"You're welcome" is the correct phrase — it's a contraction of "you are welcome," used as a polite response to "thank you" (as noted in the Cambridge Dictionary). "Your welcome" is a common misspelling and isn't grammatically correct in this context.
Why the Confusion Happens
"Your" and "you're" sound identical when spoken, which is why the mix-up is one of the most common spelling errors in English, alongside other confusing homophones and phrase errors like writing bear with me or mixing up patients vs patience:
- "Your" = possessive (belongs to you) → "Your bag is on the table."
- "You're" = contraction of "you are" → "You're welcome to join us."
The Quick Test
Replace the word with "you are" in the sentence. If it still makes sense, use "you're."
- "You are welcome" ✅ makes sense → use "you're welcome"
- "Your welcome" → "You are welcome" still works here too, which confirms "you're" is correct and "your" is the error
Other Common Your/You're Mix-Ups
| Correct | Incorrect |
|---|---|
| You're right. | Your right. |
| Is this your book? | Is this you're book? |
| You're going to love this. | Your going to love this. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is "your welcome" ever correct?
Only if "welcome" is being used as a noun belonging to someone, which is extremely rare — in virtually all everyday contexts (like replying to "thank you"), "you're welcome" is correct.
Why do so many people get this wrong even though they know the rule?
Because "your" and "you're" are homophones — they sound identical, so the error often comes from writing quickly rather than not knowing the rule.
Is there a British vs. American difference here?
No — this rule is identical across all varieties of English.
💡 The Takeaway
When in doubt, try swapping in "you are." If the sentence still makes sense, "you're" is correct — every time.
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