In this article, we’ll explain the meanings of their, there, and they’re, how to use each word correctly, and provide example sentences for each term. We’ll also give some tips on how to remember how each one is spelled. There is commonly used to introduce sentences or to indicate where something is, as in It’s over there, next to the window.

Understanding the Context

There is sometimes used by way of exclamation, calling attention to something, especially to something distant; such as in the phrases There, there!, See there! and Look there! Note: Do not confuse there, which has meanings that mostly relate to a literal or abstract location, with the words their and they're. Their has to do with what belongs to or is associated with them (" their new car"), while they're is a contraction of "they are" ("when they're ready").

Key Insights

We can use there at the start of a clause as a type of indefinite subject. This means that we can put the actual subject at the end of the clause and so give it emphasis or focus (underlined below): … There, Their, They’re – these three little words sound exactly the same, but they have very different meanings. If you’re confused about when to use each one, you’re not alone! Many English learners (and even native speakers) mix them up all the time. Explore the definition of the word "there," as well as its versatile usage, synonyms, examples, etymology, and more.

Final Thoughts

"There," "their," and "they're" sound similar, but they have very different meanings. It is important to understand the difference between these words because using the wrong one is considered a basic mistake.