Your vs. You’re: Do You Know the Difference?

Two of the most commonly confused and misused words in American English are your and you’re.

Do you know the difference between them? If not, you’ll appreciate this review. We’re going to discuss the definition of each word as well as its proper usage.

Let’s jump in!

Your vs. You’re: The Basics

We’ll start by noting that your and you’re are separate words. They are not interchangeable, and they do not mean the same thing.

The word your is a possessive adjective. It indicates that you own something. Here is a sentence with your being used correctly:

I left your gloves in the drawer next to the front door.

You’re, on the other hand, is a contraction (or shortened version) of you are. Here is an example of you’re being used correctly:

I’ll go to the cocktail party if you’re going to be there as well.

How to Tell the Difference Between Your and You’re

It’s easy to confuse your and you’re because they sound the same when spoken out loud. They clearly have a similar spelling as well. However, confusing the two can make your writing less clear or undercut the point you are trying to make.

Here are simple guidelines for distinguishing your and you’re when writing:

1) When referring to ownership or personal qualities, use your: I adore your choice of shoes with that outfit.

2) If you are shortening “you are,” be sure to use you’re: The judges’ expressions are indicating that you’re the winner of the competition.

Keep these distinctions in mind, and you’ll always be able to tell your and you’re apart. If you’re ever stuck, just remember that the apostrophe indicates the connecting of two words into one to contract them (you are > you’re).

Pop Quiz

Fill in each blank with the correct form of your or you’re:

1. I have always loved _____ sense of humor.

2. It can be difficult to sleep when _____ in an unfamiliar place.

3. Do you know how long ______ going to be delayed?

4. I don’t remember _____ phone number, but it’s saved on my tablet.

5. It’s always courteous to call if _____ going to be late.

 

Quiz Answers

1. I have always loved your sense of humor.

2. It can be difficult to sleep when you’re in an unfamiliar place.

3. Do you know how long you’re going to be delayed?

4. I don’t remember your phone number, but it’s saved on my tablet.

5. It’s always courteous to call if you’re going to be late.

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