There, they’re, their: it’ll be all right!

When you check text for errors, have you ever had trouble spelling a word, especially one that sounds the same as another? You are not alone. Many people find it tricky to spell homonyms.

Homonyms – what are they? They are words that sound the same as each other but are spelled differently. For instance, the words in the title: “there”,” they’re” and “their”.

Say them out loud. Yes, they sound identical but they mean quite different things – which is one of the reasons why they have different spelling.

Let me give you some easy tips for a quick spell and grammar check.

There

“There” literally means “a place that isn’t here”. So if you are writing about a place, location or situation, try substituting the word “here”. If it makes grammatical sense, then just add a letter “t” before here and “there” you have it!

For instance, look at the following sentence:

H’e’s over X, checking grammar mistakes

I’ve put an X where the word “there” should be. It makes perfect sense if you write:

He’s over there, checking grammar mistakes.

So the correct spelling for this sentence is “there”.

They’re

“They’re” is an abbreviated form of “they are” so that’s simple to work out. If you can form the sentence using “they are” as a substitute, then “they’re” is appropriate.

For example: The spelling and grammar check is complete and X happy with the results.

“They are” in place of the X fits well so the sentence with the correct spelling reads:

The spelling and grammar check is complete and they’re happy with the results.

Their

Now for the third person possessive pronoun. That’s what “their” is in grammatical terminology. It gives you a clue how to put “their” in the right place. When we use the word “their”, we are indicating some form of connection or possession.

Their writing and editing service was well regarded.

In this sentence, the writing and editing service  belongs to them, they own the service, so it’s “their” writing and editing service.

How would you spell this?

Now see if you can spell the following. I’ve put an X where you should put “there”, “they’re” or “their”:

“X not satisfied with X English editing over X.”

How did you go? Would have you have spelt it this way?

“They’re not satisfied with their English editing over there.”

If you did, bravo! If not, professional proofreading services can assist you with all manner of homonyms so that your communications are understandable and readable.

Contact me at http://www.creativetext.com.au for all your proofreading and editing needs.