There, their, and they’re are homophones. They sound similar. However, they mean different things. Homophones like to wreak havoc on your written communication. In a haste, you compose a comment without a second thought. Seconds later, you notice or perhaps someone else notices you didn’t properly proofread. Your “there” should’ve been “they’re”. You shake your head in embarrassment and vow to correct your homophone difficulties.
There
According to merriam-webster.com, there can be used as an adverb, noun, pronoun, or as an adjective.
- As an adverb and a noun, it refers to a place, position, or used as an interjection.
- Sometimes, it functions as a pronoun or introduces a sentence or a clause. Additionally, it serves as a substitution for a name.
- It serves its adjective duties when used for emphasis.
Their
Their is an adjective and denotes possession or is used with an indefinite third person singular antecedent.
They’re
They’re is the contraction for they are.
Putting them to Use
- They’re worried about their money when the real problem is over there.
- Rumors affected their ability to earn money.
- There comes a time when one must accept responsibility for their actions.
Quick Tips
- There: place, position, sentence or clause introduction
- Their: possession
- They’re: short for they are
