There, Their and They’re

As with your and you’re, these three words are often confused because they have the same pronunciation. Here’s how to know which word to use.

There

The word there has a number of different uses; as an adverb, it means “in or at that place.” As a pronoun, it is the subject of an existential clause.

Your watch is over there.
There are two cups on the table.
There is still hope.

Their

The word their is possessive. It indicates ownership of something — something “belonging to them.”

Is this their cat?
They left their phones at home.

Although their usually refers to plural owners, it can also be used to refer to a singular owner of unspecified gender.

Someone left their wallet in my car.

They’re

The word they’re is a contraction of they are.

They’re learning English.: They are learning English.
Do you know where they’re going?: Do you know where they are going?

Key points

There should be used when talking about a place, or the existence of something. (Compare with here.)
Their should only be used if it can be replaced with another possessive like his or her.
They’re should only be used if it can be replaced with they are.