use of the word they're

Question

Proper use of the word they're in a sentence. Example

1. They're camping out

or

2. They are camping out

or

3. Their camping out

Which usage is correct? Is using the word "they're" when referring to more than two people correct?

Answer 1

They're is the abbreviated form of they are.

This form is used more in informal writing and when reflecting how people speak. In formal contexts, such as business letters, you should prefer they are.

Both forms are perfectly correct. Which one you choose really depends on the context.

So you are more likely to say:

They're camping out

than

They are camping out

and if you were surprised when your friend told you that your parents were at the top of a tree, you would exclaim: They are! rather than they're.

Both forms can refer to two or more people. In fact, if you should see a tent pitched in a field, you might well remark that they're camping out when you don't know whether you referring to one camper or half a dozen.

Their camping out... is quite different. You would be most likely to use this construction when you wanted to talk about the implications of people camping out in particular circumstances, for example:

Their camping out in this weather is not a good idea.

or

Her parents did not approve of their camping out during the winter.

Here their camping out means people's act or habit of camping out.