Have you ever typed “thier” and paused, wondering if it’s correct? You’re not alone — many learners and even native speakers confuse “thier” or “their.”
If you’re searching for the right spelling, this guide is made for you.Here, I’ll explain which one is correct, why the mistake happens, and how to remember it easily.
Whether you’re a student, writer, or professional, this simple explanation will instantly improve your English writing confidence.
Let’s make your words shine with the right spelling — every time!
Thier or Their – Quick Answer ✅
The correct spelling is “their.”
❌ Thier — Incorrect spelling.
✅ Their — Correct spelling.
Example:
- ✅ Their house is beautiful.
- ❌ Thier house is beautiful.
Tip to remember:
👉 The word their follows the “i before e” rule only after certain letters (like c) — but in this case, it’s an exception. So, always spell it as “their.”
The Origin of “Their” 📜
The word “their” comes from Old Norse þeirra, meaning of them. It entered English during the Middle Ages through Scandinavian influence. Over centuries, spelling became standardized — and “their” emerged as the only correct form.
The misspelling “thier” likely appears because people type fast or confuse it with the “i before e” rule. However, the correct historical and linguistic form has always been “their.”
British English vs American English Spelling 🇬🇧🇺🇸
Good news! Both British and American English use the same spelling — “their.” There’s no variation across regions for this word.
Still, here’s a quick comparison of similar spelling patterns that may cause confusion:
| Word | British English | American English |
|---|---|---|
| Their | ✅ Their | ✅ Their |
| Colour/Color | Colour | Color |
| Centre/Center | Centre | Center |
| Traveller/Traveler | Traveller | Traveler |
| Defence/Defense | Defence | Defense |
So whether you’re in London, New York, or Sydney — you’ll always write “their.”
Which Spelling Should You Use? 🧭
Always use “their.”
- 🌎 Global English: “Their” is accepted worldwide.
- 🇺🇸 American English: “Their” — standard spelling.
- 🇬🇧 British English: “Their” — same spelling.
- 🇨🇦🇦🇺 Commonwealth countries: Also “their.”
In short: No matter where you are or who your audience is — never use “thier.”
Common Mistakes with “Thier” or “Their” ⚠️
Here are some of the most common mistakes people make:
| Mistake | Correction | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Thier books are on the table. | Their books are on the table. | “Thier” is incorrect. |
| There going to school. | They’re going to school. | Confused with “they’re.” |
| Their’s is bigger. | Theirs is bigger. | “Theirs” has no apostrophe. |
| That is there car. | That is their car. | Wrong homophone. |
Pro tip:
- Their = belonging to them.
- They’re = they are.
- There = a place.
“Their” in Everyday Examples ✍️
Here’s how you’ll see their used in different types of writing:
1. Emails:
Please let me know their decision by tomorrow.
2. News articles:
The company announced their new policy today.
3. Social media:
Their wedding photos are absolutely stunning!
4. Academic writing:
Researchers presented their findings at the conference.
5. Conversations:
As you can see, “their” fits naturally in all formal and informal contexts.
“Thier” or “Their” – Google Trends & Usage Data 🌍
According to Google Trends, searches for “thier” often spike among English learners, showing it’s a common typing or spelling error.
However, in actual writing:
| Spelling | Usage Frequency | Correctness |
|---|---|---|
| Their | 99.8% | ✅ Correct |
| Thier | 0.2% | ❌ Incorrect |
Countries with the highest searches for “thier or their” include India, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Nigeria — regions where many people learn English as a second language.
FAQs About “Thier” or “Their”
1. Is “thier” ever correct?
No. “Thier” is always a misspelling. The correct form is “their.”
2. What does “their” mean?
It shows ownership or belonging. Example: Their car is new.
3. How can I remember the spelling of “their”?
Think: “They own it — it’s their thing.”
4. What’s the difference between “their,” “there,” and “they’re”?
- Their = possession (their book)
- There = place (over there)
- They’re = contraction (they are)
5. Why do people spell it “thier”?
Mostly typing errors or confusion with the “i before e” rule.
6. Is “their’s” correct?
No, it’s “theirs” — no apostrophe needed.
7. Can I use “their” for singular people?
Yes! In modern English, “their” can be used for gender-neutral singular use: Someone left their bag.
Conclusion 💡
The debate between “thier or their” ends easily — “their” is always right. Whether you’re writing a formal report, chatting online, or crafting an email, spelling it correctly shows clarity and professionalism.
Remember: “Their” means belonging to them, and it’s the only accepted spelling in English — across all regions and contexts. By understanding its origin, common mistakes, and real-life examples, you’ll never mix it up again.
So next time you hesitate — choose their, every time. ✅
