their things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "their things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to possessions or belongings that belong to a group of people. Example: "They left their things in the car while they went inside the store."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Their things.

The New Yorker

The men packed their things.

The New Yorker

"They have their things, we have ours".

The New York Times

The vendors started to grab their things.

The New York Times

"They can test their things here".

The New York Times - Magazine

It's just one of their things.

The New Yorker

There, they could rummage through their things in comfort.

The New York Times

He drifted through the rooms, looking at their things.

The New Yorker

Most of them packed their things and left the firm.

The New York Times

They moved their things into his mother's house.

The New Yorker

Do people really want a stranger going through their things?

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, consider using "their possessions" or "their belongings" instead of "their things" for a more sophisticated tone.

Common error

Avoid using "their things" excessively in formal writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound too casual. Opt for alternatives like "their assets" or "their effects" depending on the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "their things" functions as a possessive determiner ("their") followed by a common noun ("things"). It indicates ownership of multiple items by a group of individuals. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a valid and frequently used construction in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

21%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "their things" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to denote the belongings of a group. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it's crucial to consider the context. For formal writing, alternatives like "their possessions" or "their belongings" may be more appropriate. The phrase is frequently found in News & Media, Wiki, and Science sources, reflecting its broad applicability. When using "their things", be mindful of the level of formality required and choose the most suitable alternative for your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

their possessions

Replaces "things" with a more formal term for belongings.

their belongings

Synonymous with "their things", offering a slightly more formal tone.

their stuff

A more informal and general term for belongings.

their personal effects

Refers specifically to items carried or worn by an individual.

their property

Implies ownership and legal rights over the items.

what belongs to them

A more descriptive way of indicating ownership.

their gear

Used when referring to equipment or specialized items.

items they own

A more verbose alternative, focusing on the concept of ownership.

their equipment

Replaces things with something more specific, referring to a tool or an ensemble of tools.

their goods

A formal alternative, usually referring to products or merchandise.

FAQs

What does "their things" mean?

"Their things" refers to the possessions or belongings owned by a group of people. It's a general phrase used to describe items that belong to them.

What can I say instead of "their things"?

You can use alternatives like "their possessions", "their belongings", or "their personal effects" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it correct to say "their things" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "their things" is generally more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using more sophisticated alternatives such as "their assets" or "their effects".

How do I use "their things" in a sentence?

You can use "their things" in sentences like: "They packed "their things" and left the hotel", or "Please make sure to keep "their things" safe during the trip".