re”?

Ask yourself: can I say “they are” instead? If yes → they’re. If you are showing ownership → their.

3. Are “there” and “they’re” ever interchangeable？

No, they have different meanings. “There” is about place or situation, “they’re” means “they are.”

4. Can “their” be used for a group of people?

Yes! “Their” works for any group: The students forgot their books.

5. What’s the easiest way to remember all three?

Think:

  • There = place
  • Their = belongs to them
  • They’re = they are

This simple guide from Midoo AI makes it easy to finally understand there, their, and they’re. Practice a few sentences every day, and soon it will feel natural!