There vs Their vs They’re – What’s the Difference?
Are you confused between there, their, and they’re? You’re not alone! These three words are homophones—they sound the same but have different meanings, spellings, and uses.
Even native English speakers mix them up sometimes. But don’t worry—by the end of this lesson, you’ll confidently know how to tell them apart. This is a key grammar point for IELTS, writing, and daily communication.
What Are Homophones?
Homophones are words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings.
There, their, and they’re are classic examples.
Quick Definitions
| Word | Type | Meaning | IELTS Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| There | Adverb / Exclamation | Refers to a place, position, or used to start sentences | Describing situations, places |
| Their | Determiner | Shows possession (belongs to them) | Used in formal/academic writing |
| They’re | Contraction | Short for they are | Informal tone, speaking section |
1. There
Function: Adverb / Exclamation
Used to: Point to a place, introduce a subject, or express emotion
Examples:
- There is a book on the table. (existence)
- Look over there! (place)
- There, I told you it would work. (exclamation)
Synonyms: here (sometimes), at that place
2. Their
Function: Possessive determiner
Used to: Show ownership by people or things
Examples:
- Their flight got delayed.
- The children packed their lunch.
- Each student should bring their own pen.
Synonyms: belonging to them, theirs
“Their” is commonly used in writing tasks when referring to people’s belongings or rights.
3. They’re
Function: Contraction of they are
Used to: Describe actions or states of people/things
Examples:
- They’re planning to move abroad. (= They are)
- I think they’re the best option.
- They’re ready for the interview.
No synonym: It’s a grammatical structure, not a meaning-based word.
- There = Location or existence → “Where?” — Over there.
- Their = Belonging → “Whose?” — It’s their house.
- They’re = They are → “Who is?” — They’re my parents.
Examples in Context
Let’s compare all three in one sentence:
“They’re putting their bags over there.”
Translation:
- They’re = They are
- Their = Bags belong to them
- There = A place (location)
Misusing homophones can cost marks in IELTS Writing and Speaking. Use the correct form to show precision and avoid basic grammar errors.
FAQs
Q1: Are “their” and “they’re” interchangeable?
No. “Their” is about possession, while “they’re” means “they are.” Using the wrong one is a common grammar mistake.
Q2: Can “there” be used to start a sentence?
Yes! Example: “There is a problem with the application.” This is common in IELTS Writing Task 1.
Q3: How can I practice using them correctly?
Try fill-in-the-blank exercises or write sentences using all three forms.
Q4: Are these tested in IELTS?
Definitely. Grammar accuracy is essential for a high score in Writing and Speaking.