How do you explain “you’re” and “your” to your students?

Both L1 speakers and English language learners get these homophones confused. This is probably the most common mistake I see in newspapers, in signs, on social media, etc. Students of all levels could likely use a reminder of when to use you’re and your. Try my tricks for remembering which is which!

1. You’re

Meaning

You’re is a combination of the second person singular or plural pronoun and the Be verb. It stands for "you are." It can be used as the subject of a sentence or clause.

Structure

You’re comes at the beginning of a sentence or clause.

Trick

Say you are to yourself as you read or write the sentence. If it’s possible to say you are, write you’re, not your.

• You’re great students. (You are)
• If you’re not going to the party, I’m not going, either. (you are)
• You should pay attention in class so that you’re not missing anything important. (you are)

2. Your

Meaning

Your is a second person singular or plural possessive adjective. It indicates possession, ownership, and belonging.

Structure

Your comes before a noun.

Trick

Say you are to yourself as you read or write the sentence. If it’s not possible to say you are, write your, not you’re.

• Can I borrow your pencil? (not you are pencil)
• Your brother is really cute. (not you are brother)
• I wasn’t sure if your friend was coming with us or not. (not you are friend)

Another trick is to notice if there is another verb in the sentence. You’re already has a verb, so there won’t be another main verb in the clause. Your needs a verb, so there will be a main verb in the clause.

• You’re the best soccer player on our team. (no other verb)
• I really like your new car. (like is the verb)

Now you’re sure your students get it, right?