they're
Definition
- Contraction:
- They are: "they're" is a shortened form (contraction) of the words "they" and "are," used in informal or casual speech and writing to mean "they are."
Usage Examples
- (They are going to the park later.)
- (I think they are very kind people.)
- (They are not ready for the exam yet.)
Advanced Usage
"they're all": used to emphasize a group or collective state.
- They're all coming to the party. (Every one of them is coming.)
"they're not": the negative form of the contraction.
- They're not interested in the offer. (They are not interested.)
Variants and Related Words
There (adv): a homophone (sounds like "they're" but means a place or existence).
- The book is over there. (In that place.)
Their (adj): a homophone (sounds like "they're" but indicates possession).
- That is their house. (Belonging to them.)
Synonyms
- They are: the full, uncontracted form (used in formal writing or speech).
- They are my friends. (Equivalent to "they're my friends.")
Related Idioms
They're all talk and no action: said of people who speak about doing things but never actually do them.
- They're always promising to help, but they're all talk and no action. (They make empty promises.)
They're thick as thieves: said of people who are very close friends and share secrets.
- They're thick as thieves, always together and sharing everything. (They are extremely close.)