Common Mistakes in Using Verb Agreement with the Pronoun "they're" and the Possessive Pronoun "their"

One of the most common mistakes in English grammar involves confusion between the contraction "they're" and the possessive pronoun "their." Although they may sound similar, these words have different meanings and functions. Let's take a closer look at how they are used.

1. They're (Contractions of "they are")

The contraction "they're" is a combination of the pronoun "they" and the verb "are." It is used when referring to a group of people or things, indicating that they exist or are performing an action.

For example:

• Correct: They're going to the park.
• Incorrect: They're books are on the table.

The correct version expresses that a group of people or things is going to the park. The incorrect version mistakenly uses "they're" before the possessive pronoun "books," which should be "their."

2. Their (Possessive Pronoun)

The possessive pronoun "their" indicates that something belongs to or is associated with multiple people. It is used to show ownership or possession.

For example:

• Correct: They left their bags at the hotel.
• Incorrect: They left they're bags at the hotel.

The correct version states that multiple people left their bags at the hotel. The incorrect version mistakenly uses "they're" instead of "their."

It's essential to ensure proper usage of "they're" and "their" to convey clear and accurate meanings in your writing.

Linguix grammar checker can help you identify and correct mistakes in verb agreement, including the proper use of "they're" and "their" in your sentences.