here was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "here was" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when introducing a narrative, describing a scene, or introducing a set of facts. For example: "Here was a small room, filled with old furniture and a musty smell."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Everything here was Chávez.

The New York Times

No, nobody here was".

The Guardian - Sport

Here was the creek.

The New Yorker

Here was the shop.

The New Yorker

Life here was intervening.

The New York Times - Magazine

Clearly, here was Barrymore.

The New Yorker

Here was John, dreaming.

The New Yorker

Here was my chance.

The New York Times

Here was my salvation.

The New York Times

Here was the house.

The New Yorker

Here was another coincidence.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "here was" to set a scene or introduce a key element in your narrative, creating a sense of discovery or revelation for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "here was" when a simple declarative sentence is more appropriate. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily dramatic or convoluted. For example, instead of "Here was the book I needed", simply say "This was the book I needed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "here was" functions as an existential marker, often used to introduce a scene, a discovery, or a realization within a narrative. It sets the stage for what follows, as evidenced by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

20%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "here was" is a versatile tool for writers to introduce and emphasize elements within a narrative or descriptive context. It functions as an existential marker, drawing the reader's attention to key aspects of a scene or situation. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. While "here was" appears across various registers, it's most frequently found in news and media sources. Remember to use "here was" judiciously, avoiding overuse in simple declarative sentences, and to choose it when you want to create a sense of discovery or revelation. Considering its alternatives, like "there it was" or "at that moment", can help refine your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there it was

Emphasizes the discovery of something, similar to pointing it out.

present was

Slightly more formal, highlighting the existence or presence of something.

then appeared

Focuses on the moment something became visible or known.

at that moment

Highlights a specific point in time when something occurred or was revealed.

in this instance

More formal, pointing to a specific example or case.

as it happened

Emphasizes the unfolding of events and the appearance of something within that context.

lo and behold

An archaic phrase expressing surprise at something revealed.

before us lay

More literary, suggesting something laid out or presented.

a glimpse of

Suggests a brief or partial view of something.

within sight stood

Provides a vivid spatial setting.

FAQs

How can I use "here was" in a sentence?

Use "here was" to introduce a situation, realization, or key element. For instance, "Here was the solution to their problem", setting up the reveal of the solution.

What phrases are similar to "here was"?

Similar phrases include "there it was", "present was", or "at that moment", which can replace it depending on context.

Is it correct to use "here was" in formal writing?

Yes, "here was" is acceptable in formal writing, particularly to set a scene or introduce an important point. However, consider more formal alternatives like "in this instance" for specific scenarios.

What's the difference between "here was" and "there was"?

"Here was" often implies a sense of discovery or realization in the immediate context. "There was" is a more general statement of existence. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the moment of finding or simply state a fact.