IN VBZ they're (their) NN

They're = contraction of "they are." Their = possessive pronoun showing ownership. Use the quick tests below to pick the right form every time.

Fast rule

Replace test: swap the word for "they are." If the sentence still makes sense, use they're. Noun test: if a noun immediately follows (their report), use their. Possessive test: if "theirs" fits, use their.

• They're → They are (They're late → They are late.)
• Their → shows ownership (Their desk, their idea, theirs.)
• Never write "their's": the correct possessive is theirs.

Core explanation

They're is short for they are and always expands to a subject + verb. Their marks possession and sits before a noun or stands in place of a noun when replaced by theirs. Confusing them changes meaning: one shows an action or state; the other indicates ownership.

• They're: They're arriving at noon. (= They are arriving at noon.)
• Their: Their arrival is at noon. (= The arrival that belongs to them)

Hyphenation, spacing and form errors

Spacing or punctuation rarely affects they're/their: they're always with an apostrophe (contraction), their has no apostrophe. Errors usually come from typing fast or hearing speech and writing what you hear. Focus on the function of the word in the sentence rather than how it sounds.

• They're = they + are (apostrophe replaces the missing letter).
• Their = single word, no apostrophe, used before nouns or replaced by theirs.

How it looks in real writing

Context makes the correct choice obvious once you practice the quick tests. Below are natural work, school, and casual sentences using both words correctly.

• Work: Their proposal includes a revised budget. / They're ready to present the proposal.
• School: Their homework is on the teacher's desk. / They're studying for finals.
• Casual: Their dog is very friendly. / They're coming over later.

Wrong → Right examples you can copy

These paired sentences show the most common slip-ups and the simple fixes.

• Wrong (Work): The team said they're report is delayed.Right: The team said their report is delayed.
• Wrong (Work): They're budget needs approval by Friday.Right: Their budget needs approval by Friday.
• Wrong (School): Is that they're essay on the desk?Right: Is that their essay on the desk?
• Wrong (School): They're going to hand in the assignment tomorrow.Right: They're going to hand in the assignment tomorrow. (correct as written)
• Wrong (Casual): Their heading to the concert tonight.Right: They're heading to the concert tonight.
• Wrong (Casual): I like their new shoes.Right: I like their new shoes. (correct as written)
• Wrong (Work): Are their going to be blockers in the sprint?Right: Are they going to be blockers in the sprint?
• Wrong (School): Their's the best solution we tried.Right: That's the best solution we tried. / Theirs is the best solution we tried.
• Wrong (Casual): Their coming with us, right?Right: They're coming with us, right?

How to rewrite for clarity

Fixing the word is often enough, but sometimes a short rewrite improves tone and clarity. Read the whole sentence after you change the word to ensure flow.

• Step 1: Identify whether the word is a contraction (they're) or a possessive (their).
• Step 2: Apply the replace test or the noun test.
• Step 3: If the sentence still sounds awkward, rewrite the phrase or use a specific noun (the team, Sarah's, the report).

• Rewrite 1: Original: Their going to the client meeting at 2. →
  Rewrite: They're going to the client meeting at 2.
• Rewrite 2: Original: Is that they're laptop? →
  Rewrite: Is that their laptop?
• Rewrite 3: Original: Their's the best option. →
  Rewrite: That's the best option. / Theirs is the best option.

Memory trick

Tie form to meaning: picture two words when you think "they're" (they + are). For "their," picture ownership-something that belongs to them. Use the quick replacement test before you hit send.

• Hear two words = they're. Modify a noun or replace with "theirs" = their.
• Practice by scanning a page for all instances and fixing any that fail the replace test.

Similar mistakes to watch for

Writers who confuse they're and their often mix up other small words that sound alike. A quick pass focusing on function (contraction vs. possessive vs. adverb) catches most errors.

• it's vs its
• you're vs your
• there vs their vs they're
• noun vs verb forms (affect/effect)

FAQ

How can I quickly tell if I should use they're or their?

Replace the word with "they are." If the sentence still reads correctly, use they're. If the word modifies a noun or stands where "theirs" would fit, use their.

Is "their's" ever correct?

No. The correct possessive is theirs without an apostrophe.

Should I avoid contractions like they're in formal writing?

Prefer full forms (they are) in formal academic or legal contexts. In most business and casual writing, they're is acceptable.

Do grammar tools catch every they're/their mistake?

Tools catch many errors but can miss context. Use the replace test or a brief rewrite when clarity matters.

How do I stop making these mistakes permanently?

Build two habits: run the replace test before sending and, in formal drafts, write out verb phrases or use specific nouns (the team, the students') to avoid confusion.

Fix one sentence now

Before you send that message, try the "they are" test once. A quick swap or a tiny rewrite (e.g., "the team's plan" or "they are") resolves most errors and keeps your writing clear.