Answer #1

If you are a non-native English speaking individual, you may get confused with the use of “there” and “their” since they are pronounced the same or sounds almost the same, also known as homophones.

First of all, “there” and “their” are separated from each other in a manner that the former has more usage in English grammar . “There” can be used as an adverb, a pronoun, a noun, an adjective, and as an interjection. The latter, on the other hand, is basically used as a pronoun or a determiner associating people.

As a rule, to help us get familiar with the usage of “there” and “their”, we need to take into consideration of two things: 1. “Their” shows or suggests possession, “there” points out to any abstract or concrete place; 2. “Their” is most commonly followed by a noun which is not applicable to “there” since it can stand alone as a pronoun or noun.

It is said that if you can substitute the word “there” with “here” and still conforms to the whole sentence, then you are using “there” in a correct manner. In the case of “their”, replace it with the word “our” or “my” within a sentence and still make sense, then you are using “their” in a correct manner.

Another tip to consider, remember that the word “there” has a covered word “here” in it (as in t + here = there) that indicates a sense of place or location. “Their” is embed with the word “heir” (as in t + heir = their) that indicates a sense of possession.

Below are examples of “there” and “their” sentences:
-The books are scattered over there on the floor
-Is somebody in there?
-My neighbor lost their cat.
-Have you seen their new car?

Answered By: khristine [216 ]