Demystifying There, Their, and They're with 5 Essential Examples for ESL Learners
- ESLTESOL.com
- Oct 11
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 12
Grasping the differences between "there," "their," and "they're" can be tricky for many English learners. Although these three words sound alike, they have different meanings and uses. Misusing them can lead to confusion in both writing and speaking. In this post, we will clarify the distinctions, provide clear examples, and help you feel confident in using them correctly.
Understanding "There"
"There" primarily refers to a location or place. It can also function as a pronoun to introduce information in a sentence.
For example:
Location: "The book is over there on the table."
Introduction: "There are many reasons to learn English. Studies show that about 1.5 billion people are currently learning English worldwide, which highlights its importance."
In both examples, "there" indicates a place or serves as an introductory word.
Understanding "Their"
"Their" is a possessive adjective that shows ownership. It describes something that belongs to a group or individual.
For example:
Ownership: "Their house is the biggest on the street."
Belonging: "The students are proud of their achievements, especially after improving their test scores by 20%."
In these instances, "their" indicates possession or ownership.
Understanding "They’re"
"They're" is a contraction of "they are." It combines the pronoun "they" with the verb "are."
For example:
Contraction: "They’re going to the park later."
Description: "They’re excited about the upcoming trip to Europe, where they plan to visit at least five countries."
In these sentences, "they're" describes what a group of people is doing or feeling.
Key Differences
Here are the main differences:
There: Refers to a place or introduces information.
Their: Shows possession or ownership.
They’re: A contraction meaning "they are."
Understanding these distinctions is vital for clear communication in English.
Examples in Context
Let’s explore five clear examples that illustrate the differences among these words:
Example 1: "There is a beautiful garden in their backyard, and they’re planning to host a barbecue there this weekend."
In this sentence, "there" indicates the location of the garden, "their" shows ownership of the backyard, and "they're" describes the group’s plan.
Example 2: "I left my keys over there, but I think they’re in their car."
Here, "there" refers to the location of the keys, and "they're" indicates that the keys are in the car owned by someone.
Example 3: "Their dog loves to play fetch, and they’re always taking it to the park over there."
In this case, "their" shows ownership of the dog, "they're" describes taking the dog, and "there" indicates where they go.
Example 4: "There are many books on the shelf, but their favorite is the one they’re currently reading."
"There" introduces the existence of books, "their" indicates which books belong to someone, and "they're" describes the reading action.
Example 5: "I saw their new car parked over there, and they’re really proud of it."
In this example, "their" shows ownership of the car, "there" tells where the car is parked, and "they're" expresses the pride the owners feel.
Tips for Remembering
To help remember the differences, consider these simple tips:
There: Think of "here" and "there" as locations, which makes it easier to recall.
Their: Remember that "their" contains "heir," a word associated with ownership.
They’re: The apostrophe indicates a contraction, similar to "you’re," which means "you are."
Final Thoughts
Mastering the differences between "there," "their," and "they're" is essential for effective communication in English. By understanding their meanings and practicing with examples, ESL learners can enhance their writing and speaking skills. Keep these tips in mind as you practice, and soon, you will use these words accurately and effortlessly!
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