If you are unsure whether to write their or there, the direct answer is this: their shows possession (something belongs to a group of people), and there refers to a place or introduces a fact. For example, “Their car is parked over there.” The first word tells you whose car it is; the second word tells you where it is. This guide will help you choose the correct word every time, whether you are writing an email, a text message, or a school assignment.

Quick Answer

• Their = belonging to them (possessive). Example: “I like their garden.”
• There = a place or a way to say something exists. Example: “The book is there.” / “There is a problem.”
• If you can replace the word with “our” or “my,” use their. If you can replace it with “here” or “that place,” use there.

Understanding the Difference

These two words sound the same but have completely different jobs. Mixing them up is one of the most common mistakes in written English. The good news is that the rule is simple once you see it clearly.

Their – Possession

Their is a possessive adjective. It always comes before a noun and tells you that something belongs to a group of people, animals, or things. You use it when you are talking about more than one person, or when you do not know the gender of a single person.

• “The students finished their homework.” (the homework belongs to the students)
• “Someone left their phone on the table.” (the phone belongs to that person)
• “The cats are sleeping in their basket.” (the basket belongs to the cats)

There – Place or Existence

There has two main uses. First, it refers to a location. Second, it is used to introduce a situation or fact.

• Place: “Put the bag over there.” (a specific location)
• Existence: “There are three options.” (introduces the fact that three options exist)
• Existence: “There is a meeting at 3 p.m.” (introduces the fact of the meeting)

Comparison Table

Natural Examples in Context

Seeing these words in real situations helps you remember. Below are examples from everyday conversations, emails, and writing.

In Conversation

• “Are their children coming to the party?” (the children belong to them)
• “Leave the package there by the door.” (the location)
• “There is no milk left.” (introduces a fact)

In Email

• “Please confirm their attendance by Friday.” (the attendance belongs to them)
• “I will meet you there at 10 a.m.” (the location)
• “There are a few updates to the schedule.” (introduces a fact)

Formal vs. Informal Tone

The choice between their and there does not change with formality. Both words are used in all types of English. However, in formal writing, you must be especially careful because a mistake looks unprofessional. In informal messages, readers may still notice the error, but they are less likely to judge harshly.

Common Mistakes

Below are the most frequent errors learners make with these words, along with corrections.

Mistake 1: Using “there” when you mean “their”

Wrong: “The team left there bags in the office.”
Right: “The team left their bags in the office.”
Why: The bags belong to the team, so you need the possessive word.

Mistake 2: Using “their” when you mean “there” (place)

Wrong: “I saw your keys over their.”
Right: “I saw your keys over there.”
Why: You are pointing to a location, not talking about possession.

Mistake 3: Using “their” when you mean “there” (existence)

Wrong: “Their is a reason for the delay.”
Right: “There is a reason for the delay.”
Why: You are introducing a fact, not talking about something that belongs to people.

Mistake 4: Confusing “they’re” with “their” and “there”

This is a third word that sounds the same. They’re is short for “they are.”
Wrong: “Their going to the park.”
Right: “They’re going to the park.”
Why: The sentence needs a verb, not a possessive word.

Better Alternatives and When to Use Each Word

Sometimes you can rephrase a sentence to avoid the confusion altogether. This is especially helpful if you are unsure.

When to use “their”

• When you mean “belonging to them.”
• Before a noun: their house, their opinion, their turn.
• Alternative: You can say “the house of that family” but it is longer and less natural.

When to use “there”

• When you mean “that place.” Alternative: “at that spot” or “in that location.”
• When you introduce a fact. Alternative: “exists” or “are available.” Example: “There are three choices” = “Three choices exist.”

When to use “they’re”

• When you mean “they are.” Alternative: “they are.” Example: “They’re happy” = “They are happy.”

Mini Practice

Test yourself with these four questions. Choose their, there, or they’re.

1. _____ going to arrive late because of traffic.
2. Please put the documents over _____.
3. The children forgot _____ lunch boxes at home.
4. _____ is a new policy about overtime.

Answers

1. They’re (they are going to arrive late)
2. there (a place)
3. their (the lunch boxes belong to the children)
4. There (introduces a fact)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can “their” ever be used for one person?

Yes. When you do not know the gender of a person, or when you want to be inclusive, you can use “their” for a single person. Example: “Someone left their umbrella.” This is now standard in both formal and informal English.

2. Is “there” always about a place?

No. “There” has two main jobs: a place (like “over there”) and an introductory word (like “there is” or “there are”). The second use does not refer to a location. Example: “There is a problem.” This simply tells you that a problem exists.

3. How can I check my writing quickly?

Read the sentence aloud and replace the word with “here” or “our.” If “here” fits, use “there.” If “our” fits, use “their.” If neither fits, you might need “they’re.”

4. Do native speakers make this mistake?

Yes, even native speakers sometimes mix up “their,” “there,” and “they’re,” especially when typing quickly. However, in professional writing, it is considered a basic error. Learning the difference will make your English look more polished.

Final Tip

Write a short sentence with each word every day for one week. For example: “Their dog is friendly.” “Put it there.” “There is a solution.” “They’re coming soon.” After a few days, the correct choice will feel automatic. For more help with similar word pairs, visit our Usage Confusions section or read our About Us page to learn how we create these guides.