Their: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to something owned or associated with people in general or a group when the gender is not specified. It is also used for gender-neutral singular pronouns.

• Everyone should bring their own lunch.
• The team presented their project.

Used to refer to something owned or associated with a specific person when the gender is known. This keeps the sentence gender-inclusive.

• Each student must submit his/her homework by Friday.
• It's important that everyone knows his/her responsibilities.

Used for inanimate objects, animals, or things whose gender is not specified. It shows possession or association with something non-human.

• The company is celebrating its 10th anniversary.
• The cat licked its paw.

Used when referring to something that belongs to a person or is associated with a person, but not referring to any specific individual. It is more formal and less common in everyday speech.

• One should always do one's best.
• Taking care of one's health is essential.

Can also be used in singular form to refer to a person when the gender is unknown or irrelevant; considered more gender-neutral.

• Someone left their umbrella
• Everyone should bring their own lunch

Used when the gender of the person is not specified or when referring to a single person but being inclusive of both males and females.

• Each employee must sign his/her contract
• A student should bring his/her ID card

Used to refer to something that belongs to or is related to a singular non-human entity or an inanimate object.

• The dog wagged its tail
• The company updated its policy

Used when the subject is an indefinite person, often seen in more formal or general statements.

• One should always do one's best
• It is important to respect one's elders