Homophones

Its or it’s? If you are showing possession, you use ITS. Examples: My dog yelped when I stepped on its tail. He saw its shaggy head and big round eyes. She shoved the book back into its place. If you can replace it’s with IT IS, you use IT’S. Examples: It’s going to be a long, hard week. If you don’t study, it’s going to be a hard test. I need to put on a sweatshirt because it’s cold in here.

Your or you’re If you are showing possession, you use YOUR. Examples: What’s your name? I found your shirt under your bed. Get your feet off the table! If you can replace you’re with YOU ARE, you use YOU’RE. Examples: You’re turning sixteen in two weeks. If you want to succeed, you’re going to have to work hard. I feel like you’re not listening.

Their, there, they’re Their – possessive for they There – a location They’re – they are Examples: They left their cell phones at home. Their dog ran away last weekend. Look at how big their smiles are. Examples: Your t-shirt is over there. She is there now. All of the markers are there in that box. I’ve never been there before. Examples: They’re going to be late today. I can tell that they’re nervous for auditions. They’re the two best players.