Theirs - Understanding the Possessive Pronoun

What Does "Theirs" Mean?

The word "theirs" is a possessive pronoun in English that indicates ownership. It is used to describe something that belongs to or is associated with a group of people or individuals that have already been mentioned in the conversation.

Usage of "Theirs"

Theirs is used primarily in the following contexts:

• Identifying Non-specific Ownership: It is used when ownership is attributed to a group rather than a specific individual. For example, “The books on the shelf are theirs.”
• Clarifying Possession: Theirs can clarify who possesses something in a sentence. For instance, “Those bags are theirs, not ours.”
• Forming Questions: “Are those shoes theirs?” is a way to inquire about ownership.

Comparative Terms

To better understand "theirs," it can be helpful to compare it with other possessive pronouns. Here’s a brief comparison:

• Mine: Indicates ownership by the speaker. Example: "That pen is mine."
• Yours: Indicates ownership by the listener. Example: "Is this book yours?"
• His: Indicates ownership by a male individual. Example: "This car is his."
• Hers: Indicates ownership by a female individual. Example: "That pencil is hers."

Common Mistakes

While using "theirs," some common mistakes include:

• Confusing "theirs" with "there's": “There’s” is a contraction for “there is” or “there has,” whereas “theirs” indicates possession.
• Using "their" as a noun: "Their" is a possessive adjective, not a pronoun. Example: “That is their car.”

Conclusion

Theirs is a straightforward yet essential possessive pronoun in English that plays a crucial role in conveying ownership. Understanding its proper usage enhances communication clarity and grammatical accuracy. Whether discussing objects, ideas, or relationships, "theirs" effectively signifies possession among groups, making it an invaluable component of the English language.