Many people are confused by when to use you’re or your. This is such a common confusion that many native English speakers also get confused.
Here are the simple rules to remember when using these words:
You’re
You’re – is short for You are.
Examples:
- You’re very good at English. or You are very good at English.
- I think you’re a wonderful sister. or I think you are a wonderful sister.
Your
Your – is the possessive form of you. Your is used to show something belongs to someone.
Examples:
- Is this your cat?
- Don’t forget your passport!
Usage
When you are not sure which one to use in a sentence, replace the word your/you’re with you are or my. If the sentence makes sense with you are – use you’re. If the sentence makes sense with my – use your.
- This is not your/you’re rug.
Which sounds correct?
- 1. This is not my rug.
- 2. This is not you are rug.
Number 1! So we know the correct sentence should read: This is not your rug.
Your Turn
Which of these sentences are correct?
1. Your very good at spelling.
2. I think I may have lost your pen.
3. Can I read you’re newspaper?
4. Your welcome.
5. The money is in you’re pocket.