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If there’s one trio that makes spellcheck shrug in defeat, it’s there, their, and they’re. These words sound identical but serve completely different jobs in a sentence. Get them mixed up, and even the strongest prose starts to wobble. Let’s put each one in its proper place.
The Quick Answer
- There refers to a place or is used to introduce a sentence or clause.
- Their shows possession—it belongs to them.
- They’re is a contraction of they are.
Examples in Action
- There (place or existence):
- “Put the manuscript over there on the desk.”
- “There are three reasons this sentence doesn’t work.”
- Their (possession):
- “The editors finished their revisions.”
- “Every writer has their quirks.”
- They’re (they are):
- “They’re editing late into the night again.”
- “They’re the ones who spotted the plot hole.”
A Handy Trick to Remember
If you can replace the word with they are, then they’re is your choice.
If it shows ownership, it’s their.
If it points to a place or position, it’s there.
You can test this by swapping in they are to see if the sentence still makes sense:
- “They’re editing late into the night.” ✅ Works.
- “Their editing late into the night.” ❌ Doesn’t work.
Why It Matters for Writers
Readers forgive the occasional typo — but not this one. Mixing up there, their, and they’re feels sloppy, especially in professional or published work. These are easy to proofread, and getting them right tells your reader you care about the details.
✅ Takeaway:
- There = place or existence.
- Their = possession.
- They’re = they are.
Three words, three jobs. Keep them in line, and your sentences will thank you.
So remember: There is a place, their shows possession, and they’re what stand between your draft and your editor’s raised eyebrow. Keep them straight, and everyone’s happy—especially your spellcheck.
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