There, their or they're? Three words, one sound

The rule

Use there for a place (over there) and in there is / there are. Their means belonging to them (their car), and they're means they are (They're late).

All three sound the same, so learners pick one by ear. A spell-checker doesn't help either, because each word is spelt correctly; only the meaning shows which one is right.

Examples

In a conversation

A: Who are your new neighbours?

B: They're students. Their names are Adam and Nora.

A: Is that their car over there?

B: Yes. They're very friendly.

Practice

Choose the best answer. The answers are at the end of the lesson.

1. ___ is a café near the station.
   • a) Their
   • b) There
   • c) They're
2. My parents love ___ new flat.
   • a) their
   • b) there
   • c) they're
3. Call Sara and Omar. ___ waiting for you.
   • a) There
   • b) Their
   • c) They're

Tip

Quick test: if they are fits, write they're; if you can say here instead, write there; if something belongs to them, write their.

Answers

1. b) There. There is = something exists.
2. a) their. The flat belongs to them: their.
3. c) They're. They're = they are.

• ← Day 55: Its or it's? Your or you're? The apostrophe test
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