Confusing words explained
“their” vs “there” — What’s the Difference?
There is a location word; their shows possession.
Key takeaway
Quick Difference: their vs there
There is a location word; their shows possession.
their vs there Side-by-Side Comparison
Meaning of their
A possessive determiner showing that something belongs to or is associated with a group of people or things already mentioned.
A word that shows something belongs to or is connected to more than one person or thing.
Use 'their' for possession: 'their book', 'their idea'. Often used with plural nouns but can use with singular generic: 'each student and their book'.
- The children put their coats in the closet.
- Their performance at the concert was excellent.
Meaning of there
In or at that place.
At or in a location that is not here.
Use with 'be' in existential sentences: There is a problem. Also shows location: The book is there.
- I left my keys there on the table.
- She works there in the downtown office.
Usage Notes & Nuance
their: Modern English uses 'their' as singular for unknown gender: 'Each student brought their book' (instead of his/her).
How to Remember the Difference
Their = their stuff. There = the place. They're = they are.
Common Mistakes with their and there
Mistake with their
Wrong: They went to there house.
Correct: They went to their house.
Use 'their' (possession) not 'there' (location). 'Their' means belonging to them.
Mistake with their
Wrong: Each student brought they're backpack.
Correct: Each student brought their backpack.
Use 'their' (possessive), not 'they're' (= they are). Wrong: 'Each student brought they are backpack'.
Mistake with there
Wrong: There is a book over here.
Correct: There is a book over there (or there are).
Here means near speaker; there means away. Pick one. Also mind subject-verb agreement.
Mistake with there
Wrong: We put our bags their on the shelf.
Correct: We put our bags there on the shelf.
There (location) not their (possession).
Practice Quiz: their or there?
Choose the word that best completes each real example sentence.
Question 1
The children put _____ coats in the closet.
Question 2
_____ performance at the concert was excellent.
Question 3
The researchers presented _____ findings at the academic conference.
Pick at least one answer, then press Check answers to see how you did.
You scored 0 out of 3
Frequently Asked Questions About their vs there
What’s the difference between “their” and “there”?
There is a location word; their shows possession.
When should I use “their”?
Use 'their' for possession: 'their book', 'their idea'. Often used with plural nouns but can use with singular generic: 'each student and their book'.
When should I use “there”?
Use with 'be' in existential sentences: There is a problem. Also shows location: The book is there.
How can I remember their vs there?
Their = their stuff. There = the place. They're = they are.
Is it “their” or “there” in example sentences?
Use the quiz above to test the pair with real example sentences from the available word data.