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Theirs is the possessive pronoun of they, and it is third-person plural. In this lesson, we will discuss when and how to use it.
'Theirs' as a Possessive Pronoun
Use
Theirs as a possessive pronoun is used to refer to the possessions of 'they.' Here are more uses of theirs:
Theirs is used to talk about possession and ownership. Here are some examples:
If there is a blue mark on any plate, it is theirs.
'Theirs' replaces 'a blue mark.'
I broke a glass and I think it was theirs.
Theirs is used to talk about relationships, such as family, friends, colleagues, etc. For example:
I have met everyone's parents except for theirs.
'Theirs' replaces 'parents.'
Our friends are always fighting with theirs.
Theirs can be used to talk about body parts. For example:
Our eyes see very differently than fish's eyes. Theirs are more like birds.
'Theirs' means 'their eyes.'
Theirs can be used to talk about thoughts, feelings, ideas, etc. Take a look at the following examples:
These ideas are much better than theirs.
'Theirs' refers to 'ideas.'
Theirs can be used to refer to a general group of people, such as:
Every person likes freedom and it will be theirs if they fight for it.
'Theirs' is generic and refers to 'every person.'
There is a bag here. Last night someone came here and I think this is theirs.
Position in a Sentence
Theirs as a possessive pronoun replaces the noun. Remember that the verb after theirs agrees with the antecedent (the noun it replaces). For example:
I have met everyone's parents except for theirs.
'Theirs' replaces 'everyone's parents.'
I have three books but theirs are totally different.
The verb after 'theirs' agrees with the noun it replaces.
Indefinite Pattern
The indefinite pattern 'determiner + noun + of theirs' is used to show something belongs to someone. Pay attention to the following examples:
This is a car of theirs.
'A car of theirs' is indefinite because we do not know which car.
That friend of theirs is such a loser.
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