Their

Definition

'Their' is a possessive pronoun used to indicate ownership or association by multiple people or things. It is often confused with similar terms, especially in contexts where clarity in possession is crucial, such as distinguishing between singular and plural forms or when dealing with collective nouns.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Their' is always used in the plural form and does not change for singular ownership, making it distinct from other possessive forms like 'his' or 'her.'
2. In recent years, 'their' has also been adopted as a singular gender-neutral pronoun, providing an inclusive way to refer to individuals without specifying gender.
3. 'Their' can precede both countable and uncountable nouns, allowing flexibility in usage across various contexts.
4. Common errors involving 'their' include using it instead of 'there' or 'they're', which can lead to confusion in writing.
5. When using 'their' with collective nouns, ensure that the context supports plural ownership, as collective nouns can sometimes be singular in form.

Review Questions

• Compare and contrast 'their' with 'there' and 'they're', explaining the differences in usage.
  • 'Their', 'there', and 'they're' are commonly confused words that serve different grammatical functions. 'Their' is a possessive pronoun indicating ownership by multiple people, while 'there' serves as an adverb denoting location. On the other hand, 'they're' is a contraction of 'they are'. Understanding these distinctions is essential for proper usage in both writing and speech.
• Discuss how the use of 'their' as a singular pronoun impacts language inclusivity and reflects societal changes.
  • The adoption of 'their' as a singular, gender-neutral pronoun represents a significant shift towards inclusivity in language. This change acknowledges the diversity of gender identities and provides a way to refer to individuals without assuming gender, which can be particularly useful in writing and dialogue. By embracing this usage, language evolves to better reflect contemporary social values and promote equality.
• Analyze the common errors associated with the use of 'their', including examples of how these mistakes can alter meaning in sentences.
  • Common errors involving 'their', such as confusing it with 'there' or 'they're', can lead to misunderstandings in communication. For instance, saying 'Their going to the store' instead of 'They're going to the store' misuses the possessive form where a contraction is needed, changing the intended meaning. Additionally, using 'there' when one means to indicate ownership can confuse readers about who possesses what, emphasizing the importance of correctly distinguishing these terms for clarity in writing.

Related terms

there: 'There' is an adverb used to indicate a place or location, often confused with 'their' due to similar pronunciation.

they're: 'They're' is a contraction of 'they are', often confused with 'their' in writing and speech.

theirs: 'Theirs' is a possessive pronoun that refers to something owned by them, similar in function to 'their' but used as a stand-alone term.