There: Definition, Meaning, and Examples

Last Updated on
December 7, 2025

1. There (adverb): In, at, or to a specific place or position.
2. There (pronoun): Used to introduce a sentence or clause.
3. There (noun): That place or location.
4. There (interjection): Used for emphasis or reassurance.

The word "there" can refer to a place, be used to introduce a sentence, or act as a filler when stating something exists. It helps point out locations or situations, like “over there” or “there is a problem.” It also appears in expressions and idioms that describe presence or existence. Dig deeper into this word’s many roles and how it shapes sentence flow and meaning.

"There" Definition: What Does "There" Mean?

"There" is a common word used to indicate place, existence, or a state of being. It plays an essential role in English grammar.

Definition of "There": Specific Location

"There" is used to refer to a particular place, either mentioned or understood from context.

Definition of "There": Introductory Pronoun

It is used to introduce sentences, particularly with "is" or "are," to indicate existence.

Definition of "There": Interjection

As an interjection, it reassures or comforts someone.

Parts of Speech

"There" functions as multiple parts of speech, making it a highly versatile word in the English language. As an adverb, it indicates a place or position, such as in the sentence, "She is over there." It also functions as a pronoun, introducing a statement or clause, as in "There is a problem with the engine." In some cases, "there" serves as a noun, referring to a particular place, such as in "We will meet you there." Additionally, it can be used as an interjection to express reassurance or emphasis, as in "There, there, everything will be fine." Understanding these different roles helps clarify its meaning in various contexts.

How to Pronounce "There"?

The word "there" is pronounced as "thair." It has one syllable and rhymes with "where." The "th" sound at the beginning is voiced, similar to the "th" in "this." The vowel sound is similar to the word "air," making it an easy word to pronounce clearly in speech. When saying "there," ensure the "th" is pronounced softly but distinctly.

Phonetic Pronunciation: /ðɛr/

Synonyms of "There": Other Ways to Say "There"

Several words can be used in place of "there" depending on the context.

  • Here
  • Yonder
  • That place
  • Over there
  • In that location

Antonyms of "There": Other Ways to Say "There"

The opposite of "there" generally implies absence or another location.

  • Here
  • Nowhere
  • Absent
  • Elsewhere
  • Away

Examples of "There" in a Sentence

Here are ten examples showcasing different uses of "there."

  1. She left her bag there on the table.
  2. There are many reasons to travel.
  3. We stood there for hours.
  4. Is anyone there?
  5. There is no reason to worry.
  6. Look over there—do you see that?
  7. The keys are there, next to the book.
  8. Don't go there; it's dangerous.
  9. There, that should fix it.
  10. She lives there, in that house.

Frequency of Use

"There" is one of the most frequently used words in English, especially in spoken language. Its frequency ranks high in all forms of writing, from casual emails to academic papers. Because of its flexible usage, it appears in many sentence types across nearly all English texts.

Variants of "There"

"There" has a few spelling and structural variations used in different contexts.

  1. There’s: A contraction of "there is" or "there has."
  2. There’re: A contraction of "there are."
  3. Therein: Meaning "in that place or situation."
  4. Thereon: Meaning "on that."
  5. Thereupon: Meaning "immediately or shortly after that."

Related Terms to "There"

Several words are closely related to "there."

  1. Here
  2. Where
  3. Over
  4. Elsewhere
  5. That

Etymology: History and Origins of "There"

The word "there" comes from Old English "þǣr," which meant “in or at that place.” It’s related to the Proto-Germanic word *thar and the Proto-Indo-European root *ter, which means “through” or “across.” By the 1100s, it had already taken on multiple uses in Middle English, including introductory and locative forms. Its grammatical roles expanded across centuries, especially as sentence structure became more fluid in modern English.

Derivatives and Compounds of "There"

These words are derived from or built using "there."

  1. Therefore: Meaning "for that reason."
  2. Thereabout: Meaning "near that place."
  3. Thereafter: Meaning "after that event."

Common Misspellings of "There"

These common errors often confuse writers.

  1. Their
  2. They're
  3. Thare
  4. Ther
  5. Thair

10 Idioms Similar to "There"

These idioms convey similar meanings.

  1. Be there or be square
  2. Here and there
  3. Hang in there
  4. Get in there
  5. Out of there
  6. There and then
  7. Neither here nor there
  8. Been there, done that
  9. There you go
  10. Put it out there

10 Common Questions About "There"

Here are ten frequently asked questions about "there."

1. What is the meaning of "there"?

"There" refers to a location, existence, or state of being.

2. Is "there" a noun?

Yes, "there" can function as a noun when referring to a place.

3. How do you use "there" in a sentence?

"There" is commonly used to indicate location or existence, such as in "There is a book on the table."

4. What is the difference between "there," "their," and "they’re"?

"There" refers to a place or existence, "their" is a possessive pronoun, and "they're" is a contraction of "they are."

5. Can "there" be used as an interjection?

Yes, "there" can be used as an interjection to provide reassurance, such as in "There, there, everything will be fine."

6. What part of speech is "there" most commonly used as?

"There" is most commonly used as an adverb indicating location.

7. Is "there" formal or informal?

"There" is neutral and used in both formal and informal contexts.

8. Can "there" be used to start a sentence?

Yes, "there" is often used at the beginning of sentences to introduce statements, such as "There is a reason for this."

9. Does "there" have synonyms?

Yes, synonyms of "there" include "here," "yonder," and "that place."

10. How do you pronounce "there"?

"There" is pronounced as "thair," rhyming with "where."

Conclusion

"There" is a versatile word that indicates location, introduces statements, and provides reassurance in various contexts. Its flexibility makes it an essential part of daily communication. Using "there" correctly enhances clarity and precision in writing and speech.

We encourage you to share this article on Twitter and Facebook. Just click those two links - you'll see why.

It's important to share the news to spread the truth. Most people won't.

Copyright © 2025 - U.S. Dictionary
Privacy Policy
magnifier