stay here

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stay here" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when instructing someone to remain in a specific location or to indicate a desire for someone to not leave. Example: "Please stay here while I go get the car."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Stay here!

The New York Times

"We can't stay here.

The New Yorker

You can't stay here.

The New Yorker

"Let them stay here".

The New York Times

"We will stay here.

The New Yorker

You stay here.

The New York Times

No, me stay here".

The Guardian - Sport

"All right, stay here".

The New York Times

You'll all stay here".

The Economist

"I'll stay here".

The New Yorker

STUART BLUME: Stay here?

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stay here" when you want someone to remain in their current location, whether temporarily or for an extended period. It's suitable for both casual conversation and more formal instructions.

Common error

Avoid using "stay here" when the location is unclear or ambiguous. Always provide sufficient context so the person knows exactly where you want them to remain. For example, instead of simply saying "Stay here", specify "Stay here by the door".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stay here" functions primarily as an imperative, used to give a direct command or instruction. Ludwig shows its common use in both direct speech and reported speech, indicating its versatility in conveying an order or request for someone to remain in a specific location.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "stay here" is a grammatically correct and very common imperative used to instruct someone to remain in their current location. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for a wide range of contexts, from casual conversation to news reporting. While alternatives like "remain here" offer a more formal tone, "stay here" is versatile and widely understood. The key is to ensure clarity in the location being referenced to avoid confusion. With a strong presence in news and media, "stay here" proves to be a fundamental and frequently used phrase in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Stay put

An informal way to tell someone to remain in their current location.

Just stay there

Emphasis on remaining in the indicated place.

Wait there

A simple instruction to remain in a specific spot.

Remain where you are

A more formal way of asking someone to stay put.

Do not leave

A direct instruction not to depart from the current location.

Don't move

A direct and somewhat urgent command to stay in place.

Don't go anywhere

Informal instruction for someone to not go anywhere.

Hold your position

Often used in military or tactical contexts to maintain a location.

Keep still

An instruction to avoid movement, implying staying in the same location.

Stick around

An informal way of asking someone to stay nearby.

FAQs

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

You can use "stay here" to instruct someone to remain in their current location. For example, you might say, "Please "stay here" while I get my keys", or "You can't come in, "stay here" and wait for me".

What's the difference between "stay here" and "remain here"?

"Stay here" is more informal and commonly used in everyday conversation. "Remain here" is more formal and might be used in official instructions or written communication. Both phrases instruct someone to stay in the current location.

What are some alternatives to using "stay here"?

Some alternatives include "wait there", "stay put", or "don't move". The best alternative depends on the context and level of formality.

Is it correct to say "stay here" in a formal setting?

While "stay here" is generally acceptable, in very formal settings, you might prefer a more formal phrase like "remain here". However, "stay here" is still understandable and generally appropriate in most situations.