not here

USAGE SUMMARY

"not here" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone or something is not present in a particular location. Example: "John looked around the room, but Mary was not here."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Not Here, Not Here.

The New York Times

"I'm not here.

The New Yorker

And it's not here.

The New York Times - Books

Not here in Boston.

The New York Times

"Not here," says another.

The New York Times

That's not here.

The New Yorker

But just not here".

Independent

"They're not here.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Not 'ere.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

They don't here.

Independent

She wasn't here..

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not here" to clearly indicate the absence of someone or something in a specific location or context. Be precise about what is not present and where it is not.

Common error

Avoid using "not here" when referring to abstract concepts or ideas; it is best suited for physical locations or concrete situations. For abstract contexts, consider alternatives like "irrelevant" or "inapplicable".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not here" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating the absence or non-existence of someone or something in a specific location. Ludwig confirms its proper usage in this context. It often implies a direct observation or a state of being.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not here" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to indicate the absence of someone or something in a specific location. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct usage. It's suitable for various contexts, particularly News & Media, and serves to inform or state the absence of a subject. While versatile, it's best to avoid using it for abstract concepts, preferring alternatives like "not present" or "not available" in more formal settings. Its widespread use and clear meaning contribute to its high expert rating.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not present

Indicates absence from a specific place or situation.

absent

A more concise way to state someone or something is not in the specified location.

not available

Suggests something is inaccessible or unattainable at a certain place.

not to be found

Emphasizes the lack of ability to locate someone or something.

not on site

Specifically denotes absence from a particular location or premises.

not in attendance

Implies someone is missing from a gathering or event.

not around

A casual way of saying someone is not in the immediate vicinity.

not in the vicinity

More formal way to state that something is not close by.

out of place

Indicates something is not where it should be, or missing from its expected location.

gone

A simple declaration that someone is not present.

FAQs

How can I use "not here" in a sentence?

The phrase "not here" is used to indicate the absence of someone or something in a specific location. For example, "The keys are "not here"; have you checked the kitchen?"

What's a more formal alternative to "not here"?

In more formal contexts, you could use phrases like "not present" or "not available" to convey a similar meaning with increased formality.

Is it correct to say "not here" instead of "isn't here"?

While "isn't here" is a more grammatically complete form, "not here" is commonly used and understood, particularly in informal conversation. The choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

What's the difference between ""not here"" and "not there"?

"Not here" typically refers to the immediate location or vicinity, while "not there" can refer to a more general or distant location. The distinction can be subtle and context-dependent.