A0 Adverbs 14 min read Easy

Here & There: Simple Location

Use here for close locations, there for distant ones. Your perspective matters most!
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use 'here' for things you can touch and 'there' for things further away.

  • Use 'here' for your current location: 'I am here.'
  • Use 'there' for any other location: 'The book is there.'
  • Place them after the verb or at the end: 'Sit here.'
👉 (Close) = Here | 👈 (Far) = There

Overview

Use 'here' and 'there' for places. 'Here' is near. 'There' is far.

New students need these words. They show where things are.

Give directions with these words. Show things. Use them every day.

How This Grammar Works

Meaning changes when you move. 'Here' is close. 'There' is far.
  • Here: This adverb points to a location that is close to the speaker. This proximity can refer to something immediately adjacent, within arm's reach, or within the broader area the speaker considers their immediate environment. It addresses the question "Where are you?" or "Where is this object relative to you?" from your current standpoint. For instance, if you are holding a book, you would state, The book is here. If you are in a room, the entire room can be considered here.
  • There: This adverb points to a location that is away from the speaker. This distance can be minimal, such as across a table, or significant, like another city or country. It addresses "Where is that?" or "Where are they?" indicating a location distinct from the speaker's here. If a friend is seated across the room, you might remark, She is sitting there. If you discuss a different country, you refer to it as there.
'Here' is your spot. 'There' is any other spot.
| Word | Where is it? | Example |
|:---------------------|:---------|:--------------------------------------------|:------------------------------------|
| Immediate Proximity | here | At, in, or very near the speaker's location | My phone is here. (on the desk) |
| there | Away from you | The coffee machine is there. |
Use these with action words. Say 'come here' or 'go there'.

Formation Pattern

1
These words never change. Do not add letters to them.
2
Put these words after the action word. Example: 'I am here'.
3
Subject + Verb + here/there
4
The book is here. (The book is at your location.)
5
They are there. (They are at a location away from you.)
6
Please come here. (Move towards my location.)
7
We will go there. (Move towards a location away from my current one.)
8
Start a sentence with 'Here is' or 'There are' to show things.
9
Here is/are + Noun:
10
Use 'Here is' to show something close. You can give it away.
11
Here is your receipt. (You are handing the receipt over.)
12
Here are the keys you asked for. (You are showing or giving the keys.)
13
Look! Here is the bus. (You are pointing out the arriving bus.)
14
There is/are + Noun:
15
Use 'There is' to say something is in a place.
16
There is a café on this street. (You are stating its existence, not necessarily pointing.)
17
There are many students in the library. (You are confirming their presence.)
18
There is a problem. This means a problem is here now.
19
One 'there' means a place. Another 'there' shows something is present.

When To Use It

These words are very useful. They help you talk about many places.
  1. 1Indicating Direct Physical Location: This is the most intuitive application. Use here for anything within your immediate physical space, reach, or current broader environment. Use there for any location outside of that immediate here.
  • Your bag is here, next to my chair. (The bag is physically close to you.)
  • The remote control is there on the sofa. (The remote is away from your immediate vicinity.)
  • Is my car here in the parking lot? (You are in the parking lot, referring to a spot within it.)
  1. 1With Verbs of Motion (Arrival and Departure): When used with verbs indicating movement, here signifies movement towards the speaker's location, while there signifies movement towards a location away from the speaker.
  • Please come here. I need your assistance. (Move towards me.)
  • I have to go there for a meeting tomorrow. (Move to another location for the meeting.)
  • The delivery driver is here with your pizza. (The driver has arrived at your location.)
  1. 1Introducing or Presenting Things (Here is/are...): This construction is used when you physically hand something over, present it, or point out something immediate to the listener. It often accompanies a gesture.
  • Here is your change. (As you offer money.)
  • Here are the tickets for the concert. (As you hand them over.)
  • Here is my office, on the third floor. (As you arrive at or show your office.)
  1. 1Signaling Existence or Presence (There is/are...): As discussed, this is the existential there. It functions to introduce a subject, stating that something exists or is present, often in a general sense or at a location that is not directly next to the speaker. This there does not refer to a specific distant place but acts as a grammatical placeholder.
  • There is a new coffee shop downtown. (States its existence.)
  • There are always many people at the beach in summer. (Confirms presence.)
  • Listen! There is someone knocking at the door. (Indicates an event is occurring.)
  1. 1Referring to a General or Broader Area: Here and there can refer to larger geographical or conceptual contexts beyond immediate physical proximity. The scope expands with the conversational topic.
  • Life is very peaceful here in this quiet village. (Referring to the entire village.)
  • They moved to Canada, and they are very happy there. (Referring to the country.)
  • It's always warmer here in the south. (Referring to a region.)
  1. 1In Telephone Conversations: The reference point for here and there remains the speaker's physical location. I'm here means I am at my current physical spot. Are you there? asks if the other person is at their intended or expected location.
  • I am here at the supermarket, what do you need?
  • Is John there with you, or has he left already?
| Context | Here (Speaker's Current Location) | There (Away from Speaker) |
|:--------------------------------------------|:------------------------------------------|:----------------------------------------------|
| Giving directions (to speaker) | Come here, please. | Walk there and then turn right. |
| Pointing out an object | My keys are here. | The book is over there on the shelf. |
| Confirming presence | Yes, I am here. | No, she is not there yet. |
| Introducing an item to the listener | Here is your drink. | (Existential: There is a good movie on TV.)|
| Referring to a larger place | It’s cold here in the mountains. | I want to visit there someday. |
| General location on a phone call | I'm here at home. | Are you there at the office? |
'There' can be close or very far. It depends on you.
My 'here' is your 'there'. We see places differently.

Common Mistakes

Think about where you stand. This helps you choose the right word.
  1. 1Confusing Speaker's Perspective: The most frequent error is reversing here and there, forgetting that here always relates to your current physical position as the speaker. If you desire an object, it must be brought here to you.
  • Incorrect: Can you bring the menu there to me? (If you want the menu, it should arrive at your location.)
  • Correct: Can you bring the menu here to me?
  • Incorrect: I am going here. (Unless speaking from a distance about your destination, this is unnatural; you are already here.)
  • Correct: I am going there. (You are moving to a location away from your current here.)
  1. 1Using at here or at there: This constitutes a common and incorrect redundancy. Here and there inherently contain the meaning of "at this/that place," rendering the preposition at unnecessary when directly preceding them. This mistake often arises from directly translating from languages that require a preposition.
  • Incorrect: Please sit at here.
  • Correct: Please sit here.
  • Incorrect: The book is at there.
  • Correct: The book is there.
Say 'from here' or 'up there'. Example: I come from here.
  1. 1Overuse of there for Emphasis: Sometimes, learners use there when here would be more natural, especially when indicating something nearby but slightly out of immediate reach. While not strictly incorrect in all contexts, it can sound less natural.
  • Less natural: My keys are there, on the table next to me. (If the table is right beside you, here is more common.)
  • More natural: My keys are here, on the table next to me.
  1. 1Confusing Adverbial there with Existential there: As previously noted, the word there plays two distinct roles. Misunderstanding this difference can lead to confusion in meaning and sentence structure.
  • Adverbial there: The station is there. (Points to a specific location.)
  • Existential there: There is a station in this town. (States that a station exists.)
One 'there' is a place. The other shows that something is there.
Contrast: Here/There vs. This/That
Do not mix these words with 'this' and 'that'. They are different.
  • Here/There (Adverbs): Answer where something is or happens. They modify verbs.
  • Put the book here. (Where to put it? Here.)
  • He lives there. (Where does he live? There.)
  • This/That (Demonstratives): Identify which specific noun is being referred to. They can act as pronouns (e.g., This is my bag.) or adjectives (e.g., This bag is mine.).
  • This is my book. (Which item? This one.)
  • That house is big. (Which house? That one.)
Avoid using this or that when you intend to specify a location; use here or there instead.

Real Conversations

In modern English, here and there are ubiquitous. They feature prominently in casual exchanges, direct instructions, and everyday descriptions. Pay attention to how native speakers integrate them into various contexts, including informal communication.

- Quick Exchanges and Confirmations:

- "Are you here?" "Yes, I'm here." (Confirming presence at a location.)

- "Is the boss there?" "No, he's not there yet." (Asking about someone's location relative to the speaker.)

- "Hey, come here for a second." (Asking someone to approach.)

- Giving Directions:

- "The restrooms are just over there, past the main hall." (Pointing out a location that is not immediate.)

- "Wait here; I'll be right back." (Instructing someone to stay put.)

- "Go straight, then turn left, the shop is right there on your right side." (Indicating a visible destination.)

- Informal Use (e.g., texting, social media): Here and there maintain their core meanings even in abbreviated communication.

- I'm here now. (Arrived at the destination.)

- See u there! (See you at the other location.)

- My keys are here. Yours? (Asking about location.)

- Discussing Availability:

- "Is there anyone here who can help me?" (Asking about presence in the current location.)

- "Are you still there at the meeting?" (Asking about continued presence at a past location.)

C

Cultural Insight

In conversation, especially when offering something, here you go or here you are are common phrases. They signal the act of handing an item to someone and are equivalent to This is for you. or I am giving this to you now. They inherently use here because the action is occurring in the immediate shared space.

Quick FAQ

  • Can here or there be used with prepositions?
Do not say 'at here'. Say 'from here' or 'over there'.
  • What's the difference between here and over here, or there and over there?
Use 'over' to show distance. 'Over there' means across the room.
For example: Your coat is here on the hook. vs. Your coat is over here, on the other hook.
  • Can here or there start a sentence?
You can start sentences with these words. Use them to show things.
  • Do here and there have plural forms?
The words 'here' and 'there' never change. They are the same for one thing or many things. Example: One book is here. Two books are here.
  • Can here and there refer to time?
Use 'here' and 'there' for places. 'Here' is near you. 'There' is far away. Only use these words for places now.

Basic Sentence Structures

Subject Verb Adverb Meaning
I
am
here
I am in this place.
You
are
there
You are in that place.
He
is
here
He is near me.
They
are
there
They are away from me.
It
is
here
The object is near.
We
are
there
We are at that location.

Common Contractions

Full Form Contraction Example
Here is
Here's
Here's your key.
There is
There's
There's the bus.
I am here
I'm here
I'm here now.

Meanings

Words used to point out the location of a person, object, or event relative to the speaker.

1

Physical Proximity

Indicating a position near the speaker or the place where the speaker is currently located.

“Please come here.”

“It is very hot here.”

2

Physical Distance

Indicating a position away from the speaker, whether visible or not.

“Look over there!”

“The park is there, behind the school.”

3

Abstract/Metaphorical Presence

Referring to a point in a process, story, or life situation.

“We are here to help you.”

“There is no hope left.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Here & There: Simple Location
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Subject + Verb + Here/There
She is there.
Negative
Subject + Verb + not + Here/There
He is not here.
Question
Verb + Subject + Here/There?
Are they there?
Imperative
Verb + Here/There
Sit here.
Pointing
Here/There + is + Noun
Here is the milk.
Short Answer
Yes, Subject + Verb
Yes, it is.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Would you mind coming here?

Would you mind coming here? (requesting presence)

Neutral
Please come here.

Please come here. (requesting presence)

Informal
Get over here!

Get over here! (requesting presence)

Slang
Slide here real quick.

Slide here real quick. (requesting presence)

The Proximity Map

Speaker

Close (Touch)

  • Here In this spot

Far (Point)

  • There In that spot

Here vs There

Here
My house I am here.
There
The park Go there.

Which one do I use?

1

Can you touch the spot?

YES
Use 'Here'
NO
Use 'There'
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Examples by Level

1

I am here.

2

The dog is there.

3

Come here, please.

4

Is my phone there?

1

It is very cold here in winter.

2

Your shoes are over there by the door.

3

I lived there for three years.

4

Stop right there!

1

Here is the information you requested.

2

I've been there, I know how it feels.

3

There you go, all finished!

4

We need to get there by 8 PM.

1

Here comes the rain again.

2

There is no point in arguing about it.

3

Neither here nor there.

4

I'll be there for you if you need anything.

1

Herein lies the fundamental problem with the theory.

2

There exists a significant gap in the research.

3

The solution is right there in front of us.

4

Having been there myself, I can attest to the difficulty.

1

The 'there-ness' of the object is what defines its reality.

2

Here, the author shifts the narrative perspective.

3

There but for the grace of God go I.

4

The implications are neither here nor there in the grand scheme.

Easily Confused

Here & There: Simple Location vs Here/There vs. This/That

Learners use 'here' as an object instead of a location.

Here & There: Simple Location vs Existential 'There' vs. Locative 'There'

Mixing up 'There is a cat' (existence) with 'The cat is there' (location).

Here & There: Simple Location vs Here/There vs. Home

Learners try to say 'I am at here' like 'I am at home'.

Common Mistakes

✗

I go to there.

✓

I go there.

English does not use 'to' with 'here' or 'there'.
✗

The book is in here.

✓

The book is here.

While 'in here' is possible, 'here' alone is usually sufficient and simpler for beginners.
✗

I am there.

✓

I am here.

If you are at the location, you must use 'here'.
✗

Here is it.

✓

Here it is.

When using a pronoun with 'here/there' at the start, the pronoun comes before the verb.
✗

I like here.

✓

I like it here.

Verbs like 'like' or 'love' need an object ('it') before the adverb 'here'.
✗

Is there your car?

✓

Is that your car there?

Using 'there' as a pointing word in a question usually requires 'that'.
✗

Put it to there.

✓

Put it there.

Again, the 'to' is unnecessary and incorrect.
✗

Here comes it.

✓

Here it comes.

Inversion only happens with nouns (Here comes the bus), not pronouns.
✗

I will be here for you.

✓

I will be there for you.

The idiom for support always uses 'there'.
✗

There is no point of going.

✓

There is no point in going.

Confusing the preposition used with the existential 'there' phrase.
✗

Neither here or there.

✓

Neither here nor there.

The correct correlative conjunction is 'nor'.

Sentence Patterns

I am ___.

The ___ is over there.

Is it ___?

Here is your ___.

Real World Usage

Texting a friend constant

I'm here! Where are you?

Ordering Food very common

To eat here or take away?

Job Interview occasional

I am here to apply for the manager position.

Travel/Directions very common

Is the museum there, across the bridge?

Social Media common

Wish you were here! 🌴

At the Office common

Please leave the documents there on my desk.

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💡

The Pointing Rule

If you can point to it without moving your arm much, use 'here'. If you have to stretch your arm, use 'there'.
⚠️

No 'To' Allowed

Never say 'I go to here'. Just say 'I come here'. This is the most common mistake for beginners!
🎯

Over There

Add 'over' to 'there' (over there) to sound more natural when pointing to something visible but distant.
💬

Here you go

When you give someone something (like money or a gift), always say 'Here you go'. It's very polite.

Smart Tips

Just say 'I'm here!' It's the most natural way to announce your arrival.

I have arrived at this place. → I'm here!

Use 'over there' instead of just 'there'. It sounds much more descriptive.

The car is there. → The car is over there.

Say 'Here you go' or 'Here it is'.

Take this. → Here you go!

Remember: 'This' is the thing, 'Here' is the spot.

I like here. → I like this place / I like it here.

Pronunciation

/hɪər/

The 'h' in Here

The 'h' is always pronounced clearly with a breath of air.

/ðɛər/

The 'th' in There

This is a voiced 'th'. Your tongue should touch your top teeth and vibrate.

Pointing Emphasis

It's ↗THERE.

Rising intonation on 'there' helps the listener find the object.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

H-E-R-E is where I am; T-H-E-R-E is where I am not (it has 'the' + 're').

Visual Association

Imagine a circle around your feet. Everything inside the circle is 'here'. Everything outside the circle, where you have to point your finger, is 'there'.

Rhyme

Near is here, far is there. Use them both with extra care!

Story

I am sitting 'here' on my chair. My friend is 'there' across the room. I throw a ball from 'here' to 'there'. Now the ball is 'there' with my friend.

Word Web

herethereeverywherenowheresomewhereanywhere

Challenge

Look around your room. Point to 5 things and say 'It is here' or 'It is there' out loud.

Cultural Notes

Pointing with the index finger while saying 'there' is common but can be considered rude if pointing directly at a person for a long time.

The phrase 'There you are' is frequently used when giving something to someone, similar to 'Here you go'.

The phrase 'I'm out of here' is a very common informal way to say you are leaving immediately.

Both words come from Old English: 'her' (in this place) and 'thær' (in that place).

Conversation Starters

“

Are you here for work or for a holiday?

“

Is there a good restaurant near your house?

“

Have you ever been to London? What did you do there?

“

If you could be anywhere right now, where would you be?

Journal Prompts

Describe your room. What is here near you? What is there far from you?
Write about your favorite vacation spot. Why do you like going there?
Describe a time you were 'there' for a friend. What happened?

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Choose the correct word: I am standing ___ in my kitchen. Multiple Choice

I am standing ___ in my kitchen.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: here
Since the speaker is in the kitchen, 'here' is correct.
Fill in the blank: Look at that bird over ___!

Look at that bird over ___!

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: there
'Over there' is used for distant objects.
Correct the sentence: Please come to here. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Please come to here.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Please come here.
We do not use 'to' with 'here'.
Put the words in order. Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words in the correct order:

All words placed

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Your phone is there.
The standard order is Subject + Verb + Adverb.
Match the situation to the word. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-Here, 2-There
Close is here, far is there.
Choose the correct phrase for giving a gift. Multiple Choice

___, this is for you.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Here you go
'Here you go' is the standard phrase for giving.
Fill in the blank: I love it ___ in Paris!

I love it ___ in Paris! (You are in Paris now)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: here
If you are currently in the place, use 'here'.
Which is correct? Multiple Choice

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Here comes the bus!
With a noun, we invert the verb and subject after 'here'.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Choose the correct word: I am standing ___ in my kitchen. Multiple Choice

I am standing ___ in my kitchen.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: here
Since the speaker is in the kitchen, 'here' is correct.
Fill in the blank: Look at that bird over ___!

Look at that bird over ___!

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: there
'Over there' is used for distant objects.
Correct the sentence: Please come to here. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Please come to here.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Please come here.
We do not use 'to' with 'here'.
Put the words in order. Sentence Reorder

is / phone / your / there

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Your phone is there.
The standard order is Subject + Verb + Adverb.
Match the situation to the word. Match Pairs

1. Inside your hand, 2. Across the street

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-Here, 2-There
Close is here, far is there.
Choose the correct phrase for giving a gift. Multiple Choice

___, this is for you.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Here you go
'Here you go' is the standard phrase for giving.
Fill in the blank: I love it ___ in Paris!

I love it ___ in Paris! (You are in Paris now)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: here
If you are currently in the place, use 'here'.
Which is correct? Multiple Choice

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Here comes the bus!
With a noun, we invert the verb and subject after 'here'.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

12 exercises
Choose the correct word. Fill in the Blank

Please put your bag ____, next to the chair.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: there
Find and fix the mistake. Error Correction

The concert is here, in that big stadium (far away).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The concert is there, in that big stadium.
Which sentence is correct? Multiple Choice

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Are you here?
Translate into English: 'Ven aquí, por favor.' Translation

Translate into English: 'Ven aquí, por favor.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["Come here, please."]
Put the words in order to form a correct sentence. Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: My wallet is there!
Match each location word with its common context. Match Pairs

Match the location words with their typical use:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched
Choose the correct word. Fill in the Blank

I can see the mountains from ____.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: here
Find and fix the mistake. Error Correction

He said, 'I will meet you here at the airport in London' (speaker is in New York).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: He said, 'I will meet you there at the airport in London.'
Put the words in order to form a correct sentence. Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The bookstore is over there.
Translate into English: 'Pongo mi mochila aquí.' Translation

Translate into English: 'Pongo mi mochila aquí.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["I put my backpack here."]
Complete the sentence with the correct word. Fill in the Blank

The remote control is always ____ when I need it.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: there
Which sentence correctly uses 'here' or 'there'? Multiple Choice

Which sentence correctly uses 'here' or 'there'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: My family is here for me.

Score: /12

FAQ (8)

No, you should never use `at` or `to` with `here`. Simply say `I am here`.

`There` is general. `Over there` is more specific and usually implies you are pointing at something you can see.

Always say `Here it is`. We only put the noun after the verb, like `Here is the bus`. Pronouns always come first.

Not always. It can mean a point in time or a situation, like `Here is where the story gets interesting`.

Yes, you can say `He is there` to describe a person's location.

It's an idiom! It means 'You've done it' or 'Here is what you wanted'.

No, they are adverbs and never change. They stay the same for one person or many people.

It means something is not important or not relevant to the current discussion.

Scaffolded Practice

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2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

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In Other Languages

Spanish moderate

aquí / ahí / allí

English 'there' covers both 'ahí' and 'allí'.

French high

ici / là

In modern French, 'là' is often used for both 'here' and 'there'.

German high

hier / dort

German 'da' is very flexible and can mean both here and there depending on context.

Japanese low

koko / soko / asoko

English doesn't have a specific word for 'near the listener' (soko).

Arabic high

huna / hunaka

Arabic can add suffixes for even greater distance.

Chinese high

zhèlǐ / nàlǐ

Chinese literally builds the words from 'this' and 'that'.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
In, On, At: Where Things Are

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