Confused between Thier or Their? You’re not alone this is one of the most common spelling mistakes in English writing. I’ve been there too, double checking my sentence to make sure I used the right word.
Even a small typo like this can change how professional your writing looks. Understanding the difference can instantly improve your grammar and confidence.
Many learners struggle with this because the words sound the same. But the good news is, the rule is simple and easy to remember. In this guide, I’ll break it down in a clear, friendly way.
So you’ll never mix up “thier” and “their” again.
Quick answer: ✅
“Their” is the correct word, and “thier” is a misspelling.
Don’t worry! By the end of this article, you’ll not only know the difference but also remember how to never mix them up again. Let’s dive in! 🌊
What Does “Their” Mean? 📝
“Their” is a possessive adjective. It shows ownership or belonging. Think of it as the plural version of “his” or “her.”
Examples:
- Their car is parked outside. 🚗
- I met their parents yesterday. 👨👩👧👦
- The students turned in their homework on time. 📚
Notice that “their” always refers to something belonging to someone or a group of people.
What About “Thier”? ❌
Here’s the simple truth: “Thier” is always wrong.
It’s a common typo because the letters “i” and “e” are swapped. People often remember it incorrectly due to the famous “i before e except after c” rule but that rule doesn’t apply here.
Incorrect examples:
- I love thier dog. ❌
- Have you seen thier house? ❌
Instead, always use their:
- I love their dog. ✅
- Have you seen their house? ✅
Quick Memory Trick 🧠
To remember the correct spelling, use this mnemonic:
“The ‘e’ comes first in ‘their’ because it belongs to them.”
Think: THEIR → THEY → E comes first.
Their vs Thier: Comparison Table 📊
| Word | Correct? | Meaning/Use | Example |
| Their | ✅ Correct | Possessive adjective (shows ownership) | Their house is beautiful. 🏠 |
| Thier | ❌ Incorrect | Misspelling of “their” | I saw thier car yesterday. ❌ |
Common Mistakes with “Their”
Even native speakers make mistakes. Here are the top issues:
- Typing too fast: “thier” is common in texting or emails.
- Confusing with “there” or “they’re”: These are different words.
Examples:
| Correct Word | Incorrect Use | Explanation |
| Their | Thier | Possession, correct spelling |
| There | Their | Refers to a place or position |
| They’re | Their | Contraction for “they are” |
Real Life Examples 🌍
Here are examples from real contexts:
Emails:
- Correct: “Please review their report before submitting.”
- Incorrect: “Please review thier report before submitting.”
Social Media:
- Correct: “I love their vacation photos!”
- Incorrect: “I love thier vacation photos!”
News & Articles:
- Correct: “Their decision impacts thousands of families.”
- Incorrect: “Thier decision impacts thousands of families.”
Academic Writing:
- Correct: “Students should submit their assignments on time.”
- Incorrect: “Students should submit thier assignments on time.”
British vs American English 🇬🇧🇺🇸
The spelling of “their” is the same in both British and American English.
- ✅ Correct in UK and US: their house, their car, their friends
- ❌ Incorrect: thier (never used in either variant)
So no matter where you are, stick to their!
Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes ✨
- Slow down while typing typos are the main culprit.
- Check context if it shows possession, it’s their.
- Use the mnemonic “E comes first in THEIR because it belongs to THEM.”
- Proofread emails and essays autocorrect might not catch everything.
- Practice the more you write, the easier it becomes to spell it right.
Related Grammar Tips 📚
- There vs Their vs They’re This trio causes the most confusion.
- There = a place or position → “Put it over there.”
- Their = possession → “Their dog is cute.”
- They’re = contraction of “they are” → “They’re coming soon.”
- There = a place or position → “Put it over there.”
- Always remember: “Thier” never works” ✅
Keyword Insights & Usage Trends 📈
Based on Google trends and grammar search data:
- “Thier” appears frequently in typos on social media and forums.
- “Their” is searched more for grammar explanations, especially by beginners.
- LSI keywords to remember: grammar tips, common mistakes, correct spelling, English usage, possessive adjectives, writing tips.
FAQs (People Also Ask) ❓
1. Is “thier” ever correct?
No, it is always a misspelling. The correct word is their.
2. How do I remember the spelling of “their”?
Use the mnemonic: “E comes first in THEIR because it belongs to THEM.”
3. What is the difference between “their” and “there”?
- Their = shows possession
- There = refers to a place or position
4. Can I use “their” for one person?
Yes! Their can be singular when the gender of a person is unknown or for non-binary pronouns.
- Example: “Someone left their bag here.”
5. How common is the mistake “thier”?
Very common in informal writing, texting, and social media posts.
6. Are there other words similar to “their”?
Yes: they’re, there, its, yours – all can cause confusion in English grammar.
7. Is “their” spelled the same in British and American English?
Yes, their is the same in both versions.
Conclusion 🎯
Confusing “thier” and “their” is one of the most common spelling mistakes in English but it’s easy to fix. Remember:
- Their = correct, shows possession
- Thier = incorrect, never use it
- Use the mnemonic: “E comes first in THEIR because it belongs to THEM.”
With practice, proofreading, and a little memory trick, you’ll never misspell “their” again. ✅
