If you’ve ever paused mid-sentence, wondering whether to use “there,” “their,” or “they’re,” you’re not alone.
Mixing up these three words is one of the most common grammar struggles, even for seasoned writers!
When these tiny differences start to impact clarity, our writing can suffer — and with it, our confidence.
But imagine feeling certain every time you need to choose between “there,” “their,” and “they’re.”
It’s possible with a few fun, memorable tricks that make mastering these words a lot easier. Here’s a guide to help you keep them straight once and for all.
1. Picture yourself pointing and saying, “It’s over there!”
Imagine this:
You’re at a busy train station with a friend who’s desperately looking for the correct platform.
After a quick glance, you spot the sign that says “Platform 7” and point in its direction, saying, “It’s over there!”
At that moment, “there” perfectly captures its meaning — it points to a specific location.
Remember, “there” always refers to a place, whether it’s nearby, far away, or even just metaphorical. You can use it when you’re indicating where something is or directing someone toward a location.
Let me teach you a simple trick:
Notice that “there” contains “here.” Both words describe places, so whenever you think of “there,” you can remember “here” hiding inside it.
Example sentence: “Your keys are over there on the kitchen counter.”
2. Link their to ownership with a quick mental trick
“Their” shows possession, meaning it tells us who something belongs to. This one trips people up often, but it becomes a lot clearer once you remember that “their” always involves ownership.
Think of it this way: The word “their” has “heir” within it—an heir is someone who inherits or owns something. This reminder can help you connect “their” with something that belongs to people.
Example sentence: “The students brought their books to the library.”
To make it stick, try associating their with something that you or your friends own.
Think, “Their backpacks are heavy today,” or “Their favorite restaurant is just around the corner.”
Practicing with personal examples can make it even more relatable and memorable.
3. Substitute “they’re” with “they are” as a quick-check
“They’re” is simply a contraction for “they are.”
When in doubt, expand “they’re” into “they are” to check if it fits in the sentence. If the sentence still makes sense, you’re on the right track.
If it doesn’t, one of the other words might be what you need.
Here’s the trick: Any time you’re tempted to use “they’re,” mentally swap it out with “they are.” If it works, “they’re” is correct. For instance, “They’re going
to the game” turns into “They are going to the game”—it fits perfectly!
Example sentence: “They’re excited to be visiting their grandparents this weekend.”
This technique is especially useful when you’re writing quickly or feel unsure, because it only takes a second to test.
Plus, it keeps your sentence clear and prevents confusion for your reader.
4. Make it memorable with a rhyme
Rhymes stick in our minds, and using one for “there,” “their,” and “they’re” is a fantastic way to keep each word’s meaning straight.
Try this rhyme: There shows where, their shows possession, they’re means ‘they are’.
Repeating this phrase a few times can help lock in the meanings, especially when you need a quick reminder in the middle of writing.
Practice exercise: Try saying the rhyme aloud as you write each sentence with “there,” “their,” or “they’re.”
Eventually, the rhyme will start playing in the back of your mind, reinforcing each word’s correct usage naturally.
5. Draw doodles to visually distinguish each word
If you’re a visual learner, drawing out each word’s meaning can make them easier to remember.
Simple doodles are a great way to create mental images that bring these words to life.
Here’s how to do it:
- For there, sketch a small map with an arrow pointing to a spot labeled “there.” This visual connects “there” to a location in a way that’s easy to recall.
- For their, draw a stick figure holding an item, like “their” pencil or “their” book. This reinforces the idea of possession and ownership.
- For they’re, draw two characters with a speech bubble saying “They’re excited!” This will help remind you that it’s short for “they are.”
After practicing with doodles, you might even find yourself visualizing these little drawings when you’re deciding which word to use!
6. Fill-in-the-blank sentence practice
One of the most effective ways to reinforce correct usage is to practice with fill-in-the-blank sentences. You can make it a quick game—either use online grammar quizzes or make up your own sentences to fill in the blanks.
Here’s a fun way to get started:
Example practice sentences:
- “_______ going to bring _______ bikes over _______.”
- “The students forgot _______ lunches, so they went over _______ to get them.”
- “Do you know if _______ planning to visit us while we’re over _______?”
The more you practice, the easier it becomes to naturally identify the correct word in each context.
Plus, seeing each word in context builds confidence, so when you encounter “there,” “their,” or “they’re” in your own writing, it feels familiar.
7. Use real-life contexts to reinforce correct usage
One of the most effective ways to solidify your understanding is to incorporate “there,” “their,” and “they’re” in real-life situations.
This could mean paying extra attention to these words when you see them in books, online articles, or everyday conversation.
Try this:
Next time you’re texting a friend, intentionally practice using all three forms in your conversation.
You could write something like, “They’re meeting us over there with their bikes.” Real-world practice makes the correct usage feel natural and helps you build a solid memory of each word’s role.
Additionally, try writing journal entries, short stories, or even social media posts where you purposely include all three words.
The more you integrate them into your day-to-day communication, the more second nature they’ll become.
8. Get interactive with online quizzes and apps
Why not turn learning into a game?
Numerous online resources, like Grammarly, Khan Academy, and Quizlet, offer interactive exercises specifically for commonly confused words like “there,” “their,” and “they’re.”
Spend a few minutes each day testing yourself with these quizzes.
Many apps provide immediate feedback. They allow you to see where you might be going wrong and reinforce correct usage in a fun, low-pressure way.
Regular, quick sessions like this are perfect for building muscle memory with the words.
For an added challenge, create a personal goal—such as scoring 90% or higher on quizzes by the end of the week. It’s a fun way to track progress and stay motivated!
Final thoughts
Once you understand the differences, “there,” “their,” and “they’re” don’t have to be confusing.
With a little creativity, these words can become second nature, helping you feel confident in your writing.
Next time you’re faced with “there,” “their,” or “they’re,” remember these fun tips and tricks, and enjoy the satisfaction of using each word correctly every time!