there he is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there he is" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to the location of someone or something that had previously been mentioned. For example, "I saw Kevin go into the store, and there he is, walking out with a bag of groceries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"There he is!

Forbes

Cates muttered, "There he is".

The New York Times - Magazine

"There he is," another said.

The New York Times

There he is right here.

The New York Times

There, he is a god.

Independent

"There he is, it's Sweeney!

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

But there he was.

The New Yorker

There he was.

The New Yorker

And there he was.

The New Yorker

There, he was finished".

The New Yorker

There he was quite happy.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "there he is" to create a sense of discovery or recognition, especially when the person or object has been sought or anticipated. This can add dramatic effect to your narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "there he is" without establishing prior context. Ensure the reader knows who or what "he" refers to; otherwise, the phrase can be confusing and lack impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there he is" primarily functions as an exclamatory phrase used to announce the discovery or recognition of someone or something. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

12%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "there he is" is a versatile phrase used to express the recognition or discovery of a person or object. As affirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and enjoys widespread usage across various contexts, most notably in news and media. It is appropriate for both formal and informal communication, and its effectiveness lies in its ability to create a moment of revelation. When using the phrase, ensure clear context to avoid ambiguity and maximize its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he's right there

Indicates that someone is in close proximity and easily found.

there he stands

Focuses on the person's posture or position at the moment of being seen.

there he appears

Emphasizes the act of someone becoming visible or noticeable.

there he can be seen

Highlights the visibility of the person, suggesting they are now within sight.

there's him

A more informal way to point out someone's presence.

I see him there

Indicates personal observation and location of the individual.

look, it's him

Draws immediate attention to someone's presence with a sense of surprise or recognition.

that's him over there

Specifies direction and confirms the identity of someone at a distance.

present and accounted for

An idiomatic way of saying someone has arrived and is now part of a group.

in view

A general statement indicating that a previously searched target is now in the field of vision.

FAQs

How can I use "there he is" in a sentence?

Use "there he is" to indicate that someone you were looking for has been found or has just appeared. For example, "I've been searching for John all morning, and there he is, sitting in the library".

What's an alternative to saying "there he is"?

You can use alternatives like "he's right there", especially if the person is nearby. Other alternatives include "there he stands" or "I see him there", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "there he is"?

It's appropriate to use "there he is" when you want to express a sense of discovery or recognition. It implies that the person or object in question was either lost, hidden, or being sought after.

Is "there he is" formal or informal?

"There he is" is generally considered neutral in register. It can be used in both informal and formal contexts, depending on the surrounding language and situation.