“Theirs” and “there’s” sound exactly the same, so many learners mix them up when writing. The confusion usually happens because English spelling does not always match pronunciation.
The good news is that the difference is simple once you understand it.
Let’s make it clear and easy.
Quick Answer
- “Theirs” shows possession (something belongs to them)
- “There’s” means “there is” or “there has”
- They are not interchangeable
- Always check the meaning before choosing
Simple Background Explanation
Both words come from different grammar forms:
- “Theirs” is a possessive pronoun (like “his” or “hers”)
- “There’s” is a contraction (short form) of “there is” or “there has”
That is why they look similar but have different meanings.
Clear Explanation of the Difference
Let’s make it very simple.
“Theirs”
This shows ownership or belonging.
Examples:
- This book is theirs.
- The house is theirs.
“There’s”
This is a short form of “there is” or “there has.”
Examples:
- There’s a problem. (there is)
- There’s been a mistake. (there has)
So the difference is possession vs existence.
Comparison Table
| Word | Type | Meaning | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theirs | Pronoun | Belonging to them | Ownership |
| There’s | Contraction | There is / there has | Existence |
What “Theirs” Means
“Theirs” is used to show that something belongs to a group of people.
Examples:
- This car is theirs.
- The decision is theirs.
- That idea was theirs.
It replaces phrases like “their book.”
What “There’s” Means
“There’s” is used to talk about something existing or happening.
Examples:
- There’s a cat outside.
- There’s something wrong.
- There’s been an update.
It is short for “there is” or “there has.”
Which One to Use and When
Use “theirs” when:
- Showing ownership
- Talking about something belonging to people
Examples:
- The house is theirs.
- The choice is theirs.
Use “there’s” when:
- Saying something exists
- Talking about something happening
Examples:
- There’s a problem.
- There’s a new update.
Easy Trick to Remember
Here is a simple rule:
Theirs = belongs to them
There’s = there is
Memory tip:
If you can say “there is,” use “there’s”
Example:
- There’s a problem → There is a problem ✔️
Why People Get Confused
Here are the main reasons:
Same pronunciation
They sound identical.
Apostrophe confusion
People forget its use.
Similar spelling
Only small differences.
Fast writing
Mistakes happen easily.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are mistakes to watch for:
Using “there’s” for ownership
- This book is there’s ❌
Using “theirs” for existence
- Theirs a problem ❌
Correct vs incorrect examples:
- This book is theirs ✔️
- This book is there’s ❌
- There’s a problem ✔️
- Theirs a problem ❌
Everyday Real Life Examples
Here are simple examples from daily life.
At home:
- The house is theirs.
- There’s food on the table.
In conversation:
- The decision is theirs.
- There’s something I want to say.
In daily use:
- That bag is theirs
- There’s a message for you
Easy Learning Section for Beginners
Here is a simple trick:
Ask yourself:
Is it ownership or existence?
Memory tip:
Ownership = theirs
Existence = there’s
Practice sentences:
- The book is theirs
- There’s a problem
- The choice is theirs
Mini exercise:
Fill in the blanks:
- This car is ______
Answer: theirs - ______ a problem here
Answer: There’s - The decision is ______
Answer: theirs
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between “theirs” and “there’s”
“Theirs” shows ownership, while “there’s” means “there is.”
2. Can I use them interchangeably
No, they have different meanings.
3. What does “theirs” mean
It means belonging to them.
4. What does “there’s” mean
It means “there is” or “there has.”
5. Why are they confusing
Because they sound the same.
6. Is this mistake common
Yes, very common.
7. How can I remember the difference
Check for ownership or “there is.”
8. Will this mistake affect my writing
Yes, it can make your sentence incorrect.
Conclusion
The difference between “theirs” and “there’s” is simple.
“Theirs” is used for ownership.
“There’s” is used for existence.
Just remember:
Theirs = belongs to them
There’s = there is
With this simple rule, you can use both words correctly and confidently.
