Mistakable Words: There, They're, and Their

English can be very difficult when writing. Several words may sound the same but have different definitions. Hence, one must be very careful when writing as these mistakes are easy to make. If you’re not sure which word is correct for your message, it doesn’t hurt to do a quick Google check. However, I am aware that many persons may not be able to do so. Today I will discuss several words that are commonly used in the wrong context.

Ever since I created a Facebook account, I notice that the words There, They’re and Their, are commonly used in the wrong context. Persons writing on the app does not seem to be able to tell the difference between the words and that bothered me. I tried to point out the differences in several posts but I was referred to as a “Grammar Nazi”.

I will first start by defining the three words.

There- means to be in, at or to a place. It is used when talking about places whether literal or figurative.

They’re- this a contraction of the words they and are. The word simply means they are.

Their–there is the possessive case of the pronoun they. It is used to show ownership of something. It means belonging to them.

Here are examples of the words being used in the proper context.

There

1.       I told her not to go in there.
2.      There is no place like home.

They’re

1.       They’re best friends.
2.      They’re going to be late.

Their

1.       Someone stole their lunch.
2.      They left their books in class today.
 

Remembering the words and their definitions can be tricky. Here’s a way you can remember them:

There- the word there has the word here in it.

They’re–the word there has an apostrophe, which means it’s a product of two words

Their- the word their has the word heir in it, indicating possessions.