there

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "there" can be used in written English.
You can use it as a pronoun to refer to a place or location ("Put the book over there"), an adjective ("Look at that there tree") or an adverb ("Wait there while I get the ladder"). Example sentence: "I left my keys there on the table."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was there.

The New York Times

They weren't there.

The New York Times

"I wake up around 4am and if I've got a bus pass I get on the night bus and sleep there until morning.

The Guardian

Whatever our politics there can never be justification, surely only regret".

The Guardian

All I know is that when I needed McDonald's, McDonald's was there for me.

The Guardian - Business

We may, we may not, decide that it's relevant to put something out there about some of those changes.

The Guardian

"And you know, she's got a voice that she wants to get out there".

The Guardian

She wasn't there to play wives and girlfriends in the boys' scenes.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

She was there to do what she wanted to do and she did not fucking care if you like it.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

So there you have it.

The New York Times

We hope to see you there.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "there" as an expletive (e.g., "There is a problem"), ensure the verb agrees in number with the noun that follows. For example, use "there is" for singular nouns and "there are" for plural nouns.

Common error

Avoid confusing "there" (a place or existence) with "their" (possessive) and "they're" (contraction of "they are"). Always double-check the context to use the correct form.

Linguistic Context

The word "there" functions primarily as an adverb of place, indicating a location or position. It also serves as an expletive, introducing a sentence when the subject follows the verb, as seen in Ludwig's examples like "There is a reason for this." Ludwig AI confirms its role in indicating existence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "there" is a versatile word primarily functioning as an adverb, indicating location or existence. Ludwig's AI confirms its role as an adverb and expletive. According to Ludwig's analysis, its usage is very common, especially in news and media. Distinguishing "there" from its homophones "their" and "they're" is crucial to avoid common writing errors. When using "there" as an expletive, ensure subject-verb agreement. For alternative expressions indicating location, consider phrases such as "in that location" or "at that point". By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively and accurately employ the word "there" in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in that location

This alternative directly replaces "there" when referring to a specific place.

at that point

This phrase substitutes "there" when referring to a specific stage or moment in a process or argument.

in that respect

Replaces "there" when referring to a particular aspect or detail being considered.

in existence

This alternative replaces "there" in its existential usage, indicating the presence of something.

at hand

Offers a sense of immediacy or availability, similar to "there" in specific contexts.

in situ

This alternative refers to something existing in its original place, similar to "there".

thither

A more formal or archaic way of saying "there", indicating movement to a place.

in attendance

Similar to "there" in scenarios where presence is emphasized.

available

Replaces "there" in contexts indicating something is accessible or present.

on site

Alternative to emphasize location at a specific place or venue.

FAQs

How can I use "there" in a sentence?

"There" can indicate location (e.g., "The book is over there"), existence (e.g., "There are many options"), or be used as an interjection (e.g., "There, there, don't cry").

What can I say instead of "there" to indicate location?

You can use alternatives such as "in that location", "at that point", or "over yonder" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "there is" or "there are"?

The correct form depends on the noun that follows. Use "there is" with singular nouns (e.g., "There is a cat") and "there are" with plural nouns (e.g., "There are cats").

What's the difference between "there", "their", and "they're"?

"There" indicates location or existence, "their" shows possession (e.g., "their car"), and "they're" is a contraction of "they are" (e.g., "They're coming").