When to Use Their vs There (With Examples)
Quick Answer
Use "their" to show possession (something belongs to them), and "there" to refer to a place or to introduce a sentence — that's the quick difference when to use their vs there.
Definition: "Their"
"Their" is a possessive adjective used before a noun to show ownership by more than one person or a singular they (e.g., their house, their idea).
The word comes from Old Norse "þeirra," which entered English through contact with Viking languages and replaced older forms. Today, "their" is widely used for plural and singular generic references.
Definition: "There"
"There" is an adverb or pronoun that usually indicates location (over there) or serves as an expletive to introduce a clause (there is, there are).
Etymologically, "there" comes from Old English "þǣr," meaning "in or at that place." It evolved into a common positional and grammatical filler in Modern English.
Key Differences
| Word | Meaning | Common Usage | Part of Speech |
|---|---|---|---|
| Their | Belonging to them (possession) | Before a noun: their car, their idea | Possessive adjective |
| There | At that place; used to introduce existence or a sentence | As location or filler: put it there; there is a problem | Adverb / expletive pronoun |
Example Sentences — "Their"
- Their dog loves to chase balls in the park.
- I asked for their opinion before making the final decision.
- Each student brought their laptop to the workshop.
- Their proposal won the grant because it was clear and practical.
Example Sentences — "There"
- Put the boxes over there by the window.
- There are several good restaurants on this street.
- Is there a way to fix the broken link on the page?
- There, I finally finished that paragraph — phew!
Memory Trick
Try this quick mnemonic: "Their" has the word "heir" (both relate to people/possession), so think possession. "There" contains "here" which points to place — both end in -ere/-ere sound, but "there" points to location. If you're unsure, replace the word with "their" → does it show ownership? If yes, keep "their." If you're pointing to a place or starting with "there is/are," use "there."
Actionable Tips You Can Use Right Now
- When editing, scan for nouns immediately after the word: if a noun follows, "their" is often correct (e.g., their idea).
- When the sentence answers "where?" use "there." Ask: Where is it? There.
- Use a quick substitution test: replace the word with "our/their/my" — if it fits logically, use "their."
- When in doubt, read the sentence aloud; "there is" and "there are" feel natural for existence statements.
Quick Quiz — Fill in the Blank
- ______ house has the red door. (their / there)
- Can you put the books over ______? (their / there)
- ______ are three cookies left in the jar. (Their / There)
- Each artist brought ______ own supplies. (their / there)
Answers: 1) Their. 2) There. 3) There. 4) their.
If you want to practice more or check your drafts automatically, tools like Rephrasely's AI writer and paraphraser can help you craft clear sentences and avoid mixes like "their" vs "there." You can also run a quick check with the plagiarism checker or the AI detector to make sure your content reads natural and original. Visit Rephrasely or try the Composer to generate error-free examples.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can "their" be used for a single person?
Yes. "Their" is commonly used as a singular, gender-neutral possessive adjective (e.g., Someone left their umbrella). This usage is widely accepted in modern English and avoids gendered pronouns.
How can I stop mixing up "their" and "there"?
Use the mnemonic above and the substitution test: if the sentence shows ownership, pick "their"; if it answers "where?" or introduces existence ("there is/are"), choose "there." Regular practice and editing help cement the rule.
Is "there" ever used as a noun?
Mostly "there" functions as an adverb or an expletive pronoun. It can appear in idioms like "from there" or "over there," but it rarely operates as a noun in contemporary English.