Your or You’re? The Easy Way to Choose

Your and you’re sound exactly the same, so it’s no surprise that people mix them up. Native speakers get them wrong all the time too (just look at any comments section!). The good news: there’s a simple test that works every time.

The Quick Answer

• You’re = you are. The apostrophe shows that a letter is missing.
• Your = belonging to you, like my, his or her.

You’re

You’re is the short form of you are. We use it all the time in speech and in friendly writing.

• You’re very good at English. (You are very good at English.)
• I think you’re a wonderful sister.
• Thanks for your help. You’re a star!
• “Thank you!” “You’re welcome.”

Your

Your shows that something belongs to the person you’re talking to.

• Is this your cat?
• Don’t forget your passport!
• What’s your favourite biscuit?

The Easy Test

Not sure which one? Say the sentence with you are. If it still makes sense, write you’re. If it sounds silly, write your.

• This is not your/you’re rug. Try it: “This is not you are rug.” That’s silly, so it’s your: This is not your rug.
• Your/you’re late again! Try it: “You are late again!” That works, so it’s you’re: You’re late again!

Common Mistakes

• “Your welcome.” Use: You’re welcome. (You are welcome.)
• “Your the best!” Use: You’re the best!
• “Is this you’re coat?” Use: Is this your coat?

Your Turn

Only one of these sentences is correct. Can you spot it, and fix the other four?

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.

Show the answers

Number 2 is correct. The others should be: 1. You’re very good at spelling. 3. Can I read your newspaper? 4. You’re welcome. 5. The money is in your pocket.

More Confusing Words

Mixing up other words too? See all 25 confusing word pairs in English, with memory tricks and funny pictures.

Related lessons: maybe or may be, and its or it’s in don’t judge a book by its cover.

Learn More

Look it upEasily confused words – Cambridge GrammarCambridge Dictionary ↗

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