How to use the word their

Their is the possessive pronoun, as in “their car is red”; there is used as an adjective, “he is always there for me,” a noun, “get away from there,” and, chiefly, an adverb, “stop right there”; they’re is a contraction of “they are,” as in “they’re getting married.”

How do you use the word their in a sentence?

Their Shows Possession: Example Sentences

1. The red one is their house.
2. The beagle is their dog.
3. Going to the store was their idea.
4. They’re in over their heads.
5. Joe and Sue always want things their way.
6. I didn’t know that it was their cat.
7. Their dog is always barking.
8. Why don’t you ask them what their plans are?

Is their used for singular or plural?

Using the plural pronoun to refer to a single person of unspecified gender is an old and honorable pattern in English, not a newfangled bit of degeneracy or a politically correct plot to avoid sexism (though it often serves the latter purpose).

Is their singular possessive?

a form of the possessive case of singular they used as an attributive adjective, before a noun: (used to refer to a generic or unspecified person previously mentioned, about to be mentioned, or present in the immediate context): Someone left their book on the table. A parent should read to their child.

Whats another word for their?

In this page you can discover 21 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for their, like: theirs, belonging to them, belonging to others, he, they, of them, one-s, both, thier, his/her and her.

Is it on their way or on there way?

on the way
Also, on one’s way. In the process of coming, going, or traveling; also, about to come. For example, The mail plane is on the way, or She is on her way out the door, or Winter is on the way.

Can you use their for an object?

It is absolutely fine to use them/they/their to refer to inanimate objects. Them/they are pronouns used for plural nouns.

Can we use their for non living things?

Yes “they” is correct when referring to inanimate objects. From Merriam-Webster: those ones — used as third person pronoun serving as the plural of he, she, or it… Your second sentence is incorrect because you are referring to multiple apples.

Is their plural or possessive?

Here’s a list of plural possessive pronouns: Our, ours; your, yours; their, theirs. We use these plural possessive pronouns to indicate plural ownership.

Is their a subject?

The subject pronouns include I, he, she, you, it, we, and they. The second type of pronoun is an object pronoun, which takes the place of a noun that receives the action. Objects in sentences usually occur in the predicate of the sentence. The object pronouns include me, you, him, her, them, us, and it.

Should I use plural after their?

If each of the “their” has an X, then you are talking about multiple Xs, and should use the plural form of X. If everyone in the “their” group is sharing a single X, you would use a singular X. An each can emphasize the “everyone has their own X” and can override this. They each walked with their girlfriends.

Can their refer to a person?

They, their, them, themselves: English lacks a common-gender third person singular pronoun that can be used to refer to indefinite pronouns (such as everyone, anyone, someone). Writers and speakers have supplied this lack by using the plural pronouns.

Can their be used with everyone?

A lot of people will say or write that, but the disagreement in number between “everyone” and “their” makes it grammatically incorrect. The pronoun for everyone is always singular. It is wrong to use their with everyone.

Can we use their for a person?

Their/theirs (possessive pronoun)
Use their or theirs to indicate a nonbinary or gender-neutral person has possession, instead of his or her/hers.

What is an example for their?

The definition of their is a person or thing that belongs to or was made by them. An example of their is a sister of two siblings. An example of their is a book written by two authors.

What is the opposite of the word their?

▲ Opposite of belonging to them. her. his. my.

What is another word for their own?

What is another word for on their own?

What does there Their mean?

There means the opposite of here; “at that place.” Their means “belongs to them.” They’re is a contraction of “they are” or “they were.”

Where do we use this and these?

The two words are similar because they refer to nouns that are near in space and time. This is used with singular or uncountable nouns (i.e. this egg or this music). These refers to plural nouns (i.e. these cookies).

What are the 3 types of there’s?

Their, There, They’re

• Their. Their is the third person plural possessive adjective, used to describe something as belong to them.
• There. There has several different uses.
• They’re. They’re is the contraction of “they are” and is often followed by the present participle.
• The Bottom Line.

Is it their child or there child?

Their children is correct. There’s more than one child although we don’t know how many children there are in a particular family. All the parents and their children came.

How is it that we all learn common words in the early days of school, yet there are plenty of people who misuse or misspell them as adults? It’s an interesting phenomenon. Even more interesting is that words that are common can still have their meanings change. Hopefully, this guide will provide clarity and refresh your knowledge of the meaning of the word their.

What Does Their Mean?

In the dictionary, the word their means the possessive form of they or them. For example, if an object belongs to a collective group, then it is their object. Typically, it is associated with people or things that were previously mentioned or are easy to identify in the context. If the speaker had been talking about the choir and then the speaker describes their singing, you would infer that the speaker meant the choir’s singing. 

For example:

• We saw the team on their way to the locker room.

The word their can denote that the identity of the owner is unknown. For example, if you said, “The robber left their fingerprints on the mantle,” the term their is used to show possession when the sex of a person is unspecified or unknown.

For example:

• Anyone in their right mind would have done the same thing.

Alternatively, the word their can be the possession of they or them as a singular person that is not gender-specific. If a person’s sexual identity or gender is not defined as the traditional binary forms of male or female, then possession will be shown for that person with their. It is a third-person singular antecedent that is similar to words like his, hers, or its. This can be useful when gender neutrality is preferred. 

For example:

• It is their right to choose for themselves.

Many people believe that the singular use of the possessive adjective their is a modern development. However, as it relates to the word they, the singular use of the noun dates back to the 14th century. This can be examined further when you look at the origin of the word.

What Is the Origin of the Word Their?

The history or origin of a word is also called its etymology. Learning more about where a word comes from helps us understand its meaning further. For the word their, etymology tells us that the word is from Middle English. The Middle English time is a period of about 300 years from around 1150 CE to about 1450. It is the transitional period between Old English and Modern English. 

It was used in Middle English in the same way it is used today to show possession for they or them. The word their replaced the Old English word heora. It was a genitive word, or possessive word, for hīe. It would have meant “of them.” 

According to the American Heritage Dictionary, their also has Indo-European roots to the word in Old English thāra, Old Norse theira, and Old Norse theirra. It also relates to the word þeirra which was a genitive plural of the demonstrative sá. Both of these words have roots in Old Swedish, Faroese, and Icelandic. 

It’s interesting that the word has evolved into the word we use today. The pronunciation has changed, but the meaning has remained the same over time.

How Do We Use the Word Their?

Homophones are words that have the same pronunciation but each has different meanings. Their is a homophone for they’re and there. For this reason, the word their is often misused in place of the words they’re and there. 

It is one of the biggest problems on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Reddit. This misuse promotes a misunderstanding of the proper definition of these homophones. Here are the correct definitions of they’re, there, and their:

• They’re is a contraction that means “They are”.
• There is a place or position.
• Their is the possessive form of they or them in the singular or plural.

Here are some examples of they’re:

• They’re going to be late to dinner. 
• If they’re coming too, they should just ride with us.

An easy way to know if you’ve used this word correctly is if you could replace it with the words “they are”. 

Here are some examples of there:

• Put it over there.
• There is no reason to do that.

Here are some examples of their:

• Americans have their own way of doing things compared to people in the UK.
• They can choose their own clothes for this trip.

No matter how you use their, singular or plural, it should show ownership. 

Gender-Neutral Pronouns and “Their”

Nonbinary individuals often prefer the pronouns that relate to the singular usage of they. Out of respect for their gender identity and preferences, when these individuals request the use of they, them, and their, it is expected that others comply.

Gender-neutral pronouns are the best inclusive pronouns to use when you are writing about other people. Whether you are using singular pronouns or plural pronouns, they, them, and their are the best options when you are writing, especially when gender is unknown. 

You may not always be able to tell if a their is being used as a plural noun or singular noun, but it is better to be respectful and neutral in this case.

What Are Synonyms for the Word Their?

Synonyms are related words that offer a similar meaning to a word. As a possessive pronoun, the best synonyms for the word their are also possessive pronouns such as:

• Her
• His
• My
• Its
• Your
• Theirs
• One’s
• Our

What Are Antonyms for the Word Their?

Antonyms are words that offer an opposite meaning to a word. As a possessive pronoun to represent a non-gendered person or a collective group, the best antonyms for their are also some of the best synonyms. This is a unique situation. 

Whether a word is a good antonym or synonym for their will depend on whether the emphasis lies in the possession or the gender neutrality. Her are antonyms for their:

• Her
• His
• Its
• My
• Your
• Our

Examples of Using Their in a Sentence

Example sentences are some of the best ways to understand the use of a word in context. Often we know what a word means, but we can still be unclear on how to include it in conversation. 

Based on common mistakes seen in social media, the word their is still confounding to some people. Here are a few examples of how to use their correctly in a sentence. 

• We’ll see their act tomorrow. 
• You should plan to go in September when their leaves change color.
• It was not their finest hour.
• You should be proud of their accomplishments.
• I wish we had their seats instead of ours.

The Last Word

Broadening our understanding of words we already use commonly in our everyday communications gives us a deeper perspective and increases our ability to use them correctly. 

When the meaning of words seemingly evolves in our lives, it’s also a good idea to freshen up our grasp on the accepted definitions of the word. This helps us, our speech, and our writing stay relevant in our current culture. We will not only appear knowledgeable, but we’ll be more knowledgeable about how to use certain words. 

Sources:

1. Their Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com 
2. Their definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary 
3. American Heritage Dictionary Entry: their | AH Dictionary

Once learned in kindergarten, the famous English rule: «I before E, except after C» can get a little mixed up with time. For this reason, this article will explore the terms «their» and «thier,» main differences, and the right word to use.

According to English grammar and spelling, the correct term to use is «their.» Meanwhile, neither in English grammar nor vocabulary, the word «thier» appears. It does not exist but instead is a misspelling of the word «their.» 

Why it happens

When people write «thier,» The intention is probably to refer to the third person pronoun of «they.» but it should be rightly spelled for the whole idea to be transmitted, and the receiver understands well what is said. The word «their» can be used for singular cases too, although mainly in informal settings, as a way to avoid specifying gender.

Examples:

• One must choose their friends wisely. They will travel life with you.
• Judy, Javi, and Juliana said their dog was afraid of heights.
• Wow! Someone left their computer and phone charger in the cafeteria this morning.
• Really? I thought they had postponed their camping trip due to weather issues.
• The graduating class will have their prom trip at Palma Real in the Dominican Republic.

According to the Meriam Webster Dictionary, whenever the term «their» appears in written material, it refers to what it relates or belongs to. Additionally, it is an action performed by things, animals, or people. It declares the possession of something by someone.

Is The Word «Their» Capitalized?

Following are the occasions when the word «their» should be capitalized:

A) At the beginning of a sentence. 

This occasion responds to the grammar rule that states one should always capitalize the first word that introduces a complete thought in a written sentence.

For example: 

• Their problem is not knowing how to put their feelings into words.
• Their level of English proficiency has surpassed the average student.
• Their trip to the supermarket ended up being a three-hour excursion rather than just thirty minutes.

In the above sentences, the word «their» indicates ownership; of a problem, of an English proficiency level, of a trip. In all three cases, the term «their» introduces the reader to an idea, a complete thought. For this reason, it should be in capital letters.

B) If it is part of a proper noun.

This case applies whenever writing about a literary work or an art piece.

For example: 

• So far, Michael’s favorite movie has been «Their Last Dance.»
• Isaiah Ottenwalder was the author of «Their kid, Not Mine.»  
• Julia, though afraid, read the poem «Walking Down Their Hood» to the whole class.
• Alex has looped the song «Drawing On Their Thoughts» for the last three days.
• Wendy Pennington, the Canadian activist, became famous for her essay titled «Theirs the Damage; Ours the Problem.»

The five example cases above used the term «their» within a title, a specific work of art, a literary piece, a song, a poem, or a movie. In these cases, the word «their» claims ownership by third parties.

Within A Title: Words That Shouldn’t Be Capitalized

According to most grammar and style guides, within a title, there are some words that one shouldn’t capitalize.

Following are those cases:

• Prepositions (over, at, by, etc.)
• Articles (the, a, an)
• Coordinating conjunctions (but, for, and, yet,)

Therefore, whenever writing a title that includes either the word «oval» or «ellipse,» make sure you understand the rules that apply in those cases so that your writing piece is grammatically correct.

For example: 

• «Meeting at Their Secret Place» is the title of his favorite rock song.
• Alice explained «Apart yet Always on Their Mind» is a satire of modern relationships.
• «Fun Times Over Their Roof» won three EMMY awards.
• Jesse and Tai became pals at the book club when they started the series «Their Butler for an Evening.»

«Their» Used As A Singular Pronoun

As mentioned before, the word «their» is a pronoun that indicates possession. Although people generally use it to refer to the third person in plural cases, it is grammatically acceptable to use it when referring to «his» or «her» where the writer does not want to specify gender.

For example: 

• Be good to your siblings, and their hearts will be grateful.
• If a driver uses their turn signals precisely, you will know they have learned the rules well.
• Each swimmer will be assigned a number when their turn arrives.
• Someone that might have seen the fight could give their opinion to the press.
• Anyone can call themselves savvy until their reputation is at stake.

In all five cases above, the word «their» refers to a person, an individual that owns: turn signals, an opinion, a position turn, and reputation. However, even if the individual is perceived as being the subject of the complete thought, the sentences have an impersonal, generic tone. In cases where one doesn’t want to specify that someone, in particular, does the action but instead wants to make a general statement, then the word «their» is used as a singular pronoun.

Term «Their» In Sentences:

1. One can perceive their body language and posture when looking at the mirror.
2. He said «forever,» now riding alone past their street.
3. Halle and Stan received their first golden package at their new home.
4. McGregor tries to mow their lawn every Monday; however, today was a holiday.
5. I don’t know if someone can master their emotions until something random occurs.
6. Curly-haired people know their hair reacts differently even when using the same products.
7. Georgina, Albert, and Mae decided to take their problem upstairs.
8. The lightning in this room makes it easier to watch their art exposition.
9. Emilia said their plane would land five hours later than planned.
10. Canadians brag about the fact that their maple syrup is the best one.
11. If you want to talk to them about your concerns, ask when their closest free time is available.
12. Karate players know their time for practice is an essential part of becoming a professional.
13. Aestheticians have learned to understand their clients’ faces.
14. Amber, Eloise, and Dante said they would be enrolling in their favorite teacher’s archery class.
15. If you find someone who can print the sign in bold letters, please ask for their design prices.
16. Your neighbor said their mango tree has fresh fruit for the summer.
17. Fabiano’s family will arrive soon; their road trip started an hour ago.
18. Each of the travelers received their pre-cooked meal at 12:30 p.m.
19. One can track their flight trip on the tiny screen in front of their seats.
20. Hemmingway and Tulsen tried to decode their friend’s message, but both failed on the attempt.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the correct term to use when referring to the third person plural possessive is the word «their» because the word «thier» does not exist in the English vocabulary and is instead a misspelling of the word «their.» Sometimes the term is used when the writer doesn’t want to specify the gender of the subject doing an action.

There are occasions where one should capitalize the word «their.» Those cases are: when it is the first word in a sentence, introducing the whole idea; when it’s part of a proper title, be it a literary work, an art piece, or another official heading.

Finally, some titles include the word «their,» but one should not capitalize articles, prepositions, or coordinating conjunctions within the title, as it is not proper. It is best to consider the rules and examples when experiencing doubts concerning a word’s spelling.

их, свой, свое, свои

местоимение

- их; принадлежащий им; свой
- свой, свои
- полагающийся им

Словосочетания

Примеры с переводом

Возможные однокоренные слова