Pronoun Homophones

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Many pronouns have homophones. Because of how often pronouns are used in writing, these particular homophones are especially important to identify and use properly.

Common Pairs

Hover over the cards below to see some commonly confused pronoun homophones.

Its

A possessive pronoun

It's

A contraction of the phrase ''it is'' or ''it has''

Your

A possessive pronoun

You're

A contraction of the phrase ''you are''

Their

A possessive pronoun

They're

A contraction of the phrase ''they are''

Their

A possessive pronoun

There

A pronoun (not a personal pronoun) referring to a place

A filler subject to describe a state of being

Theirs

A possessive pronoun used as an adjective (without a noun)

There's

A contraction of ''there is'' or ''there has''

Examples

Unlike nouns, possessive pronouns will never use an apostrophe to possess something else. The possessive ending ‘s is a modification for nouns. Pronouns do not need this because they have their own special possessive forms that you simply need to memorize.

Your: possessive determiner Ex. Your hair looks pretty.
You’re: contraction for “you are” Ex. You’re a great friend.

Its: possessive pronoun Ex. Its name is Freddy Fish.
It’s: contraction for “it is” Ex. It’s a nice day for a walk.

Their: possessive pronoun/determiner Ex. Their parents go to my gym.
They’re: contraction for “they are” Ex. They’re fast runners.
There: adverb “in, at, or to that place or position” (OED). Ex. Look over there.

Your Turn: Test Your Understanding!

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