Difference Wiki

Their vs. There: What's the Difference?

Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on October 20, 2023
"Their" is a possessive pronoun denoting ownership, while "there" refers to a place or introduces a statement.

Key Differences

"Their" and "there" are two words that, despite their phonetic similarities, serve very different purposes in the English language. "Their" is a possessive pronoun, indicating ownership or association. It's utilized when referring to something that belongs to or is associated with a group of people. For instance, in the sentence "The children left their toys outside," "their" denotes the toys belonging to the children.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
On the other hand, "there" is primarily an adverb indicating a place or position. For example, "The books are over there" uses "there" to pinpoint the location of the books. However, "there" isn't limited to just indicating location. It also plays the role of a pronoun in sentences, introducing a subject or topic. In "There is a problem," "there" introduces the subject, "a problem."
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
Another distinction between "their" and "there" is in their grammatical functions. While "their" will always function as a possessive determiner preceding a noun, "there" has a more versatile role. It can operate as an adverb, pronoun, noun, or interjection, depending on the context.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
Understanding the difference between "their" and "there" is crucial for clear and effective communication. Misusing these words can lead to confusion or misinterpretation. For learners of English, it's essential to practice and recognize the contexts in which each word is used to ensure proper usage.
Sara Rehman
Oct 20, 2023

Comparison Chart

Part of Speech

Possessive pronoun.
Adverb, pronoun, noun, interjection.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
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Indicates

Ownership or association.
Location, existence, or introduces a subject.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023

Example Usage

Their car is blue.
The keys are over there.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023

Function in Sentence

Precedes a noun to show ownership.
Can indicate place or introduce a statement/subject.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 20, 2023

Common Mistake

Confusing with "they're."
Confusing with "their" or "they're."
Sara Rehman
Oct 20, 2023

Their and There Definitions

Their

Used to describe something belonging to a group.
The students submitted their assignments.
Harlon Moss
Oct 20, 2023
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There

Introduces a statement or subject.
There are five apples in the basket.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023

Their

Denotes a relationship or connection.
The twins have their own secret language.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023

There

Refers to a specific place or location.
The keys are on the table over there.
Huma Saeed
Oct 20, 2023

Their

A possessive pronoun showing ownership.
Their house is beautiful.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 20, 2023

There

Acts as a placeholder in a sentence.
There seems to be an error in the calculations.
Janet White
Oct 20, 2023
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Their

Indicates association with a collective.
Their team won the championship.
Huma Saeed
Oct 20, 2023

There

Used to express existence.
There is a solution to this problem.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023

Their

Refers to possession without specifying gender.
Someone left their umbrella here.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 20, 2023

There

Can be used as an interjection.
Hey there!
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023

Their

Used as a modifier before a noun
The politicians boasted of their accomplishments. “It is fatal for anyone who writes to think of their sex” (Virginia Woolf). See Usage Notes at he1, they.
Sumera Saeed
Jul 23, 2017

There

At or in that place
Sit over there.
Sumera Saeed
Jul 23, 2017

Their

Belonging to, from, of, or relating to, them (plural).
They will meet tomorrow at their convenience
This is probably their cat
Sumera Saeed
Jul 23, 2017

Their

Belonging to someone (one person, singular).
Sumera Saeed
Jul 23, 2017

Their

Misspelling of there
Sumera Saeed
Jul 23, 2017

Their

The possessive case of the personal pronoun they; as, their houses; their country.
Nothing but the name of zeal appears'Twixt our best actions and the worst of theirs.
Sumera Saeed
Jul 23, 2017

FAQs

Can "there" be used to introduce a statement?

Yes, "there" can introduce a subject or topic, as in "There is an issue."
Huma Saeed
Oct 20, 2023

Is "there" only used to indicate location?

No, "there" can also introduce statements or express existence.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023

How is "their" related to "they"?

"Their" is the possessive form of "they," denoting ownership.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023

What does "their" indicate in a sentence?

"Their" is a possessive pronoun indicating ownership or association.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023

Can "their" be used with singular antecedents?

Yes, especially as a gender-neutral possessive: "Each student has their own book."
Aimie Carlson
Oct 20, 2023

What part of speech is "their"?

"Their" is a possessive pronoun.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 20, 2023

In what situations is "there" used as an interjection?

"There" can be used to comfort or console, as in "There, there, it'll be okay."
Harlon Moss
Oct 20, 2023

Can "their" be used for singular nouns?

In modern English, "their" can be used as a singular gender-neutral possessive.
Sara Rehman
Oct 20, 2023

Is "their" used for both animate and inanimate objects?

Yes, "their" can refer to ownership of both living and non-living entities.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023

Can "their" refer to two people?

Yes, "their" can refer to two or more individuals.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 20, 2023

Is it correct to say "There's apples"?

Grammatically, it should be "There are apples," but colloquially, "There's apples" might be heard.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023

How do I avoid confusing "their" and "there"?

Remember "their" shows ownership, while "there" often refers to location or existence.
Harlon Moss
Oct 20, 2023

Does "there" always come before a verb?

Often, but not always, especially when introducing a statement.
Harlon Moss
Oct 20, 2023

Is "they're" related to "their" and "there"?

"They're" is a contraction of "they are," distinct from "their" (ownership) and "there" (place/introduction).
Aimie Carlson
Oct 20, 2023

Can "there" be used as a noun?

Yes, in cases like "From here to there."
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023

How do native speakers distinguish between "their" and "there"?

Context plays a key role in distinguishing their meanings despite their similar sound.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023

Are "their" and "there" pronounced the same way?

They are homophones, so they sound similar, but context determines their usage.
Harlon Moss
Oct 20, 2023

What's a common mistake involving "their"?

Confusing "their" with "there" or "they're" is a typical mistake.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023

Can "there" start a sentence?

Absolutely, especially when introducing a subject or topic.
Sara Rehman
Oct 20, 2023

Is "there" synonymous with "here"?

No, "there" indicates a place away from the speaker, while "here" is closer.
Sara Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera Saeed
Sumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Huma Saeed
Huma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.

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