Your vs You’re: How to Use Them Properly

In English grammar, ‘your’ and ‘you’re’ are referred to as homophones. Homophones are words that sound the same, yet they are different words. They are spelt differently and they also have different definitions or meanings.

Homophones are commonly mistaken for each other, which can cause grammar errors in writing. Other examples of homophones include ‘it’s vs. its’ and ‘accept vs. except.’

This guide will help you understand the differences between ‘your’ and ‘you’re’ so you can use them confidently. 

Then, conveniently review your copy with the Originality.ai AI Grammar Checker to catch common spelling, grammar, and punctuation mistakes.

Meaning of Your

The word ‘your’ is a possessive determiner. The meaning of your refers to when something or someone (for example a relative) belongs to or is related to you.

Examples of ‘your’ in a sentence:

• Your dog is barking.
• Is that your bag?
• I saw your cousin downtown yesterday.

Definition of You’re

The word ‘you’re’ refers to ‘you are’ and is a contraction. As it’s a contraction, the apostrophe stands in for the ‘a’ in ‘are.’ 

Typically you use contractions to combine two words in a shortened format. The aim of this is to mimic speech as English speakers tend to shorten words and combine sounds. 

The use of contractions in writing is usually reserved for informal communication such as blogs, personal narratives, or dialogue and is avoided in formal, academic, or professional writing.

Examples of ‘you’re’ in a sentence:

• I didn’t invite you because Emma said you’re busy next week.
• You’re the best candidate for the team.
• If you go on vacation, you’re going to miss my birthday!

When to Use Your vs. You’re: Examples

The easiest way to determine whether to use ‘your vs. you’re’ in a sentence, is to try replacing the contraction with the complete phrase. So, instead of ‘you’re’ try using ‘you are.’ 

This will help you to decide which word to use. 

Alternatively, you can use the meaning of the word to help you decide.

Practice examples for your vs you’re:

• You’re next shift is on Tuesday. 
  
  • Say: You are next shift is on Tuesday. 
  • Correct as: Your next shift is on Tuesday.
• You’re my best friend. 
  
  • Say: You are my best friend.
  • Correct as: You’re my best friend.
• I promise to buy you’re coffee next time. 
  
  • Say: I promise to buy you are coffee next time. 
  • Correct as: I promise to buy your coffee next time.

Additional examples of your vs. you’re:

• Your grades will be posted on Monday.
• I found your book in the hallway.
• You’re walking too fast Liza, your sister can’t keep up!
• Did you inform your boss that you’re sick today?
• My friend said you’re really funny.

Final Thoughts

Homophones can cause confusion when writing. When one homophone is a contraction, it can help to replace the contraction with the complete form (i.e., ‘you are’ instead of ‘you’re’) to help decide which spelling is correct in context.

Streamline your editorial process and catch common spelling and grammar mistakes (like your vs you’re) with the Originality.ai AI Grammar Checker.

Then, learn more grammar rules and best practices in our resources:

• How to Use an Apostrophe + Examples
• Sentence Fragments — A Comprehensive Guide
• Semicolons — How to Use Them Effectively

FAQs for Your vs. You’re

Why are ‘your’ and ‘you’re’ so commonly confused?

‘Your’ and ‘you’re’ sound the same in English, so it is easy to mistake one for the other. It is important to understand the meaning of each word to help you use them correctly.

How can you quickly check whether to use ‘your’ or ‘you’re’?

One easy way to determine if you should use your vs. you’re in a sentence is to try the complete form of ‘you’re’ (you are). By removing the contraction, you can easily tell which word is the correct term for your sentence. Another way you can improve your grammar overall is with an online grammar tool such as the Originality.ai Grammar Checker.