Many people type fast and then pause. Is it their or there? This small choice causes big confusion online.
Students, bloggers, office workers, and social media users search this phrase daily because both words sound the same but mean different things.
Spelling tools do not always help because both words are correct — just used in different ways. So mistakes slip into emails, homework, captions, and even news articles.
This guide solves that problem in a simple way. You will learn the quick difference, where the words came from, common mistakes, and how to use each word with confidence. You will also see examples, tables, FAQs, and usage tips.
By the end, choosing between their or there will feel easy and natural.
Quick Answer
Their shows ownership.
There shows a place or position.
Examples
✅ Their car is parked outside.
✅ Their house is big.
The keys are over there.
✅ There is a shop nearby.
Quick trick:
- Their = belongs to them
- There = location or place
The Origin of Their or There
Both words come from Old English but grew differently.
There comes from Old English þær, meaning “in that place.”
Their came from Old Norse þeirra, meaning “belonging to them.”
Because English mixed words from different languages, both spellings stayed. Over time, pronunciation became similar, but spelling kept separate meanings.
That is why confusion still happens today.
British English vs American English Spelling
Good news: there is no spelling difference between British and American English for these words. Both regions use the same forms and meanings.
Comparison Table
| Meaning | British English | American English | Example |
| Ownership | Their | Their | Their dog is friendly. |
| Place/location | There | There | Put it there. |
So, spelling rules stay the same worldwide.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
Use based on meaning, not country.
- US audience → Use correct meaning only.
- UK/Commonwealth → Same rule applies.
- Global readers → Meaning matters more than location.
Ask yourself:
- Does it show ownership? → Use their
- Does it show a place? → Use there
Simple.
Common Mistakes with Their or There
| Wrong Sentence | Correct Sentence |
| Their is a shop nearby. | There is a shop nearby. |
| Put the bags in their. | Put the bags in there. |
| There car is fast. | Their car is fast. |
| I met there parents. | I met their parents. |
Mistakes happen because the words sound the same.
Their or There in Everyday Examples
Emails
- Their report is attached.
- Please sit there until called.
News Writing
- Their team won the match.
- There was heavy rain today.
Social Media
- Their new video is funny!
- We are going there tonight.
Formal Writing
- Their proposal was accepted.
- There are several solutions.
Their or There – Google Trends & Usage Data
Search engines show that confusion between these words is common worldwide. Students, writers, and job seekers often search this phrase when writing emails or assignments.
Countries with strong English learning communities frequently search this topic because spoken English does not show spelling differences.
Search interest also rises during exam seasons and school terms when writing accuracy matters more.
So, you are not alone if you search this!
Keyword Comparison Table
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| Their | Belonging to them | Their house is big. |
| There | A place or position | Put it there. |
FAQs
1. Why do people confuse their and there?
Because both sound the same when spoken.
2. Can grammar checkers catch this mistake?
Not always, since both words are correct spellings.
3. Is one more formal than the other?
No. Both are normal words used daily.
4. How can I remember the difference quickly?
Think: their = they own it, there = place.
5. Do British and American English spell them differently?
No, spelling is the same everywhere.
6. Is “they’re” related?
Yes. “They’re” means “they are,” which adds another common confusion.
7. Which mistake happens most online?
People often type “their” instead of “there” in quick messages.
Conclusion
Confusion between their or there happens because both words sound the same but serve different purposes. One shows ownership, while the other shows location or existence. The good news is that once you learn the difference, mistakes become easy to avoid.
Remember the simple rule: if something belongs to someone, use their. If you are talking about a place or position, use there. Checking your sentence meaning before sending a message or publishing content helps prevent errors.
Practice helps too. Read sentences aloud, then ask yourself what the word represents. With regular use, correct spelling becomes automatic.
Clear writing builds trust, improves professionalism, and makes communication smoother. Mastering small differences like this makes a big improvement in your English writing skills.
