We vs They
What’s the difference between them?
We
Meaning:
first-person plural pronoun; I with other people.
Examples:
1. We are excited to go on vacation this summer.
2. We all decided to meet up at the park tomorrow.
3. We need to figure out a way to solve this problem.
They
Meaning:
third-person, plural pronoun that is used to refer to people, animals, or objects previously mentioned or implied; he or she with other people.
Examples:
1. They took a road trip together last weekend.
2. They are planning to get married next year.
3. They have been best friends since high school.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
We
1. Us
2. Ourselves
3. Us all
4. Our collective
5. I and you
1. They
2. Us
3. Separate
4. Opposite
5. Apart
They
1. Theyselves
2. Themselves
3. The ones
4. Those individuals
5. Those people
1. We
2. Them
3. You
4. Nobody
5. Opposite sex
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "We", "They".
1. Remember that 'We' is a first-person plural pronoun, while 'They' is a third-person plural pronoun.
2. When referring to yourself and other people, use 'We.'
3. When referring to other people, animals, or objects, use 'They.'
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
When should 'we' be used?
We should be used when referring to two or more people in the first-person form. For example, 'we will go to the store together.'
When is the appropriate context for using 'they'?
'They' should be used when referring to two or more people in the third-person form. For example, 'they have decided to go to the store together.'
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
No, the two words do not share the same pronunciation. 'We' is pronounced /wi:/, while they is pronounced /ðeɪ/.
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
One common mistake people make is using 'they' to refer to a single person. Another common mistake is not placing an apostrophe when using the word 'they're,' which is a contraction of 'they are.' Additionally, people often use 'we' when referring to a single person, as opposed to using 'I.'
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. _____ are going to the cinema later tonight. Would you like to join?
2. _____ always make sure to have breakfast before leaving for work.
3. Did _____ mention anything about the project deadline?
4. _____ are not familiar with the local customs, so please guide us.
5. _____ have a lovely garden behind their house, dont they?
6. Do _____ have the necessary tools for this job?
1. we
Explanation: The speaker is including themselves in the activity (going to the cinema) and is inviting someone else, so we is the appropriate choice.
2. They
Explanation: The sentence speaks about a habitual action of some people who are not included in the speakers group. The third person plural they is used.
3. they
Explanation: The speaker is asking about information potentially mentioned by a third party, so they is the appropriate choice.
4. We
Explanation: The speaker is referring to themselves and possibly others in their group as being unfamiliar with the local customs. Thus, we fits here.
5. They
Explanation: The reference to their house clarifies that the subject of the sentence is a third party, making they the right choice.
6. They
Explanation: The speaker is asking about a third partys possession of tools. Hence, they is the correct choice.
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Download the PDF with a list of commonly confused words made as flashcards for comfortable learning.
List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.