Homophones: same sound, different words

Use the pattern in context

Their, there and they’re are a useful group. Their marks possession before a noun; there can identify a place or introduce existence; they’re means they are. Sound alone may not distinguish them. Test the expanded form when a contraction is possible, then check whether the surrounding phrase needs a possessive or a place word.

Examples to compare

• Possession: Their tickets are ready.
• Place: Put the tickets there.
• Contraction: They’re waiting outside.

Limits and useful distinctions

Homophone relationships can depend on accent. A spelling list is not evidence that every speaker merges the same pair. These examples practice common written distinctions; they do not claim a universal pronunciation map or treat an accent difference as a mistake.

Check your understanding

Expand they’re in They’re waiting outside.

Try a new example with the same purpose. Check that your version keeps the intended meaning and grammatical pattern.