There, their and they’re are difficult because they have the same sound in speech. Follow these simple rules, and there won’t be any problems. (See what I did there.)
There
1)= in or at that place
Ex: Sit over there.
2) = to or into that place
Ex: We went there after lunch.
3) = at that point or stage
Ex: Stop right there. Don’t move
4) = in that matter, respect, relation
Ex: There is where I disagree with you.
5) = express satisfaction, encouragement, approval, sympathy or defiance
Ex: There, it’s finished.
*Test to remember – You should be able to replace “there” with “here.”
Ex: I have been “there” before.
Test: (replace with “here”) – I have been “here” before. Correct sentence
BONUS: We say “there, there” when someone is sad. It basically means “don’t cry, don’t worry.”
Ex: “There, there,” everything will be OK.
Their
= showing possession
*Test to remember – You should be able to replace “their” with “our.”
Ex: I went to “their” house yesterday.
Test: (replace with “our”) – I went to our house yesterday. Correct sentence
They’re
= combining the words “they” and “are”
*Test to remember – You should be able to replace it with “they are.”
Ex: They’re the best team in the world.
Test: (replace with “they are”) “They are” the best team in the world. Correct Sentence
