Distinguishing Between There & Their in English Grammar

The key difference between there and their is that there is an adverb and an exclamation while their is a possessive pronoun. Strictly speaking, both these words are spelled in different forms though they are similar in pronunciation.
There and their, are two words in the English language that may sound similar, but there is a lot of difference between there and their in English grammar when it comes to their usage. Such words are called homonyms. Now, this article attempts to present you with a clear idea about the difference between there and their.

Key Takeaways

• There is used as an adverb and exclamation, indicating a place or position, while their is a possessive pronoun referring to something belonging to or associated with previously mentioned people or things.
• Both words are homonyms, meaning they sound similar but have different meanings and uses in English grammar.
• Understanding the differences between these two words is essential for mastering English grammar.

What Does There Mean?

Born from Old English, there is used as an exclamation and an adverb. There are also phrases that use the word there such as there you are, there goes, etc.

The word there is a kind of indeclinable too though occasionally it is used as a pronoun. It indicates a place when used as an indeclinable as in the sentence,
He stands there.
Here the word there indicates the place where the person stands.
There is sometimes used in exclamatory sentences as in
There he is!
Here the word there is used in exclamation. Generally, there is used in affirmative sentences as in,
There are several toys in the shop.
There is a big problem in the campus.
In both the sentences mentioned above, there is used in an affirmative sense.
Sometimes there is used as an adverb even when placed directly adjacent to the noun in a sentence as in,
Keep the book there.
Here the word there is used as an adverb to the word keep. There indicates the place where the book should be kept. There is a rare word that has got multiple usages as adverb and exclamation.

What Does Their Mean?

Their has its origins in Middle English. Their is used as a determiner. Their is also well known for being the possessive form of the pronoun they.
The word their is used as a pronoun in the genitive case of the pronoun they as in the sentence,
The troops marched into their territory.
She heard someone ringing their doorbell.
Here, the word their is used in the possessive or genitive case. Thus, their is the genitive form of the pronoun they.
In several instances, they and their appear in the same sentence as in
They know their responsibilities.
They reached their homes.
In both the sentences mentioned above, they and their are used together. Quite contrary to there, their is used only as a pronoun.

What are the Similarities Between There and Their in English Grammar?

There and Their sound similar, they are called homonyms.
They and their are often used together in sentences.

What is the Difference Between There and Their in English Grammar?

There vs Their

The word there is used to indicate a place, position or a time.
The word their is used to describe something belonging or associated with the people or things previously mentioned or easily identified.

 Grammatical Category

There can be used as an adverb and an exclamation.
Their is widely used only as a pronoun, as the genitive form of the pronoun they.

Usage

There indicates a place when used as an indeclinable as in the sentence. Moreover, There is generally used in affirmative sentences; it is also sometimes used in exclamatory sentences.
Their is a possessive determiner.

Summary – There vs Their

The two words there and their are homonyms since they sound similar in pronunciation. But, they have differences in their usage and grammatical category. The difference between there and their is that there is an adverb while their is a possessive pronoun. Possessing a sound knowledge in the differences of these two words is necessary when proceeding with the English grammar.