there it stood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there it stood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the presence or position of something that is noticeable or significant in a particular context. Example: "In the middle of the abandoned field, there it stood, a solitary tree, weathered by time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

"But then we rounded the corner and there it stood, picture perfect".

The New York Times

So there it stood, 55 minutes gone, another scoreless end in prospect, and a crowd at Ellis Park stadium almost frigid on two levels.

The New York Times - Sports

I walked round a few corners and there it stood – like someone had lopped a bit off La Sagrada Família and dropped it into this sleepy hamlet.

The Guardian - Travel

It seemed pointless to insist that they call me by my first name, and downright mean to introduce the idea that my husband and I have different last names, so there it stood.

The New York Times - Magazine

Until Greece's muffti puffti was unmasked, there it stood, but now at $1.20 positive net exports seem unreachable.

Forbes

He had brought the Christmas tree, and there it stood all aglow with lights and dripping with silver tinsel.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

I have stared it down, teased it, even tried laughing at it, yet there it stands, with its cocky insolence refusing to be repaired.

Huffington Post

A single tear rolls down its -- well, I guess you'd call it its cheek -- and there it stands, as if it were a Martian Iron Eyes Cody.

The New York Times

But there it stands, denuded of most of its landscaping but largely rebuilt, the comfortable, unconventional homestead the Ledners have known for 50 years.

The New York Times

And there it stands.

The New Yorker

There it stands, the subject of pride and admiration.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "there it stood" to create a sense of discovery or surprise when describing something that is suddenly revealed or noticed.

Common error

Avoid using "there it stood" to describe abstract concepts or situations that cannot physically 'stand'. This phrase is best reserved for tangible objects or locations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there it stood" functions as an existential clause, emphasizing the presence or location of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. The expletive "there" shifts the focus to the subject 'it' and its state of standing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "there it stood" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed construction for emphasizing the presence or position of something, often with a touch of surprise or significance. Ludwig AI indicates that it is correct. Its usage is prevalent in News & Media and can be implemented in various contexts. While versatile, avoid using it for intangible concepts. Consider similar phrases like "there it remained" or "there it existed" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there it remained

Focuses on the continuation of being in a place or state.

there it was positioned

Emphasizes the placement or arrangement of something.

there it was situated

Highlights the location or setting of something.

there it existed

Stresses the fact of something's presence or being.

there it arose

Implies something came into being or appeared in a particular place.

there it loomed

Suggests a large or imposing presence.

there it presented itself

Highlights the act of something appearing or becoming visible.

there it persevered

Emphasizes the continued existence or persistence of something despite challenges.

there it stood firm

Emphasizes stability and resistance to movement.

in that spot it stood

Reorders the phrase to emphasize the location.

FAQs

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

Use "there it stood" to describe the unexpected or prominent presence of something in a particular location. For example, "After the storm, "there it stood", the only house left on the block."

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

You can use alternatives like "there it remained", "there it was positioned", or "there it existed" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "there it stood"?

Yes, ""there it stood"" is grammatically correct. It uses the expletive "there" followed by the subject "it" and the verb "stood" in the past tense.

What is the effect of using "there it stood" in writing?

Using ""there it stood"" can create a sense of drama, surprise, or emphasis, drawing the reader's attention to the object or location being described.