There vs Their vs They’re
There, their, and they’re are similar because they’re homophones (words with the same pronunciation) with similar spellings, but they have very different functions. There can be used as an adverb, noun, or pronoun. Their is a determiner also referred to as a possessive adjective. They’re is a contraction of the words “they are.”
As an adverb, there can indicate the location of something that is some distance away from the speaker or indicate something that is distant from the speaker figuratively. As a noun, it refers to that location literally or that place or position figuratively. As a pronoun, it is used as a function word at the start of sentences.
Their is a determiner that shows that something belongs to someone in the third person – most often in plural form, although it is sometimes used singularly.
They’re is a contraction of the two words “they” and “are”. They are -> They’re.
Here are some definitions and examples to help make the use of these words clearer.
There (adverb)
- Indicates the location of something that is some distance away from the speaker.
Examples:
Is Henry there?
Will you be there?
- Indicates that something is distant from the speaker figuratively.
Examples:
These rascals won’t stop there! They’ll soon TP the whole neighborhood.
Global warming won’t cease there; it’ll have even more devastating effects.
Notes: There are a few other uses for the adverb form, but they are either obsolete or like other uses of the word already listed.
There (noun)
- That location (literally).
Examples:
I went there last week.
Are you talking about Ohio? The new manager is from there.
- That location (figuratively).
Examples:
The drummer started the song with a pulsating beat, and the horns took it from there.
From there, you’ll add in the blue paint to give the sky a cooler tone.
There (pronoun)
Used as a function word at the start of sentences or clauses.
Examples:
There will be consequences if you keep lying.
There are too many apples on that tiny table.
Their (determiner)/ (possessive adjective)
- Shows that something belongs to someone in the third person plural.
Examples:
Will they bring their trumpets?
Their lasagna is delicious.
- Shows something belongs to someone in the third person singular or when referring to indefinite number.
Examples:
It’s too impossible for anyone in their right senses to believe.
Will you go to their birthday party?
They’re (contraction)
A contraction of “they” and “are.”
Examples:
They’re going to get arrested if they keep driving like that.
Did you hear that they’re moving to Peru to study alpacas?
Main Points
- There, their, and they’re are often confused due to their similar pronunciation and spellings, but they are quite different.
- There can be used as an adverb, noun, and pronoun. Some of its meanings are to indicate the location of something distant from the speaker as an adverb, that location as a noun, and as a function word that starts certain clauses and sentences as a pronoun.
- Their is a type of determiner called a possessive adjective that indicates something belongs to someone in the third person.
- They’re is a contraction of “they” and “are.”