Here Are vs. Here Is – Which is Correct?

The choice between here are and here is hinges entirely on subject-verb agreement. Use here is when introducing a singular subject or an uncountable noun, and here are when introducing a plural subject. Always identify the noun that follows the phrase to determine the correct verb form.

Here Are or Here Is – Which is Correct?

Both “here are” and “here is” are grammatically correct phrases in English, and the decision of which to use depends on the number (singular or plural) of the noun that follows them. This concept is known as subject-verb agreement, even though “here” is an adverb and not the subject itself. In these inverted sentence structures, the true subject appears after the verb.

Use here is when the noun immediately following the phrase is singular or an uncountable noun. For example, “Here is the book” (singular) or “Here is some water” (uncountable).

Use here are when the noun immediately following the phrase is plural. For example, “Here are the books” (plural).

The Best Trick to Remember the Difference

The simplest trick to remember the difference is the “Subject Spotter” test. Mentally (or physically) locate the noun that comes *after* “here is” or “here are.” If that noun is singular or uncountable, use “is.” If it’s plural, use “are.”

• Here is the key. (key is singular)
• Here are the keys. (keys are plural)
• Here is the information. (information is uncountable)

Phrase	Grammatical Rule	Meaning/Function	Example
Here is	Used with singular or uncountable subjects.	Introduces a singular item or an uncountable quantity.	Here is your coffee.
Here are	Used with plural subjects.	Introduces multiple items.	Here are the documents.

How to Use Here Are

“Here are” is used to present or point out multiple items or a plural subject. It’s a common phrase in both formal and informal contexts to draw attention to something that is physically present or about to be discussed. The verb “are” agrees with the plural subject that follows it.

Example 1: “Here are the results of the survey that we discussed earlier today.”

Example 2: “Please take a seat; here are the menus for your consideration.”

Example 3: “I’ve finished organizing everything; here are the files you requested.”

Etymology of the phrase Here Are

The phrase “here are” combines the adverb “here” (from Old English hēr, meaning “in this place”) with the plural present tense form of the verb “to be” (“are,” from Old English earon/sind). Together, they form a deictic expression used to indicate the presence or presentation of multiple items or a plural subject in a specific location (often implied as the speaker’s immediate vicinity).

How to Use Here Is

“Here is” is used to present or point out a single item, a singular subject, or an uncountable noun. Like “here are,” it serves to draw attention to something present or forthcoming. The verb “is” agrees with the singular or uncountable subject that follows it.

Example 1: “Here is the new proposal I’ve been working on all week.”

Example 2: “Thank you for waiting; here is your change and receipt.”

Example 3: “I’ve brewed a fresh pot; here is some coffee if you’d like a cup.”

Etymology of the phrase Here Is

The phrase “here is” similarly combines the adverb “here” (from Old English hēr) with the singular present tense form of the verb “to be” (“is,” from Old English is). This combination creates an expression that indicates the presence or presentation of a single item or an uncountable quantity in a given location, often directly in front of or near the speaker.

Related Concepts

Understanding a few broader grammatical concepts can help solidify your grasp of when to use “here is” versus “here are.”

• Subject-Verb Agreement: This fundamental rule dictates that the verb in a sentence must agree in number (singular or plural) with its subject. In phrases like “here is/are,” the subject is typically located *after* the verb, making it crucial to identify it correctly.
• Inverted Sentences: Sentences that begin with “here” or “there” often invert the usual subject-verb order. Instead of “The book is here,” we say “Here is the book.” This inversion doesn’t change the subject-verb agreement rule; the verb still agrees with the actual subject, not with “here” or “there.”

Examples from Media and Literature

• “Well, here is the point where you either believe me or you don’t.” – From a novel discussing a crucial decision.
• “And here are the young men who have come to compete in the annual games!” – A narrator announcing contestants at an event.
• “Here is a story for you, one that might just change your perspective.” – An opening line from a podcast or short story.
• “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears; I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him. Here is the will…” – William Shakespeare, Julius Caesar (though the exact phrasing varies, the concept of presenting a singular item like a will applies).
• “Here are a few things you can do to improve your overall health and well-being.” – A common introductory phrase in self-help articles or guides.

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

1. “Please don’t worry, ________________ a solution to our problem.”
2. “Look! ________________ all the children playing in the park.”
3. “I’ve packed your lunch; ________________ your sandwich and an apple.”
4. “For your safety, ________________ the instructions you must follow.”
5. “________________ some good news for everyone who’s been waiting.”

Answer Key

1. is
2. are
3. are
4. are
5. is

Here Is/Are (Introductory Phrases) Synonyms

Synonym/Alternative Phrase	Definition/Context
Voila!	An exclamation to call attention to something just presented or accomplished.
Behold!	An archaic or formal exclamation used to draw attention to something impressive or significant.
Presenting…	Used to introduce something formally or dramatically.
Allow me to present…	A more formal way to introduce a person, item, or idea.
I give you…	A somewhat dramatic or formal way to hand over or introduce something.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Can “here’s” be used interchangeably with “here is”?
Yes, “here’s” is a common contraction of “here is” and is widely used in informal speech and writing. It cannot be used for “here are.” While grammatically correct for singular subjects, it’s generally avoided in formal contexts.

Question 2: What if the subject is a collective noun (e.g., “team,” “family”)?
With collective nouns, the choice depends on whether you are emphasizing the group as a single unit or the individual members within the group. In American English, collective nouns are typically treated as singular. So, “Here is the team” (referring to the team as one entity) is more common than “Here are the team,” unless you are specifically referring to the individual members (e.g., “Here are the team members”).

Question 3: Does the distance of the object matter when using “here is/are”?
While “here” generally implies proximity, the grammatical rule (subject-verb agreement) remains the same regardless of the actual physical distance. You would still say “Here is the moon” even though it’s far away, because “moon” is singular. The phrase indicates presentation, not necessarily immediate touchable proximity.

Conclusion

Mastering the use of “here is” and “here are” is a straightforward application of subject-verb agreement. Always remember to identify whether the noun that follows the phrase is singular, plural, or uncountable. This simple rule ensures clarity and grammatical correctness in your communication. A pro tip for professional writing: consistently applying this rule demonstrates attention to detail and enhances your credibility as a communicator.