I recently mentioned that I would let loose my frustration with writers using there, they’re, and their wrongly. This is a source of frustration because we learn about homonyms in 2nd grade. Even if you miss the lesson, you could ask somebody to proofread your work. For you professional types, use Microsoft Word’s freaking grammar checker. There’s no excuse in this wonderful day and age.
Believe it or not, I’m here to help. My best English professor was the best because he simplified writing for me. In his honor, I will emulate his style in today’s lesson of there, their, and they’re. There are only two things to remember, location and contractions.
Hear, here!
I want to provide a brief lesson on the homonyms hear and here. It is important to know the difference. Once you know it, you’ll have no problem with there.
You hear with your ear.
Do you want it here, or there?
I think you can figure that one out by the examples (please say you can). It takes care of the first item on our list, there. If you know the difference between here and hear, you can figure out that there has to do with location.
They’re contractions!
You really only need to know one more distinction. They’re is a combination of they are. I hate to point this out; but chances are that if you confuse this homonym, you probably missed the lesson on contractions as well.
To recap, you know the difference between there and they’re. My job is done.
What about their?
I will not go into any lesson about their other than to say that it gives them possession. Whoever they are, give them their item. You can live without knowing this.
All you need to know is the difference between there and they’re. The first is about location; do you remember here and there? The second is a contraction of they are. If neither one fits your sentence, use their. It’s a process of elimination. Or, you can mix and match. Remember any two and the third will become apparent.
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