What is the difference between their and they're?

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What is the difference between their and they're?

The words "their" and "they're" are homophones, which means they sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. Understanding the difference between these two words is crucial for proper grammar and effective communication.

Firstly, let's discuss the word "their." "Their" is a possessive pronoun that indicates ownership or belonging. It is used to show that something belongs to or is associated with a group of people or things. For example, if we say, "They left their bags at the hotel," it means that a group of people left their bags behind.

On the other hand, "they're" is a contraction of the words "they" and "are." It is used to combine the subject pronoun "they" with the verb "are" in a sentence. This contraction is commonly used in spoken and informal written English. For instance, if we say, "They're going to the party," it means that a group of people is going to the party.

To summarize, "their" is a possessive pronoun used to indicate ownership, while "they're" is a contraction of "they" and "are" used to combine the subject pronoun with the verb. It is essential to pay attention to the context and meaning of the sentence to determine whether to use "their" or "they're" correctly.