Somewhere vs. Somewheres – Which is Correct?
The correct word is somewhere. “Somewheres” is a nonstandard, informal, and grammatically incorrect variant of “somewhere” that should be avoided in formal writing and speech. Always opt for “somewhere” to indicate an unspecified or unknown location, direction, or time.
Somewhere or Somewheres – Which is Correct?
The distinction between “somewhere” and “somewheres” is straightforward: only “somewhere” is considered standard English. “Somewheres” is a nonstandard, informal, or dialectal variant, often heard in casual speech but widely regarded as incorrect in formal contexts. The root cause of this confusion is often a phonetic habit of adding an extraneous ‘s’ to adverbs of place (like “anywheres,” “nowheres,” “everywheres”), perhaps by analogy with plural nouns or possessives, though grammatically it serves no function.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
To remember the difference, simply think of the word “where.” “Somewhere” correctly ends with “where,” which already denotes a place. Adding an extra “s” to “somewheres” is unnecessary and grammatically incorrect. Just as you wouldn’t say “where’s” when you mean “where” in this context, you don’t need the extra ‘s’ on “somewhere.” Stick to the simpler form that ends with “where.”
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Somewhere | Adverb | In, at, or to an unspecified or unknown place or location. | “I left my keys somewhere in the house.” |
| Somewheres | Nonstandard Adverb | Nonstandard variant of “somewhere”; grammatically incorrect. | “He went somewheres over yonder.” (Incorrect in formal English) |
How to Use Somewhere
“Somewhere” is an adverb used to refer to an unspecified or unknown place, location, or direction. It can also be used to indicate an approximate value, amount, or time. It is a versatile word suitable for both formal and informal contexts, always conveying a sense of vagueness regarding location. It can function as an adverb of place, or more broadly, to express an indefinite notion of existence or location.
Example 1: “We need to find a quiet coffee shop somewhere in the city to discuss the project.”
Example 2: “The solution to this complex problem must exist somewhere; we just haven’t found it yet.”
Example 3: “I heard a strange noise coming from somewhere upstairs.”
Etymology of the word Somewhere
The word “somewhere” originates from Old English. It is a compound of “some” (meaning “a certain, an unspecified”) and “where” (from Old English hwær, meaning “at what place”). The combination formed an adverb indicating an indefinite place. Its usage has remained consistent over centuries, always without the trailing ‘s’, which emerged later as a nonstandard dialectal addition.
Related Concepts
Understanding broader grammatical concepts helps clarify why “somewhere” is correct and “somewheres” is not.
- Adverbs of Place: These are words that tell us where an action happens. Examples include here, there, everywhere, nowhere, inside, outside, upstairs, downstairs, and importantly, somewhere. These adverbs do not typically take an ‘s’ ending to indicate plurality or any other grammatical function.
- Nonstandard English: This refers to forms of language that deviate from the grammatical rules or vocabulary of standard English. “Somewheres” falls into this category, often associated with regional dialects or informal speech but generally avoided in academic, professional, or formal writing.
Examples from Media and Literature
- From The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: “I’ve been everywhere and seen everything and done everything… I want to go somewhere and get drunk.”
- From The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams: “Space is big. Really big. You just won’t believe how vastly, hugely, mind-bogglingly big it is. I mean, you may think it’s a long way down the road to the chemist’s, but that’s just peanuts to space… somewhere out there.”
- From the film The Shawshank Redemption: “Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies. I will be looking for it somewhere.”
- From a news report on June 1, 2026: “Experts believe the missing artifact is hidden somewhere in the recently excavated ruins.”
Somewhere Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| In a place | Referring to an unspecified location. |
| About | Approximately (when referring to quantity or time). |
| Anywhere | In any place at all; often used in questions or negative statements. |
| Somewhere along the line | At some unspecified point or stage in a process or sequence. |
| Locally | In the vicinity or a particular area (less vague than somewhere). |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “somewheres” ever acceptable in writing?
No, “somewheres” is generally not acceptable in any form of written English, including informal communication like emails or texts, if you wish to maintain standard grammar. It is considered a nonstandard variant.
Question 2: Why do people say “somewheres” if it’s incorrect?
The use of “somewheres” often stems from regional dialects, informal speech patterns, or a phonetic habit where an ‘s’ is appended to adverbs of place (like “anywheres,” “nowheres”). While common in certain spoken contexts, it doesn’t adhere to standard grammatical rules.
Question 3: Are there other words like “somewheres” that should be avoided?
Yes, similar nonstandard variants include “anywheres” (instead of “anywhere”), “nowheres” (instead of “nowhere”), and “everywheres” (instead of “everywhere”). In all these cases, the correct standard English form omits the final ‘s’.
Conclusion
In the “somewhere or somewheres” debate, “somewhere” is the undisputed champion of correct English. While “somewheres” might surface in very informal speech or specific dialects, it is universally considered nonstandard and grammatically incorrect in any formal, professional, or academic setting. Choosing “somewhere” demonstrates a command of standard English, ensuring clarity and credibility in your communication. Pro Tip: Consistently using standard English forms like “somewhere” can significantly enhance your professional reputation and the perceived authority of your writing and speech.
