there it sits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there it sits" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the location or state of an object that is stationary or not in use. Example: "After all the chaos, the old car was left in the driveway, and there it sits, a reminder of better days."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Rumors had pointed at Sprint to be the home of the Hero here in the states – but there it sits in the FCC database, packed to its big ol' chin with AT&T-friendly 850/1900Mhz bands.

TechCrunch

So, personally, there it sits.

Independent

And there it sits on Scarborough Street.

The New York Times

There it sits, day after day, soaking up the dirt of countless feet, without complaint.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But there it sits, hidden from the public like the great bulk of the institute's holdings.

The New York Times - Arts

So there it sits today, empty, idle and as tempting as the unplucked rabbit in the magician's black hat.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

And there it sat.

The New York Times

There, it sat for years.

The New York Times

There it sat for years while the Revolutionary War continued.

The New York Times

There it sat, in front of the movie theatre.

The New Yorker

She gave it to the National Library and there it sat.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "there it sits" to describe something that is in a static position, especially when implying a sense of neglect, irony, or resignation. For example, "The report was finished months ago, and "there it sits", gathering dust."

Common error

Avoid using "there it sits" to describe something in motion or a dynamic situation. The phrase implies a static or unchanging state. Instead, use a phrase like "there it goes" or "there it is" for moving objects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there it sits" functions as a descriptive expression, often used to emphasize the current, static state of something. Ludwig examples show it describing physical objects, abstract concepts, and even situations, highlighting their unchanging condition.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "there it sits" is a versatile expression used to describe the unchanging state or location of something, often with a hint of irony or resignation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in News & Media contexts. While it is a neutral register, it is appropriate for various situations, it’s best to avoid using it when describing movement or dynamism, reserving it for static scenarios. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, you can effectively use "there it sits" to add depth and expression to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there it remains

Replaces "sits" with "remains", emphasizing a continued presence or state.

there it lies

Uses "lies" instead of "sits", suggesting a resting or inactive position.

there it stands

Employs "stands" to depict an upright or prominent position.

in that spot it stays

Changes the sentence structure, highlighting the fixed location.

in that location it exists

Replaces "there" with "in that location" and "sits" with "exists", formalizing the statement.

it is situated there

Inverts the sentence and uses "situated" to describe the location.

it is located there

Similar to the previous phrase but uses "located" instead of "situated".

it rests in that place

Uses "rests" to convey a sense of stillness or inactivity.

it occupies that position

Employs more formal language to describe the location and state.

it is present in that spot

Uses "present" to emphasize the existence of something in a specific place.

FAQs

How can I use "there it sits" in a sentence?

Use "there it sits" to describe something that is currently in a place or condition, often with a sense of resignation or irony. For example, "I finished the project weeks ago, and "there it sits", untouched by anyone."

What does "there it sits" imply?

"There it sits" often implies a sense of stagnation or inaction. It suggests that something is in a particular place or state without any further progress or change.

What can I say instead of "there it sits"?

You can use alternatives like "there it remains", "there it lies", or "there it stands" depending on the context.

Is "there it sits" formal or informal?

"There it sits" is generally considered to be neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is more common in informal writing and speech.