Are We There Yet? Or Their? Or They’re?
I’ve noticed that a lot of Triond writers get these words mixed up. Here is a refresher course on how to use “there”.
There seems to be a fair bit of confusion here. Writers can’t seem to get the right word in their sentences. They’re getting mixed up. Hopefully I can help to make it easier to remember which there to use where.
Notice the apostrophe in the word “they’re”? An apostrophe means that some letters have been left out. Not nearly as many as the kids are leaving out in their text messages. Just enough to make your words sound like they’re wearing blue jeans, rather than the stuffy penguin suits that they are required to don for more formal occasions. In other words, “they’re” is a contraction for the two words “they are”. Not really that difficult.
Use the word “their” to show possession. Notice the letter “I” in this word. I like to possess things, how about you? These possessions are not mine, however, nor are they yours; those are their possessions. That’s a good thing if you think about paying taxes. THE IRS will be collecting taxes from them for what is theirs. (That’s the Internal Revenue Service, for those of you who are not American. I’m not American either, I’m Canadian, but we watch a lot of American TV. That’s neither here nor there, just me rambling.) Have I completely confused you with this hint? Just remember that there is an “I” in their, because whatever you are talking about, if it is theirs, it belongs to them.
Are we there yet? How do you answer your kids when they ask this question? I usually say “No, we are here.” To get from here to there, just add the letter “t”. If you are still confused, it’s neither here nor there.
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September 20th, 2009 at 9:18 am
I admire your sense of humor. You certainly have a way of bringing out the points you wish to make. When I saw the title, I was ready for one of those hilarious aunts of yours to give us the message. But you are one GREAT aunt. One of these days, you should write a grammar book. Many who find grammar boring will lap it up and hopefully, you such simple words properly.
September 20th, 2009 at 11:24 am
I love that. A great lesson in spelling. I used to have to think of spelling strategies all the time when I was teaching nine year olds.
Good work.
Christine
September 20th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
very good information Karen… i have noticed that mistake many times when reading peoples work
September 21st, 2009 at 12:16 am
there it is, they`re sure to understand and correct their mistakes now with this article.. did I get that right?
September 21st, 2009 at 12:32 am
I think, it’s not only here, I’ve seen this in many writing sites. I’m even amazed that people write poetry like that!
September 21st, 2009 at 12:46 am
Are we there yet? Great article. A lot of people tend to confuse these words. good explanations.
September 21st, 2009 at 4:59 am
I have my there’s/their’s correct. I have problems with your and you’re. Cute article with a sense of humor.
September 21st, 2009 at 5:40 am
Thanks folks! Yes rutherfranc -you’ve got it!
Pam – you’re right, perhaps I should take your advice and write another article with your idea.
September 21st, 2009 at 11:02 pm
HEHE I’m so glad you cleared that up! I’ve seen so many misuse those three words! and also, “your” and “you’re” and “to” and “too”!!!!!!!!!!!! My friends laugh when I correct them. I do so just to be funny.
September 24th, 2009 at 7:13 am
Every time I get ready to use their, there I have to stop and think, yes it can be confusing. I would love to correspond with you when ever you have the time. I love god so much, I just want to do things his way, not be cold or lukewarm so that he will never spew me out of his mouth. I don’t want to be in front of him nor behind. Now that I am obedient my soul is quiet. Please view some of my work.
October 18th, 2009 at 6:06 pm
Isn’t “are we there yet” itself ungrammatical? ‘Yet’, as far as I am able to determine, is nearly synonymous with ’still’. Yet, the it’s use without the negative as above seems to be generally accepted to imply a negative. Why?
“Aren’t we there yet?” Or in other words, “are we yet (still) not there?” Isn’t this the correct use of yet?
“Are you happy yet?” This literally means “are you still happy?” “Are you happy yet” is so common however that we don’t even notice the mistake in it’s meaning.
Or do I have this all wrong?
November 12th, 2010 at 3:38 pm
To me, ‘are we there yet?’ means ‘is it almost finished?’ Am I right?