Homonyms are words that sound the same, but are spelled differently and have different meanings and usages. This can be confusing sometimes as one must rely on context to figure out which word is meant or should be used. 

BANNER PLACEHOLDER

Even native speakers sometimes fail to use the homonyms "there," "their," and "they're" correctly. Here is a quick review of which one is appropriate for which occasion. 

1) The word "there" is used to refer to a physical or abstract location.

When I flew in on the float plane, they were all there on the boat.

When I flew in on the float plane, they were all there on the boat.

Caption 4, Alaska Revealed - Endless Wave

 Play Caption

Also, it is commonly combined with a conjugation of “to be” or a modal verb to discuss the existence of something.

For everywhere we look, there is work to be done.

For everywhere we look, there is work to be done.

Caption 28, Barack Obama's Inauguration Day - Obama's Speech

 Play Caption

I think there must be something wrong with me, Linus.

I think there must be something wrong with me, Linus.

Caption 9, A Charlie Brown Christmas - Opening

 Play Caption

2) "Their" is a possessive adjective used before a noun when the subject is "they." With "their," we are speaking about something that belongs to two or more people.

What are their names? -Their names are Naya and Alex.

What are their names? -Their names are Naya and Alex.

Caption 14, Caralie and Annie - Get to Know Each Other

 Play Caption

Their goal is a plan to finally help humanity reduce its carbon footprint.

Their goal is a plan to finally help humanity reduce its carbon footprint.

Caption 3, Green TV - What Is COP21?

 Play Caption

3) "They’re" is a contraction of "they are" used to refer to two or more people in the third person. It is especially useful for shortening sentences in the present continuous tense.

I think they're nice.

I think they're nice.

Caption 12, Comic-Con 2015 - Jennifer Lawrence

 Play Caption

They're playing a game on the lawn.

They're playing a game on the lawn.

Caption 10, Jessica - in Prospect Park

 Play Caption

BANNER PLACEHOLDER

Further Learning
Check out the examples above on Yabla English to get a better sense of the full context for the use of "there," "their," and "they're." Try to write a few sentences in which you use two or even all three of these words to solidify your understanding. An example would be: "They're not sure when they will get there. It depends on when their plane lands."

As we approach the end of December, many people are looking forward to having some time off. The “holiday break," “Christmas break,” or "winter vacation" observed by schools gives students up to two weeks off. Universities may have closer to a month of time off. Workplaces and offices close as well, although not for so long!

BANNER PLACEHOLDER

It is a time to relax and a time to spend with family and friends. If the weather outside is cold, there are some classic outdoor activities that people enjoy, although you may decide to simply stay nice and warm indoors.

And nowadays Rose and I do down-hill skiing primarily.

And nowadays Rose and I do down-hill skiing primarily.

Caption 73, Ask Jimmy Carter - Interview with Former US President Jimmy Carter

 Play Caption

She could only rest in a corner next to the fireplace,

She could only rest in a corner next to the fireplace,

Caption 11, Yabla Fairy Tales - Cinderella

 Play Caption

Many families take time to do activities like baking or cooking together, and also decorate to their homes.

And what's your favorite part of the Christmas dinner?

And what's your favorite part of the Christmas dinner?

Caption 13, Christmas in London - People

 Play Caption

But, up until that point we decorate our houses with lots of different things.

But, up until that point we decorate our houses with lots of different things.

Caption 6, Christmas Traditions - In the UK

 Play Caption

Many people are also preparing for the holidays and the tradition of exchanging presents:

I like getting presents and sending Christmas cards.

I like getting presents and sending Christmas cards.

Caption 13, A Charlie Brown Christmas - Opening

 Play Caption

...and then unwrap our presents and all the family will be there.

...and then unwrap our presents and all the family will be there.

Caption 12, Christmas in London - People

 Play Caption

Of course, the holidays can be stressful, especially if you are late with the preparations!

So they're looking for their last-minute presents for their loved ones.

So they're looking for their last-minute presents for their loved ones.

Caption 3, Christmas in London - People

 Play Caption

Our Yabla English team wishes you a lovely winter break and holiday season, filled with relaxation and the warm company of family and friends!

BANNER PLACEHOLDER

Further Learning
Go to the links listed above, or do your own search for Yabla English videos that reference holiday traditions. Another idea: look up the English words for the presents you are giving people this year if you don’t know them already.