Use Of Their In A Sentence

Using "Their" in a Sentence: A Comprehensive Guide

"Their" is a possessive pronoun, indicating ownership or association with a group of people or things. Mastering its usage is crucial for clear and effective communication. This article will explore the correct use of "their" in various contexts, address common errors, and provide examples to enhance your understanding.

Introduction

Understanding how to use pronouns correctly is essential for clear and effective writing. Among the pronouns, "their" often causes confusion. "Their" is a possessive pronoun used to indicate ownership by a group of people or things. It's important not to confuse "their" with "there" (a place) or "they're" (a contraction of "they are"). This article will guide you through the correct usage of "their," explain common mistakes, and provide numerous examples to help you master its use.

What Does "Their" Mean?

"Their" is a third-person plural possessive pronoun. It shows that something belongs to or is associated with a group of people or things. Here’s a breakdown:

• Third-Person: Refers to the people or things being talked about, not the speaker or the person being addressed.
• Plural: Indicates that the pronoun refers to more than one person or thing.
• Possessive: Shows ownership or association.

For example, in the sentence "The students submitted their assignments," "their" indicates that the assignments belong to the students.

Basic Usage of "Their"

The basic usage of "their" is to show possession by a plural noun or pronoun. Here are some examples:

• The players celebrated their victory.
• The birds built their nests in the tree.
• The committee members expressed their concerns.
• The children shared their toys with each other.
• The employees received their paychecks on Friday.

In each of these sentences, "their" indicates that something belongs to or is associated with the group mentioned (players, birds, committee members, children, employees).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One of the most common errors is confusing "their" with "there" and "they're." Here’s how to differentiate them:

• Their: Indicates possession.
  • Example: "They left their books at home."
• There: Indicates a place or is used as an expletive.
  • Example: "The book is over there."
  • Example: "There are many stars in the sky."
• They're: A contraction of "they are."
  • Example: "They're going to the park."

To avoid confusion, try substituting the word you’re unsure about with its possible meanings. If you can replace it with "they are," use "they're." If it indicates a place, use "there." If it shows possession, use "their."

Another common mistake is using "their" with a singular noun. Traditionally, "their" was only used for plural subjects, but modern usage has evolved to include singular subjects, especially when referring to a person of unspecified gender.

Using "Their" with Singular Nouns

The use of "their" with singular nouns has become more common and accepted, particularly when the gender of the person is unknown, irrelevant, or non-binary. This usage helps avoid making assumptions about gender and promotes inclusivity.

Examples:

• "Each student should bring their own lunch."
• "A person should always check their work before submitting it."
• "If someone calls, please take their message."

In these examples, "their" is used to refer to a singular person ("each student," "a person," "someone") without specifying gender. This is often preferred over using "his or her" for the sake of brevity and inclusivity.

Addressing the Controversy

While the use of singular "their" is becoming more accepted, it is still a topic of debate among grammar purists. Some argue that it violates the traditional rule that pronouns must agree in number with their antecedents. However, many style guides and dictionaries now recognize and accept singular "their" as a valid option.

When deciding whether to use singular "their," consider your audience and the context of your writing. In formal writing or situations where strict grammatical rules are expected, you might choose to rephrase the sentence to avoid the issue altogether. However, in more casual or inclusive contexts, singular "their" is often the best choice.

How to Correctly Use "Their" in a Sentence

To ensure you are using "their" correctly, follow these guidelines:

1. Identify the Antecedent: The antecedent is the noun or pronoun that "their" refers to. Make sure the antecedent is plural or a singular noun when used inclusively.
2. Ensure Agreement: The pronoun "their" must agree in number with its antecedent. If the antecedent is plural, "their" is appropriate. If the antecedent is singular and you're using "their" inclusively, ensure it's done intentionally.
3. Avoid Ambiguity: Make sure it is clear to whom or what "their" is referring. If there is any ambiguity, rephrase the sentence to make it clearer.
4. Consider Alternatives: If you're unsure about using "their," consider alternative ways to phrase the sentence. You might be able to use a different pronoun or reword the sentence to avoid the issue altogether.

Examples of Correct Usage

Here are more examples of how to use "their" correctly in a sentence:

• Plural Antecedents:
  • The team members celebrated their hard work.
  • The neighbors decorated their houses for the holidays.
  • The authors signed their books at the event.
  • The chefs prepared their signature dishes.
  • The musicians tuned their instruments before the concert.
• Singular Antecedents (Inclusive Usage):
  • Every participant should bring their own water bottle.
  • If a student needs help, they should ask their teacher.
  • Anyone who wants to join can submit their application online.
  • Each employee is responsible for managing their own time.
  • A customer can return the product if they are not satisfied with their purchase.

Examples of Incorrect Usage and Corrections

To further illustrate the correct use of "their," let’s look at some examples of incorrect usage and how to correct them:

• Incorrect: "Each student should bring his lunch."
  • Correct: "Each student should bring their lunch." (Inclusive)
  • Correct: "Each student should bring his or her lunch." (Formal)
• Incorrect: "Someone left there keys on the table."
  • Correct: "Someone left their keys on the table."
• Incorrect: "The dog wagged it's tail."
  • Correct: "The dogs wagged their tails."
• Incorrect: "Every citizen has a right to there opinion."
  • Correct: "Every citizen has a right to their opinion." (Inclusive)
  • Correct: "Every citizen has a right to his or her opinion." (Formal)
• Incorrect: "The company announced they're new policy."
  • Correct: "The company announced their new policy."

Advanced Usage and Nuances

Beyond the basic rules, there are more nuanced ways to use "their" effectively. Here are some advanced tips:

• Using "Their" with Collective Nouns: Collective nouns (e.g., team, committee, family) can be either singular or plural, depending on whether the group is acting as a unit or as individual members.
  • As a Unit: "The team celebrated its victory."
  • As Individuals: "The team members expressed their individual opinions."
• Avoiding Gendered Pronouns: In situations where you want to avoid specifying gender, "their" can be a useful tool.
  • "A good leader listens to their team members."
• Using "Their" in Formal vs. Informal Writing: While singular "their" is widely accepted, be mindful of your audience and the context of your writing. In formal settings, you might prefer using "his or her" or rephrasing the sentence.

Tips for Avoiding Errors

Here are some practical tips to help you avoid errors when using "their":

• Read Your Writing Aloud: Reading your writing aloud can help you catch errors that you might miss when reading silently.
• Use Grammar Checkers: Grammar checkers can help identify incorrect pronoun usage. However, always review the suggestions to ensure they are appropriate for your context.
• Ask for Feedback: Have someone else review your writing to catch errors and provide feedback on clarity.
• Practice Regularly: The more you write and pay attention to pronoun usage, the easier it will become to use "their" correctly.

The Importance of Inclusive Language

The use of "their" as a singular pronoun is closely tied to the broader topic of inclusive language. Inclusive language aims to avoid bias and ensure that all people are treated with respect and dignity. Using "their" in this way is a step towards recognizing and respecting gender diversity.

Benefits of Inclusive Language:

• Promotes Equality: Inclusive language helps create a more equitable and respectful environment for everyone.
• Avoids Stereotypes: It helps avoid making assumptions about gender and other personal characteristics.
• Enhances Communication: Clear and inclusive language ensures that everyone can understand and relate to your message.
• Demonstrates Respect: Using inclusive language shows that you value and respect diversity.

Conclusion

Mastering the use of "their" is essential for clear, accurate, and inclusive communication. By understanding its basic meaning, avoiding common mistakes, and following the guidelines provided in this article, you can confidently use "their" in your writing. Whether you are writing a formal essay, a casual email, or anything in between, paying attention to pronoun usage will help you communicate effectively and respectfully. Embrace the evolution of language and use "their" to promote inclusivity and clarity in your writing.