B1pronoun2K

Theirs

UK /["/ðeəz/"]/US /["/ðerz/"]/

Definition

of or belonging to them

In simple words: belonging to them

Examples

  • Theirs are the children with very fair hair.
  • It's a favourite game of theirs.

Usage notes

Use 'theirs' to indicate possession by a group of people. It's neutral and works in both spoken and written contexts. Avoid using it in very formal writing where more specific phrases might be preferred.

Grammar pattern

possessive pronoun + standalone

Memory hint

Think of 'them' – if something belongs to 'them', it is 'theirs'.

Collocations

  • this is theirs
  • belong to theirs
  • theirs is better

Synonyms

  • their own
  • those belonging to them
  • belonging to them

Antonyms

  • ours
  • mine
  • yours

Common mistakes

  • 'Theirs' is often confused with 'their's' which is incorrect.
  • 'Theirs' may be misused when referring to singular nouns.
  • Some learners forget to use 'theirs' as the possessive form in comparisons.