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Very Common Grammar Mistakes---Use of ‘They’re’, ‘There’, and ‘Their’
Pamela Lyon
Lifetime Home Business
Because of the difference in meaning, it is essential to know how to use the three words they're', there', and their' properly. Used inappropriately, they can cause a sentence to be totally misunderstood. The word they're' is the easiest one. It stands literally for they' and are', put together as one word. If you cannot substitute they are' into the sentence with they're' in it and mean what you are intending to say, then you have chosen the wrong word.
Remember: They're' means they are,' as in "They're playing a game."
The word there' is a pointing word showing a certain location. For instance: "There is an oak tree." It is as if you are pointing in the direction of the tree to show it to another person.
There' can also stand for present,' such as in the sentence, "Susan was there at our September meeting."
Their' is a word that shows ownership. For example, "The children were playing with their toys." Notice, the inference is that the toys BELONG to the children. So, if you are writing their' in your sentence, you are inferring that the they' you are writing about OWN something. If you cannot identify something that is owned, you have chosen the wrong word.
A myriad of websites seem to display little care for correct grammar. What the owners of these sites do not realize is that the MEANING of what they are intending to say is not truly understood by the reader. In addition to that, many otherwise willing affiliates and associates will choose NOT to participate in a business that exhibits carelessness.
Pamela Lyon, Retired Teacher
Indianapolis, IN
pklkok@sbcglobal.net
http://www.lifetimehomebusiness.com
Article submitted Tuesday, July 08, 2008
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