Welcome to another Edit This® grammar lesson. Today, we will explore the differences between there, their, and they're. Do you know the difference?
Many people say they do, but just yesterday a colleague at the Denton Record-Chronicle pointed to an instance where one of our younger writers used they're instead of their in an article. We fixed the flub before going to print (no harm, no foul), but that goes to show how easy it is to confuse this trio of words if you aren't paying attention.
Remember: There, their, and they're are examples of homophones — words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. So let's dive right in, shall we?
There is used to refer to a location (place) or something that exists.
* Our car is over there.
* There you have it.
* There is a mustard stain on your shirt.
* Been there, done that.
Their is used to show possession.
* Their daughter scored the game-winning goal.
* All of their friends showed up for the wedding.
* A state championship is within their reach.
* That family decorated their house for the holidays.
They're is simply an abbreviation (contraction) of they are.
* They're making me so mad right now.
* If you want to talk to the team, they're right there by the dugout.
* I personally believe they're crazy for rooting for the Yankees.
* They're always so sleepy after lunch.
Thanks for reading! If you like our grammar lessons, here are a few more blog posts on the differences between your and you're, compliment vs. complement, and last vs. past.
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*STEVE GAMEL is the President & Owner of Edit This, LLC, a writing and editing services company located in Denton, TX. Along with being a sports writer for the Denton Record-Chronicle, Steve handles anything involving the written word. Give him a call today to help give your business a clear voice.