Common Grammar Mistakes - Their vs. There vs. They're

Part three in the "Common Grammar Mistakes" series.  Last time we talked about to vs too.  Here, we discuss another common grammar mishap.


Their vs there vs they’re
The difference between these words is fairly straightforward.

Their – indicates possession, for two or more people/things.

• Sally and Dan took their shoes off. 
  
• That couple owns their own home. 
  
• The dogs were barking in their kennels.

There – indicates location, either concrete or abstract. 

• Look over there! 
  
• There were five of us in the group.
  
• I didn’t know that there were so many cabs in New York City.

They’re – is a contraction, and is short for “they are”. 

• They’re going to eat now. 
  
• It’s nice to see that they’re having fun

Next, we will talk about it's vs. its.