Your or You're
Which is Correct?
Confused between "your" and "you're"? Learn the difference, meaning, and how to use each properly in your writing.
Incorrect: Your (when you mean "you are")
"Your" is a possessive adjective, not a contraction for "you are". Using "your" when you mean "you're" is a common mistake.
Correct: You're
"You're" is the contraction of "you are". Use "you're" when you mean "you are".
Definitions
Your (possessive adjective):
Belonging to or associated with the person or people that the speaker is addressing.
Examples:
- • Is this your book?
- • I like your idea.
- • Please bring your homework.
You're (contraction):
Contraction of "you are".
Examples:
- • You're going to love this.
- • You're my best friend.
- • You're late for the meeting.
Synonyms
Your:
- • Belonging to you
- • Of yours
- • Associated with you
You're:
- • You are
- • (No direct synonyms; contraction only)
Notes
Notes:
- • Your is possessive; you're is a contraction for "you are".
- • If you can replace the word with "you are", use "you're".
- • Mixing these up is a very common mistake in English writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When should I use "your"?
A: Use "your" to show possession, as in "your car" or "your idea".
Q: When should I use "you're"?
A: Use "you're" when you mean "you are".
Q: Is "your" ever a contraction?
A: No, "your" is never a contraction. "You're" is the contraction for "you are".
Q: How can I check if I'm using the right word?
A: Try replacing the word with "you are". If the sentence still makes sense, use "you're".
Summary
Remember: Your shows possession, while you're is a contraction for "you are". If you can say "you are", use "you're". Don't mix them up!