their - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
their Word Meanings
- Belonging to them; used before a noun to show possession by a group or person mentioned earlier.
- A gender-neutral singular determiner before a noun when the possessor's gender is unknown or irrelevant.
- Used in general or collective contexts to refer to things associated with people in general (their ideas, their lives).
their Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
their Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ðeə/
US
/ðɛɚ/
their Word Etymology
a) Root decomposition: the base pronoun is they, with a possessive form added to make their; b) Historical origin: from Old English hire/heora (of them), derived from Proto-Germanic; c) Memory image: imagine a group of people sharing one umbrella with their name on it to remember ownership.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I set a photo on the table and push aside a label, then pick up a new one. I place the label beside the photo, and the scene shifts from one person to a group. The feeling is simple and practical, a careful hand deciding who owns what. In real talk, that same move goes before a noun when we mean the people involved, their books, their ideas.
Real Context
Their is a possessive determiner used before a noun to show ownership by people who have been mentioned or are understood from context. It covers plural owners (their car, their ideas) and also serves as a gender-neutral singular form when the possessor’s gender is unknown or not important (someone forgot their umbrella). Because their marks possession rather than identity, it is placed immediately before the noun it describes and agrees in number with that noun (their cars, their plan). In practice, discussions about groups often use their for inclusivity, while care is needed when pronouns refer back to a specific person or a different antecedent. Learners commonly confuse their with the contraction they’re.
Usage Reminders
- Remember: before a noun; shows possession; used with groups and with an unknown/neutral possessor; watch for ambiguity with singular vs plural nouns; avoid confusion with their vs there; treat it as a gateway to gender-neutral language.
Common Misconceptions
- It is always plural possessors; it can be singular neutral as well.
- Their is the same as they’re or there.
- Always translates to his/her depending on gender.
- It replaces a noun in the sentence.
- It cannot be used with singular nouns when possessor is unknown.
Thinking Differences
English maps possession with a variable that can be plural, singular, or gender-neutral, and learners often stumble over its plural form and its similarity to they’re.
Learning Tips
- Compare their with they’re and there to hear the subtle differences in meaning.
- Practice plural and gender-neutral examples to build intuition.
- Use before a noun and check noun alignment in number.
- Do quick translations to confirm who possesses what.
- Notice how it contrasts with possessives in your native language.
- Rotate examples across different contexts to avoid repetition.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'their'?
A.Belonging to them
B.To be
C.Quickly
D.Around
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence below uses 'their' correctly?
A.Mark and Lisa lost their dog in last week.
B.Their book on the shelf is red.
C.Their house is painted blue and white.
D.Their love is the best in the world.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'their'?
A.Up
B.Fast
C.His
D.Play
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'their'?
A.Yours
B.Close
C.Never
D.Big
Step 5: Mastery
Can you give an example of a real-life scenario of 'their'?
A.The students finished their homework.
B.The team won the championship.
C.She drove to the store.
D.He cooked dinner for his family.
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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