Many people get confused between theirs or there’s. They look similar, but they mean very different things. This is why so many users search questions like “When to use theirs or there’s?” and “is it theirs or there’s?”
The confusion often comes from the words their, there, and they’re. These words sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. So, it is easy to make mistakes in writing, emails, or even social media posts.
This article will solve that confusion. You will learn the theirs or there’s meaning, how to use each one, and see clear examples. We will also look at common mistakes and simple rules you can follow every day.
By the end, you will know exactly when can I use theirs, when to use there’s, and how to avoid errors with confidence.
Theirs or There’s means
Theirs = shows ownership (something belongs to them)
There’s = short form of “there is” or “there has”
Examples:
- This book is theirs. ✅
- There’s a cat outside. ✅
👉 Simple tip:
- If you can replace it with “their thing”, use theirs
- If you can replace it with “there is”, use there’s
The Origin of Theirs or There’s
Understanding the history helps avoid confusion.
- Theirs comes from “their”, which shows possession. It has been used in English for hundreds of years.
- There’s is a contraction of “there is” or “there has”. Contractions became common in spoken and informal English.
Why spelling differences exist:
English has many words that sound the same but have different meanings. These are called homophones. That is why we see confusion in theirs or there’s grammar.
British English vs American English Spelling
Good news:
There is no difference between British and American English for these words.
Both use:
- Theirs (same spelling)
- There’s (same spelling)
Comparison Table:
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Theirs | Belongs to them | The car is theirs |
| There’s | There is / has | There’s a problem |
👉 Unlike other words, there is no regional spelling change here.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
Choosing between theirs or there’s depends on meaning, not location.
- Use theirs when talking about ownership
- Use there’s when talking about something existing
Audience-based advice:
- US users → follow same rule
- UK users → same rule
- Global writing → always check meaning, not spelling style
👉 Tip: Read your sentence aloud. It often helps you decide.
Common Mistakes with Theirs or There’s
Here are common errors people make:
❌ This house is there’s
✅ This house is theirs
❌ The dog is theirs barking
✅ There’s a dog barking
❌ Is that book there’s?
✅ Is that book theirs?
Key confusion:
- Mixing there, their, and they’re
- Forgetting that there’s = there is
👉 Related confusion:
Many also struggle with the difference between there and their examples, so always double-check meaning.
Theirs or There’s in Everyday Examples
In Emails:
- The files are theirs, not ours.
- There’s an update you should see.
In News:
- The victory was theirs after a long match.
- There’s a new policy coming soon.
In Social Media:
- That idea is theirs, not mine.
- There’s something funny about this post 😂
In Formal Writing:
- The responsibility is theirs.
- There’s evidence to support the claim.
👉 These are clear theirs or there’s examples you can follow.
Theirs or There’s Google Trends & Usage Data
- Theirs is common in writing about ownership (legal, academic, daily use)
- There’s is very common in speech and informal writing
Popularity:
- High usage in US, UK, Canada, Australia
- Learners worldwide search “theirs or there’s worksheet” and grammar help
👉 Most searches are about confusion, not meaning. People want quick answers.
Comparison Table: Theirs vs There’s
| Feature | Theirs | There’s |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Possessive pronoun | Contraction |
| Meaning | Belongs to them | There is / has |
| Usage | Ownership | Existence |
| Example | The bag is theirs | There’s a bag here |
FAQs
1. When to use theirs or there’s?
Use theirs for ownership. Use there’s for “there is” or “there has”.
2. When can I use theirs?
Use it when something belongs to a group of people.
3. How do I use theirs?
Place it after a noun:
- The house is theirs.
4. When to use there’s?
Use it when showing something exists:
- There’s a problem.
5. Theirs or there’s meaning?
- Theirs = possession
- There’s = there is/has
6. Theirs or theirs – which is correct?
Theirs is always correct. “Theirs” does not change spelling.
7. Is it theirs or there’s in a sentence?
Check meaning:
- Ownership → theirs
- Existence → there’s
Conclusion
Understanding theirs or there’s is simple once you know the difference. The key is meaning. If you are talking about ownership, always use theirs. If you mean “there is” or “there has,” use there’s.
Many learners make mistakes because these words sound the same. But with a little practice, you can avoid confusion. Always read your sentence again and ask: “Am I showing ownership or existence?” That one question can save you from errors.
You should also remember that there is no difference between British and American English for these words. The rules stay the same everywhere. This makes it easier for global writing.
Keep practicing with real examples. Try writing your own sentences. Over time, choosing between theirs or there’s will feel natural and easy.
“George Gissing, a humor-loving writer at PunsBlast, crafting witty puns and playful word magic to make readers laugh every single day.”
