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
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Indicates
Ownership or association.
Location, existence, or introduces a subject.
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
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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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
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
Refers to possession without specifying gender.
Someone left their umbrella here.
Aimie Carlson
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
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
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
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
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 SaeedSumera 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 SaeedHuma 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.
