Your vs You’re: Which One Do You Need?
You’re is short for you are. Your means belonging to you.
You’re late. Bring your coat.
The test that settles it
Say you are in place of the word. If the sentence survives, you want the apostrophe.
“___ going to love this” → you are going works, so you’re.
“Take ___ time” → you are time is nonsense, so your.
You’re: a contraction
Two words with a letter removed. The apostrophe stands where the a of are used to be.
You’re next in the queue.
I think you’re right.
You’re not listening.
Expand it to you are. If it reads, keep the apostrophe.
Your: possessive
Shows that something belongs to the person you are speaking to. Like his and her, it takes no apostrophe.
Is this your bag?
Your reply arrived this morning.
Mind your step.
Swap in his. If the sentence still works, use your.
Side by side
| Your | You’re |
|---|---|
| Possessive | Contraction of you are |
| No apostrophe | Apostrophe |
| Swaps with his | Expands to two words |
| Your turn. | You’re up. |
Where people get it wrong
| Incorrect | Correct | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Your welcome. | You’re welcome. | You are welcome — a contraction. |
| You’re coat is on the chair. | Your coat is on the chair. | The coat belongs to you. |
| Whats your doing? | What are you doing? | Neither word fits — the sentence needs rewriting. |
| Your going to be late. | You’re going to be late. | You are going. |
Practice — choose the right word, then check yourself.
- ___ the first person to notice.
- Leave ___ details at reception.
- I hope ___ feeling better.
- ___ argument makes sense.
- ___ almost there.
Show the answers
1. You’re 2. your 3. you’re 4. Your 5. You’re
Frequently asked
Is your’re ever correct?
No. That spelling does not exist.
What about yours?
It is possessive too, and also takes no apostrophe: the choice is yours. Your’s is always wrong.
More words people confuse
