here: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
A1Universal (used in all registers from colloquial to formal)
Quick answer
What does “here” mean?
in, at, or to this place or position. Used to refer to the location of the speaker or writer.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
in, at, or to this place or position. Used to refer to the location of the speaker or writer.
Can be used to indicate a point reached in a process, argument, or narrative (e.g., 'here we must stop'). Also functions as an interjection to attract attention or as a deictic marker in discourse (e.g., 'Here's the thing...').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or usage. Minor spelling variations in certain compounds (e.g., BrE 'herewith', AmE occasionally 'here with'). The idiom 'neither here nor there' is equally common.
Connotations
Identical connotations of immediacy and proximity in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both BrE and AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “here” in a Sentence
[Verb] + here (e.g., Come here)Here + [Verb] + [Subject] (e.g., Here comes the bus)Be + here (e.g., I am here)[Pronoun] + here (e.g., you here)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “here” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not a verb)
American English
- (Not a verb)
adverb
British English
- Please sign your name here.
- I've lived here for years.
American English
- Please sign right here.
- Come on over here!
adjective
British English
- This here book is mine. (informal/dialectal)
American English
- This here form needs your signature. (informal/dialectal)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The report you requested is here on my desk." Used to indicate availability of documents or personnel.
Academic
"Here we see the first major flaw in the argument." Used to guide the reader through a text or proof.
Everyday
"I'll be right here when you get back." The most common, location-indicating use.
Technical
In programming, can be a comment marker (e.g., // TODO: insert code here).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “here”
- Inversion error: 'Here it is' NOT 'Here is it'. However, with noun subjects inversion is standard: 'Here is your book.'
- Overuse in writing where a more precise location would be better.
- Confusing 'hear' (sound) with 'here' (place).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While its primary use is physical location, it is commonly used metaphorically to indicate a point in a discussion, text, or process (e.g., 'Here the author makes a key point').
'Over here' adds a sense of movement or gesture across a space towards the speaker. It's often used when the exact location isn't immediately obvious or needs emphasis (e.g., 'No, over here by the window!').
With full noun subjects (the bus), inversion is standard: 'Here comes the bus.' With pronoun subjects (it), inversion is not used: 'Here it comes.'
It is generally acceptable, especially when introducing or presenting something ('Here's the data we collected'). However, in very formal academic or legal writing, a more straightforward construction ('The data is presented below') might be preferred.
in, at, or to this place or position. Used to refer to the location of the speaker or writer.
Here: in British English it is pronounced /hɪə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /hɪr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “neither here nor there”
- “here today, gone tomorrow”
- “here's to...”
- “be neither here nor there”
- “same here”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HERE contains HEAR – you can 'hear' someone better if they are 'here' close to you.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRESENCE IS BEING HERE / ATTENTION IS A LOCATION (e.g., 'Are you still with me here?' meaning 'Are you paying attention?')
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'here' used metaphorically?