Master ‘Theirs’: Avoid Grammar Errors! [Ultimate Guide]

Understanding pronoun-antecedent agreement is crucial for effective writing. Grammar enthusiasts and professionals at institutions like the Purdue OWL, often employ resources such as Grammarly to ensure grammatical accuracy. Mastering the correct usage of ‘theirs’, especially in constructing a clear sentence with theirs, is a skill that improves the precision and clarity of communication in various contexts, like writing for MLA style. Proper application of these concepts will help avoid common errors.

In the realm of written communication, grammar serves as the foundational structure upon which clarity and understanding are built. Without a firm grasp of grammatical principles, even the most insightful ideas can be lost in a maze of ambiguity.

This guide hones in on a particularly crucial element of English grammar: the possessive pronoun "theirs."

The Cornerstone of Clear Communication: Accurate Grammar

Why dedicate an entire section to a single word? Because mastering "theirs" is essential for projecting professionalism, credibility, and precision in your writing.

Errors in grammar, however small, can undermine your message and distract your audience. In professional settings, in academic writing, and even in casual correspondence, the ability to express yourself accurately reflects your attention to detail and command of the language.

The Role of Possessive Pronouns

Possessive pronouns like "theirs" play a vital role in conveying ownership or belonging. They act as shorthand, replacing longer phrases and streamlining your sentences.

Think of them as signposts, clearly indicating who or what something belongs to. They create clarity and conciseness, avoiding clunky constructions and ensuring your reader understands the relationships between different elements of your writing.

Navigating the Pitfalls: Common Mistakes and Their Consequences

While "theirs" may seem straightforward, it is often a source of confusion. Common errors include the addition of an apostrophe ("theirs’") and confusion with similar-sounding words like "there’s" and "they’re."

These seemingly minor mistakes can drastically alter the meaning of your sentences, leading to misinterpretations and potential misunderstandings.

By learning to identify and correct these errors, you can avoid these pitfalls and unlock a new level of precision in your writing. The benefits are tangible: clearer communication, enhanced credibility, and a greater sense of confidence in your ability to express yourself effectively.

By learning to identify and correct those errors, you can elevate the clarity and professionalism of your writing. But before we delve into common pitfalls, it’s essential to solidify your understanding of what "theirs" actually is and how it functions within the English language.

Demystifying ‘Theirs’: Understanding Possessive Pronouns

Possessive pronouns are essential tools in the English language, enabling us to express ownership or belonging concisely and effectively. Among these, "theirs" often presents a unique challenge. Let’s dissect this word and its grammatical role to ensure clarity and precision in your writing.

What is a Possessive Pronoun?

A possessive pronoun is a type of pronoun that indicates ownership.

Instead of repeating the noun or noun phrase that owns something, a possessive pronoun takes its place. This makes sentences more streamlined and less repetitive.

Examples of possessive pronouns include: mine, yours, his, hers, its, ours, and, of course, theirs.

Each corresponds to a personal pronoun (I, you, he, she, it, we, they) and shows who or what something belongs to.

"Theirs" vs. "There’s" vs. "They’re": A Detailed Comparison

One of the main hurdles in mastering "theirs" is its similarity to "there’s" and "they’re." These are entirely distinct words with different meanings and grammatical roles.

Understanding the difference is essential to avoid common errors.

"Theirs": Indicating Ownership

"Theirs," as we’ve established, is a possessive pronoun. It indicates that something belongs to them, a group of people or entities.

Example: "That house is theirs."

In this sentence, "theirs" replaces a phrase like "belonging to them" or "their house." There is no apostrophe in the correct spelling.

"There’s": A Contraction of "There Is"

"There’s" is a contraction of "there is" or "there has." It’s used to indicate existence or presence.

Example: "There’s a cat on the roof."

This means "There is a cat on the roof." The apostrophe here indicates missing letters ("i" in "is").

"They’re": A Contraction of "They Are"

"They’re" is a contraction of "they are." It’s used to describe a state of being or an action being performed by a group.

Example: "They’re going to the store."

This means "They are going to the store." The apostrophe indicates the missing letters ("a" in "are").

Grammatical Function of "Theirs" in a Sentence

"Theirs" functions as a pronoun, replacing a noun phrase that indicates ownership.

It can act as a subject complement or as a predicate nominative.

"Theirs" as a Subject Complement

A subject complement follows a linking verb (like "is," "are," "was," "were") and renames or describes the subject.

Example: "Those coats are theirs."

Here, "theirs" follows the linking verb "are" and identifies who the coats belong to, describing the subject "coats."

"Theirs" as a Possessive Pronoun Standing Alone

"Theirs" can also stand alone as a pronoun, representing the entire possessive noun phrase.

Example: "We have our opinions, and they have theirs."

In this case, "theirs" replaces "their opinions," acting as a concise way to express possession without repeating the noun.

By understanding these fundamental principles, you can confidently differentiate "theirs" from its confusing counterparts and wield it effectively in your writing. The next step is to explore common errors and how to avoid them.

By learning to identify and correct those errors, you can elevate the clarity and professionalism of your writing. But before we delve into common pitfalls, it’s essential to solidify your understanding of what "theirs" actually is and how it functions within the English language.

Common Mistakes with ‘Theirs’: Identification and Correction

One of the most common roadblocks to effective writing is the misuse of homophones and incorrect punctuation. When it comes to "theirs," these errors can significantly muddy your message. Let’s examine the frequent grammar gaffes associated with this possessive pronoun, offering clear strategies for correction to ensure precision in your writing.

The Apostrophe Catastrophe: Why "Theirs’" is Always Wrong

Perhaps the most pervasive mistake is the erroneous addition of an apostrophe to "theirs." This typically manifests as "theirs’," a form that is never correct. Possessive pronouns, unlike possessive nouns, do not require an apostrophe to indicate ownership.

Remember: "theirs" is already possessive. Adding an apostrophe creates an incorrect construction that signals neither possession nor a contraction.

Consider these examples:

• Incorrect: "That book is theirs’."

• Correct: "That book is theirs."

• Incorrect: "The decision was entirely theirs’."

• Correct: "The decision was entirely theirs."

The simplicity of the correction is key: always omit the apostrophe when using "theirs" to indicate possession.

Context is King: Disambiguating "Theirs," "There’s," and "They’re"

The trio of "theirs," "there’s," and "they’re" often leads to confusion due to their phonetic similarity. However, understanding their distinct meanings and grammatical functions is crucial for accurate writing.

• "Theirs" indicates possession, as we’ve established.
• "There’s" is a contraction of "there is" or "there has."
• "They’re" is a contraction of "they are."

Context is your greatest ally in differentiating these words. By carefully considering the intended meaning of your sentence, you can easily determine the appropriate word to use.

For example:

• "The responsibility is theirs." (Possession)
• "There’s no doubt about their talent." (Contraction of "there is")
• "They’re a talented group of individuals." (Contraction of "they are")

Sentence Structure and Misusage: Refining Your Syntax

Sometimes, the incorrect use of "theirs" stems not from a direct misunderstanding of the word itself, but from flawed sentence structure. Awkward phrasing or unclear antecedents can lead to misinterpretations and incorrect pronoun choices.

Consider this example:

• Awkward: "The team’s goals are important to them, it shows theirs dedication."
• Improved: "The team’s goals are important to them; it shows their dedication."
• Even Better: "The team’s goals are important to them; it shows their dedication."

In the awkward sentence, the intention is muddled. Is "theirs" (incorrectly used) meant to show possession of something by "it," or is it referring back to the team? By restructuring the sentence and clarifying the pronoun usage ("their"), the meaning becomes clear.

To avoid this, always ensure that the pronoun "theirs" (or any pronoun) has a clear and unambiguous antecedent. If necessary, rephrase the sentence to eliminate any potential confusion. Break long sentences into shorter, more manageable units to enhance clarity and reduce the likelihood of grammatical errors.

By learning to identify and correct those errors, you can elevate the clarity and professionalism of your writing. But before we delve into common pitfalls, it’s essential to solidify your understanding of what "theirs" actually is and how it functions within the English language.

‘Theirs’ in Action: Examples of Correct Usage

To truly master the use of "theirs," it’s crucial to see it functioning correctly in a variety of contexts. Moving beyond definitions and corrections, let’s explore some real-world examples that showcase the proper application of this possessive pronoun. By analyzing these sentences, we can reinforce our understanding and build confidence in our own writing.

Demonstrating Ownership: ‘Theirs’ in Everyday Scenarios

"Theirs" most commonly indicates that something belongs to a group of people. These examples will show the straightforward application of this rule in different scenarios.

Consider this:

"The children knew the toys were theirs to share."

Here, "theirs" clearly identifies the owners of the toys.

Another example:

"After the game, the winning team proudly claimed the trophy as theirs."

In this case, "theirs" emphasizes the team’s rightful possession of the trophy.

Finally:

"Despite the initial confusion, everyone agreed that the land was rightfully theirs."

This showcases ownership, even amidst complicating factors.

‘Theirs’ as a Subject Complement: Describing a State of Being

Beyond simply indicating ownership, "theirs" can also function as a subject complement, describing a state of being or characteristic associated with a group.

Consider the following:

"The unwavering dedication to the project was entirely theirs."

Here, "theirs" doesn’t signify a tangible object, but rather the dedication that belongs to a group.

Another example:

"The responsibility for the event’s success is now theirs."

In this case, "theirs" highlights the group’s obligation and accountability.

Grammatical Structure and ‘Theirs’: Why it Works

In each of these examples, it’s important to understand why "theirs" is grammatically correct. The key lies in its function as a possessive pronoun, replacing a possessive noun phrase (e.g., "the children’s toys," "the winning team’s trophy").

This substitution allows for conciseness and avoids unnecessary repetition. The sentences are also structured so that "theirs" clearly refers back to the group it represents.

When analyzing your own writing, ensure that "theirs" is always referring to a clearly defined plural antecedent and that it accurately conveys ownership or a state of being. Doing so will solidify your understanding and help you avoid common errors.

By examining these practical examples, we move from theoretical understanding to confident application.

Learning from Errors: Spotting and Correcting "Theirs" Misuse

By learning to identify and correct those errors, you can elevate the clarity and professionalism of your writing. But before we delve into common pitfalls, it’s essential to solidify your understanding of what "theirs" actually is and how it functions within the English language.

To truly master the use of "theirs," it’s equally important to understand how it shouldn’t be used. Examining common mistakes provides valuable insight into the nuances of this possessive pronoun. Let’s analyze some flawed examples and learn how to correct them.

Common Pitfalls: Analyzing Incorrect "Theirs" Usage

Understanding where people commonly stumble is the first step in avoiding those same traps. The following examples illustrate typical misuses of "theirs," along with clear explanations and corrected versions.

Mistake 1: The Erroneous Apostrophe

Perhaps the most frequent error is the addition of an apostrophe, creating "theirs’." This form is always incorrect. "Theirs" is already a possessive pronoun and never requires an apostrophe to indicate ownership.

Incorrect: "The opinions expressed are theirs’."

Explanation: The apostrophe suggests a contraction or possessive, neither of which is applicable here. The sentence aims to show that the opinions belong to them, which "theirs" already conveys.

Correct: "The opinions expressed are theirs."

Mistake 2: Confusion with "There’s"

The similarity in sound between "theirs" and "there’s" (a contraction of "there is") often leads to errors. Confusing the two can drastically alter the meaning of a sentence.

Incorrect: "There’s a lot of responsibility that comes with the project being theirs."

Explanation: "There’s" indicates existence ("there is"). In this context, we need a possessive pronoun to show ownership of the project. The sentence incorrectly uses "there is" when it should demonstrate that the project belongs to someone.

Correct: "There’s a lot of responsibility that comes with the project being theirs."

Mistake 3: Substituting for "Their’s" (Incorrect Plural Possessive)

Sometimes, writers mistakenly believe that "theirs" can function as a plural possessive with an apostrophe, similar to forming the possessive of a singular noun. This is wrong. The correct plural possessive is usually formed with "their" plus the noun.

Incorrect: "Each of the students received theirs’ certificates."

Explanation: "Theirs’" is not a valid construct. Here, we’re trying to say that each student received their own certificate. A better phrasing avoids the possessive pronoun entirely.

Correct: "Each of the students received their certificates."
Alternative Correct: "The certificates were for each of the students."

Mistake 4: Vague or Ambiguous Antecedent

Even when "theirs" is grammatically correct, the sentence can be unclear if it’s not immediately obvious who "theirs" refers to. Ensure the antecedent (the group being referred to) is clear.

Unclear: "The team members had different ideas, but ultimately, the decision was theirs."

Explanation: While grammatically sound, this sentence could be improved. Who specifically makes up "theirs"? Is it the entire team, a subgroup, or the team leaders?

Clearer: "The team members had different ideas, but ultimately, the decision was the team leaders’."
Alternative Clearer: "The team members had different ideas, but ultimately, the decision was theirs to make." (Assuming it’s established elsewhere that the team had decision-making power.)

The Path to Mastery: Practice and Awareness

By carefully reviewing these common errors and their corrections, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of making similar mistakes in your own writing. Pay close attention to context and ensure that "theirs" accurately reflects the intended possessive relationship. Remember, clear and precise language is essential for effective communication.

Test Your Knowledge: Practical Exercises with ‘Theirs’

Now that we’ve explored the ins and outs of "theirs," let’s put your newfound understanding to the test. This section provides a series of practical exercises designed to solidify your grasp of this possessive pronoun and identify any areas where further review might be beneficial.

Sharpening your grammar skills requires active engagement. Therefore, approach these exercises with focus and a willingness to learn from any mistakes. Each question is crafted to challenge your understanding of "theirs" in various contexts, ensuring you can confidently apply it in your own writing.

Quiz 1: Filling in the Blanks

Complete each sentence by selecting the correct word from the options provided: theirs, there’s, or they’re. This exercise focuses on distinguishing "theirs" from its commonly confused counterparts.

1. The responsibility for the project rests squarely on

   _shoulders.

2. _ a good chance that the weather will improve by the afternoon.

3. _planning a surprise party for their mother’s birthday.

4. Is that coat really_, or does it belong to someone else?

5. ____ no point in arguing about it now; the decision has been made.

Quiz 2: Error Identification and Correction

In each of the following sentences, identify whether "theirs" is used correctly or incorrectly. If incorrect, provide the corrected version of the sentence. This exercise emphasizes identifying and rectifying common errors in the usage of "theirs."

1. The winning team celebrated theirs’ victory with enthusiasm.

2. The ideas presented were entirely theirs, and they deserve full credit.

3. There’s car was parked illegally, blocking the driveway.

4. Every student is responsible for bringing their own materials to class.

5. The responsibility is theirs alone.

Exercise 3: Sentence Construction

Construct five original sentences, each demonstrating the correct use of "theirs" in a different context. This exercise encourages active application of your understanding of "theirs" in diverse scenarios.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

The Answer Key: Rationale and Explanations

This section provides the answers to the quizzes and exercises, along with detailed explanations for each correct answer. Carefully review these explanations to reinforce your understanding and clarify any areas of confusion.

Quiz 1: Answers and Explanations

1. Theirs. Explanation: The sentence indicates that the responsibility belongs to them, making "theirs" the correct possessive pronoun.

2. There’s. Explanation: This is a contraction of "there is," indicating existence or a possibility.

3. They’re. Explanation: This is a contraction of "they are," indicating an action being performed by a group.

4. Theirs. Explanation: The sentence asks about ownership of the coat, making "theirs" the appropriate possessive pronoun.

5. There’s. Explanation: Again, a contraction of "there is," indicating that something does not exist.

Quiz 2: Answers and Explanations

1. Incorrect. Correct: The winning team celebrated their victory with enthusiasm. Explanation: "Theirs’" is an incorrect formation. The corrected sentence uses “their” as a possessive pronoun adjective to describe the noun “victory.”

2. Correct. Explanation: "Theirs" is correctly used as a possessive pronoun, indicating that the ideas belong to them.

3. Incorrect. Correct: Their car was parked illegally, blocking the driveway. Explanation: "There’s" is a contraction of "there is."

4. Incorrect. Correct: Every student is responsible for bringing his or her own materials to class. Explanation: While aiming for inclusivity, using "theirs" with a singular antecedent ("every student") is grammatically incorrect. Rephrasing to avoid the singular "theirs" is preferable.

5. Correct. Explanation: "Theirs" accurately indicates that the responsibility belongs solely to them.

Exercise 3: Sample Sentences

(Note: Your sentences may vary, but they should accurately demonstrate the correct usage of "theirs.")

1. The success of the project is largely theirs, as they dedicated countless hours to its completion.

2. If you find a wallet in the park, please turn it in; it might be theirs.

3. The children proudly displayed theirs artwork at the school exhibition.

4. The decision to relocate the office was entirely theirs, and they stand by it.

5. Though the initial idea was mine, the detailed execution was theirs.

By completing these exercises and carefully reviewing the answer key, you’ve taken a significant step towards mastering the correct usage of "theirs." Remember, consistent practice is key to solidifying your understanding and avoiding common errors.

Mastering ‘Theirs’: Achieving Clarity in Communication

After diligently honing our understanding and practical application of "theirs," it’s time to reflect on why such grammatical precision matters. The correct usage of language isn’t merely about adhering to rules; it’s about ensuring clarity and fostering effective communication.

The Interplay of Grammar, Structure, and Clarity

The foundation of any well-constructed message rests on the principles of sound grammar and logical sentence structure. These elements work in tandem to create a cohesive and easily understandable narrative.

When grammatical errors, such as the misuse of "theirs," creep into our writing, they disrupt the flow of information. This forces the reader to pause, re-interpret, and ultimately expend unnecessary energy deciphering the intended meaning.

Clarity in communication hinges on the seamless integration of grammatical accuracy and structural coherence. This empowers the audience to grasp the message effortlessly.

"Theirs" as a Key Component of Effective Writing

While seemingly a small detail, the correct usage of pronouns like "theirs" plays a vital role in the overall clarity of your writing. It eliminates ambiguity and prevents misinterpretations, ensuring that your message is received as intended.

Consider the impact of consistently using "theirs," "there’s," and "they’re" correctly. It demonstrates attention to detail and respect for your audience. It conveys a level of professionalism that enhances your credibility.

Conversely, frequent errors, even seemingly minor ones, can detract from your message and undermine your authority. Mastering "theirs" is a simple yet powerful way to elevate the quality of your writing.

The Confidence Boost of Grammatical Mastery

Beyond the practical benefits of clearer communication, mastering grammar, including the correct use of "theirs," offers a significant boost in confidence. Knowing that you possess a strong command of the language allows you to express yourself more freely and effectively.

When you’re not constantly second-guessing your word choices or sentence construction, you can focus on the message itself. This leads to more persuasive, engaging, and ultimately more impactful communication.

This newfound confidence extends beyond the written word, influencing how you communicate in all aspects of your life. It empowers you to articulate your thoughts and ideas with greater precision and conviction.

Ultimately, the journey to mastering "theirs" is a journey toward achieving clearer, more confident, and more effective communication.

So there you have it! Hopefully, this guide helped clear up any confusion and you feel more confident crafting a sentence with theirs. Go forth and write worry-free!