Many people get confused between theirs and theres because the words look similar and sound almost the same when spoken quickly. This confusion is very common for students, English learners, and even native speakers during fast typing or casual writing.
The good news is that the difference is actually very simple once you understand it clearly.
One important thing to know first is this:
- “Theirs” is a real English word
- “Theres” is usually not correct
In this article, you will learn exactly what each form means, when to use it, common mistakes to avoid, and easy examples from daily life.
Quick Answer
Here is the simple answer:
- Theirs = shows ownership
- Example: The blue car is theirs.
- Theres = usually incorrect spelling
- Most people actually mean there’s
- There’s = short form of “there is” or “there has”
- Example: There’s a cat outside.
Quick Tip
If you are talking about:
- ownership → use theirs
- existence or something being somewhere → use there’s
Simple Background Explanation
English has many words that sound alike but have different meanings. These are called homophones.
Words like:
- their
- there
- they’re
- theirs
- there’s
often confuse learners because they sound very similar.
The confusion between theirs and theres usually happens because:
- people type quickly
- apostrophes are forgotten
- pronunciation sounds close
- autocorrect changes words
Understanding the small differences can make your writing much clearer.
What Does “Theirs” Mean?
Theirs is a possessive pronoun.
It shows that something belongs to “them.”
Examples
- That house is theirs.
- The final decision was theirs.
- These bags are theirs, not ours.
- The victory was theirs after a long game.
Easy Way to Remember
“Theirs” answers the question:
“Whose is it?”
If the answer is “belongs to them,” then use theirs.
What Does “Theres” Mean?
Theres without an apostrophe is usually considered incorrect in standard English.
Most of the time, the writer actually means:
There’s
“There’s” is the short form of:
- there is
- there has
Examples
- There’s a problem here.
- There’s a new student in class.
- There’s been a mistake.
Without the apostrophe, theres is normally a spelling mistake.
The Difference Between Theirs and There’s
This is the most important part to understand.
Theirs = Ownership
Use it when something belongs to people.
Examples
- The books are theirs.
- That seat is theirs.
- The idea was theirs.
There’s = “There is” or “There has”
Use it when introducing something or talking about existence.
Examples
- There’s a bird on the roof.
- There’s some milk in the fridge.
- There’s been an accident nearby.
Easy Comparison Table
| Word | Meaning | Type | Example |
| theirs | belongs to them | possessive pronoun | The jackets are theirs. |
| there’s | there is / there has | contraction | There’s a dog outside. |
| theres | usually incorrect | spelling mistake | ❌ Theres a problem. |
Which One Should You Use?
Use “Theirs” When Talking About Ownership
Choose theirs if something belongs to a group of people.
Examples
- The classroom is theirs now.
- Those shoes are theirs.
- The responsibility is theirs.
Helpful Test
Replace the word with:
- ours
- yours
- mine
If the sentence still makes sense, theirs is probably correct.
Example:
- The car is theirs.
- The car is ours.
Both work correctly.
Use “There’s” When Meaning “There Is”
Choose there’s when talking about something existing or being present.
Examples
- There’s a message for you.
- There’s food on the table.
- There’s still time left.
Helpful Test
Replace “there’s” with “there is.”
Example:
- There’s a problem.
- There is a problem.
Both mean the same thing.
Common Mistakes People Make
1. Forgetting the Apostrophe
Many people write:
- ❌ Theres a meeting today.
Correct form:
- ✅ There’s a meeting today.
The apostrophe is important because it shows the shortened form of “there is.”
2. Using “Theirs” Instead of “There’s”
Incorrect:
- ❌ Theirs a dog outside.
Correct:
- ✅ There’s a dog outside.
Why? Because the sentence means “there is.”
3. Using “There’s” for Ownership
Incorrect:
- ❌ The bags are there’s.
Correct:
- ✅ The bags are theirs.
Remember:
- ownership = theirs
- existence = there’s
4. Mixing Up Similar Words
Many learners also confuse:
- their
- there
- they’re
- theirs
- there’s
Simple Guide
| Word | Meaning |
| their | belongs to them (before a noun) |
| theirs | belongs to them |
| there | place or position |
| there’s | there is |
| they’re | they are |
Everyday Real-Life Examples
In Emails
Correct
- There’s an attachment in this email.
- The final files are theirs.
Incorrect
- ❌ Theres an attachment.
- ❌ The final files are there’s.
On Social Media
People often type quickly online, so mistakes are common.
Common Incorrect Posts
- ❌ Theres so much traffic today.
- ❌ That victory is there’s.
Correct Versions
- ✅ There’s so much traffic today.
- ✅ That victory is theirs.
In School Writing
Correct
- The science project was theirs.
- There’s a mistake in paragraph two.
Incorrect
- ❌ The science project was there’s.
- ❌ Theres a mistake in paragraph two.
In Daily Conversation
Examples
- There’s someone at the door.
- Those keys are theirs.
- There’s no sugar left.
- The choice is theirs.
Easy Memory Tricks
Trick for “Theirs”
Look at the word:
- their + s = theirs
It is connected to ownership.
Think:
- their bag
- their house
- theirs
Trick for “There’s”
The apostrophe helps you remember it is shorter for:
- there is
Example:
- There’s rain today.
= There is rain today.
Learning Section for Students and Beginners
If you are learning English, do not worry if these words confuse you at first. Many learners make the same mistake.
The best way to improve is:
- read simple English sentences
- practice writing
- check apostrophes carefully
- say the full sentence aloud
Practice Activity
Choose the correct word:
- ___ a new teacher today.
- The red notebooks are ___.
- ___ been a misunderstanding.
- That table is ___.
Answers
- There’s
- theirs
- There’s
- theirs
FAQs
1. Is “theres” a real word?
Usually no. In standard English, “theres” without an apostrophe is considered incorrect.
2. What is the correct form: “theres” or “there’s”?
The correct form is usually there’s.
Example:
- There’s a problem.
3. What does “theirs” mean?
“Theirs” means something belongs to them.
Example:
- The decision was theirs.
4. Can “there’s” mean “there has”?
Yes.
Example:
- There’s been a delay.
= There has been a delay.
5. Is “theirs” singular or plural?
It can refer to one person or several people, depending on the sentence.
Example:
- The jacket is theirs.
- The house is theirs.
6. Why do people confuse these words?
Because they sound similar and are often typed quickly.
7. Can I use “there’s” in formal writing?
Yes. It is common and accepted in most writing styles, though some very formal writing may prefer “there is.”
8. How can I remember the difference easily?
- theirs = ownership
- there’s = there is
That simple rule helps most learners.
Conclusion
The difference between theirs and theres becomes easy once you know the basic rule.
- Theirs shows ownership.
- Theres is usually a spelling mistake.
- Most people actually mean there’s, which means “there is” or “there has.”
Remember this simple idea:
- belongs to them → theirs
- talking about something existing → there’s
With a little practice, you will quickly start using these words correctly in emails, schoolwork, social media posts, and everyday English.
Gregory Alexander is a skilled writer and language researcher at WordHuts.com. He focuses on clarifying confusing word pairs, grammar rules, and common usage mistakes. With a passion for precise communication, Gregory creates simple, easy-to-understand content that helps readers strengthen vocabulary, writing accuracy, and everyday English skills.
