their
determiner
UK/ðɛər/US/ðɛr/
Used to indicate that something belongs to or is associated with the people or things previously mentioned or easily identified.
Example Sentences
She placed their books on the shelf, ensuring each one was in its proper place.
During the meeting, they discussed their strategies for the upcoming project, focusing on collaboration and efficiency.
He admired their dedication to the cause, inspired by their unwavering commitment.
Their team won the championship after a thrilling final match that went into overtime.
The children enjoyed their time at the playground, playing games and making new friends.
They decorated their home with beautiful artwork, reflecting their unique tastes and personalities.
Their proposal was accepted by the board, paving the way for significant changes in the organization.
She always supports their decisions, trusting their judgment and expertise in the matter.
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pronoun
UK/ðɛər/US/ðɛr/
Used to refer to something that belongs to or is associated with the people or things previously mentioned or easily identified.
Example Sentences
She handed them their own cups, ensuring everyone had what they needed.
They brought their books to the library, ready to dive into new subjects.
The employees were proud of their achievements, celebrating the company's success together.
He recognized their efforts, acknowledging the hard work they put into the project.
Their opinions were valued during the discussion, leading to a well-rounded decision.
She admired their unity, appreciating how they worked seamlessly as a team.
They maintained their composure under pressure, showcasing their resilience and determination.
Their home was a reflection of their personalities, filled with cherished memories and personal touches.
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How to Use
Indicates ownership or association with multiple people (or sometimes a singular entity).This term functions as a possessive determiner, typically denoting that an object or idea belongs to more than one person, as in “They parked their car” or “Students submitted their assignments.” Increasingly, it also appears in contexts requiring a gender-neutral singular pronoun, such as “Each student should bring their own lunch,” which avoids specifying gender. To use it correctly, ensure it aligns with the intended subject, whether that subject is a known plural group (“The team shared their goals”) or a singular subject needing a gender-neutral form (“Someone left their phone on the table”).Because “their” is a marker of possession, it must precede a noun—“their house,” “their ideas,” “their responsibilities,” etc. If you drop the noun (“I found their book, but I can’t find theirs”), you switch to the possessive pronoun “theirs.” Keeping these forms clear helps prevent confusion about which person or group controls the referenced items or actions.
Alternatives
Alternatives for expressing possession vary according to number, gender, or formality. For singular references to a person whose gender is known, “his” or “her” might apply: “He forgot his coat,” “She changed her schedule.” However, these forms are less inclusive if the person’s gender is unknown or nonbinary, where “their” offers neutrality and respect. “Our” describes collective possession by a group that includes the speaker, while “my” marks personal ownership by the speaker alone. “Its” applies to inanimate objects or certain animals—“The company revised its policy,” “The cat cleaned its paws”—though in casual usage, you might still see “their” for animals. For indefinite references, “someone’s” or “one’s” can sometimes serve but carry a more formal or old-fashioned tone: “Someone left one’s umbrella” is grammatically correct but sounds stilted. “Whoever left their umbrella” generally feels more natural and inclusive. When deciding which form fits best, consider both clarity and inclusivity. In many modern contexts, “their” is an increasingly popular choice because it sidesteps assumptions about gender or identity.
Writing
When writing formally, especially in traditional or academic contexts, some style guides still recommend using “he or she” in singular examples—e.g., “Every student must submit his or her essay on time.” Others now endorse “their” to promote inclusivity. To avoid potential confusion, be consistent in your approach. If you choose “their” as a gender-neutral singular, maintain that choice throughout to keep clarity intact. In collective references, “their” remains straightforward: “Participants shared their feedback.” Just confirm that your subject is plural: “Participants” (plural) pairs naturally with “their,” but “participant” (singular) can pair with “their” if you intend a singular non-gendered subject. Strive for clarity by occasionally rephrasing sentences if “their” risks ambiguity. For example, if multiple parties might own different items, spelling out exactly who owns what prevents confusion. Good writing style often hinges on reducing guesswork for the reader. Using “their” adeptly can streamline text and enhance inclusivity, especially when used consistently and with purpose.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “their” is ubiquitous, whether discussing friends (“They said they’d bring their car”), family (“The kids took their backpacks”), or colleagues (“The managers set their own targets”). Most speakers naturally default to it for any plural possessive and are comfortable applying it in singular, non-gendered contexts, too. For instance, “Someone left their bag here—do you know who it belongs to?” sounds perfectly normal in casual speech.When you’re chatting informally, the key is ensuring listeners know whom you’re referring to. If you say, “They told me their flight is delayed,” make sure it’s clear which group or person “they” references. Because casual language is less rigid, you can rely on context clues or earlier references in the conversation. “Their” is versatile enough to keep conversation flowing, clarify belongings, and avoid unnecessary repetition of names or pronouns. If you sense any ambiguity, you can always restate the name or reframe the sentence: “Emily said her flight is delayed” or “John and Maria said their flight is delayed.”
Etymology
Derived from Old Norse “þeira,” the English possessive “their” entered the language around the Middle English period, influenced by Viking and Scandinavian settlers. Over time, it supplanted some earlier forms to become the standard plural (and increasingly singular) possessive determiner in Modern English. Initially, “their” strictly referred to plural groups, echoing other Germanic words for collective possession. However, English speakers began using it for indefinite singular subjects centuries ago—an evolving usage pattern that further gained acceptance in formal writing in recent decades.This linguistic adaptability highlights English’s openness to functional shifts. While earlier grammar rules deemed using “their” for a singular subject incorrect, modern style guides widely accept it as inclusive and succinct. Hence, the word’s etymology and subsequent transformations underscore how pronouns evolve with cultural and communicative needs, now serving as a flexible, gender-neutral alternative alongside its traditional plural role.
