I remember sending a text last week and pausing over the words “thier” or “their” or even “there.” I couldn’t help thinking, why is this so confusing?
Everything is crystal clear but that tiny spelling doubt made me double-check my message. If you’re here, you’ve likely faced the same struggle.
Many people search for thier or their or there because these words sound the same but mean completely different things. Misusing them can change the meaning of a sentence or make your writing look careless.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the differences between thier, their, and there, their correct usage, grammar rules, and examples you can apply immediately.
By the end, you’ll never second-guess which one to use, and your writing will be clearer and more professional.
Quick Answer
- Their ✅ – Correct possessive pronoun showing ownership.
- There ✅ – Correct word referring to a place or position.
- Thier ❌ – Always incorrect; common misspelling of their.
Examples:
- Their car is new. ✅
- We are going there tomorrow. ✅
- Thier car is new. ❌
The Origin of Thier, Their, and There
The words their and there have different origins in English:
- Their comes from Old Norse “þeirra”, meaning belonging to them.
- There comes from Old English “þǣr”, meaning in that place.
Thier has no historical basis. It is simply a modern typo caused by misplacing vowels. Its popularity comes from hearing the word “their” and incorrectly spelling it i before e except after c, which does not apply here.
Grammar Rules: Their, There, and Thier
| Word | Part of Speech | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Their | Possessive pronoun | Shows ownership. Example: Their house is big. |
| There | Adverb / pronoun | Indicates location or existence. Example: The book is over there. |
| Thier | ❌ Incorrect | Never used in formal or informal English. |
I before e except after c?
- The rule “i before e except after c” does not apply to their. That’s why their is correct, not thier.
British English vs American English
There is no difference in spelling for their and there:
| Word | British English | American English |
|---|---|---|
| their | ✅ | ✅ |
| there | ✅ | ✅ |
| thier | ❌ | ❌ |
Both UK and US English use their for possession and there for location. Thier is always wrong.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
- Their → Use for ownership.
- There → Use for location, position, or existence.
- Thier → Never use.
Audience advice:
- Students, professionals, ESL writers: Stick with their and there.
- Avoid thier, especially in exams, emails, and formal writing.
Common Mistakes with Thier, Their, and There
- Thier instead of their ❌
- Incorrect: Thier house is new.
- Correct: Their house is new. ✅
- Confusing their with there ❌
- Incorrect: There dog is cute.
- Correct: Their dog is cute. ✅
- Using there instead of their in possession ❌
- Incorrect: There books are interesting.
- Correct: Their books are interesting. ✅
- Redundant use
- Incorrect: Their’s house is nice.
- Correct: Their house is nice. ✅
Their in a Sentence
- Their team won the match.
- I like their new house.
- Please check their ideas before submitting.
- Their project received an award.
Tips: Always follow their with a noun it owns.
Thier or Their Examples
Everyday Sentences
- I visited their office yesterday. ✅
- Their opinions matter in this discussion. ✅
- We will meet there at 5 PM. ✅
Social Media Usage
- Love their new profile picture!
- There is so much fun in this event.
Formal Writing
- Their contribution to the project was invaluable.
- The books are there on the shelf.
Common Queries Explained
Is thier a word?
No, thier is always incorrect. It has no meaning in English.
Their or theirs?
- Their → Possessive adjective (before a noun). Example: Their house.
- Theirs → Possessive pronoun (replaces a noun). Example: The house is theirs.
How to use their in a sentence?
- Their car is parked outside.
- I respect their opinions.
Thier or their grammar rules
- Always use their for possession.
- Never use thier.
- There is for location, never possession.
I before e except after c rule
- This rule does not apply to their.
- “Their” is correct spelling; “thier” is incorrect.
Comparison Table: Thier, Their, There
| Word | Correct? | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Their ✅ | Ownership/possession | Their house is big. | |
| There ✅ | Place or existence | The book is over there. | |
| Thier ❌ | ❌ Incorrect | ❌ |
Google Trends & Usage Data
Search trends indicate high confusion for thier vs their vs there, especially among:
- Students learning English
- ESL learners worldwide
- Content writers and professionals
“Thier” searches spike when people double-check spelling, showing the importance of knowing the rules. Using their and there correctly improves writing clarity and credibility.
Conclusion
To sum up, the difference between thier, their, and there is simple once you understand their roles:
- Their → shows possession.
- There → indicates location or existence.
- Thier → always incorrect.
Many people get confused because these words sound the same, but correct spelling is crucial.
Using the right form improves clarity, prevents miscommunication, and shows professionalism in writing. Remember the rules, practice with examples, and double-check your writing if needed.
Final verdict: Always use their for possession, there for location, and never use thier. Mastering these words is a small step that makes a big difference in your writing.

Eric White is a dedicated grammar enthusiast and content writer at Grammiffy, where he simplifies the rules of English for learners of all levels. With a clear, reader-first approach, Eric focuses on grammar fundamentals, common mistakes, sentence structure, and everyday language usage.









