Definition of Here Is or Here Are
“Here is” and “Here are” are phrases used to present or point out something. Use “Here is” with singular or uncountable nouns and “Here are” with plural nouns. They highlight what is being introduced in speech or writing.
Examples:
- Here is the book you asked for.
- Here are the keys for the office.
Understanding “Here Is” and “Here Are”
These phrases differ based on the number of the noun following them. The verb agrees with the real subject, not the word “here.”
Examples:
- Here is the information you requested.
- Here are my friends from college.
Bullet points: - Singular → is
- Plural → are
Why People Get Confused
Learners often use “here’s” for everything or misjudge the noun’s number. Spoken shortcuts and contractions also contribute.
Examples:
- Here’s the keys. ❌
- Here are the keys. ✅
Bullet points: - Contractions influence mistakes
- Plural nouns get treated as singular
- Informal speech reinforces errors
Why It Feels Right but Isn’t
People rely on the sound of “here’s” rather than checking the noun, leading to errors in plural contexts.
Bullet points:
- Auditory habit vs. grammar
- Informal speech bias
- Quick but incorrect usage
Subject–Verb Agreement Refresher
Check the subject after “here”: singular nouns take is, plural nouns take are.
Examples:
- Here is my report.
- Here are the reports.
Bullet points: - Singular → is
- Plural → are
Quick Grammar Rule
Look at the first noun after “here” to decide the verb.
Examples:
- Here is the chair.
- Here are the chairs.
Bullet points: - First noun determines agreement
Simple Test
Replace “here” with the actual subject to see if “is” or “are” fits.
Examples:
- My friends (are) ready. → Here are my friends.
Bullet points: - Swap method checks correctness
Countable and Uncountable Nouns in Action
Countable Nouns
Plural countable nouns always use are.
Examples:
- Here are the books.
- Here are the emails.
Bullet points: - books, files, keys, emails
Uncountable Nouns
Mass nouns always use is.
Examples:
- Here is the information.
- Here is some advice.
Bullet points: - information, advice, furniture
Edge Cases and Collective Nouns
Collective nouns depend on whether they are singular or plural in meaning.
Examples:
- Here is the team. (singular sense)
- Here are the staff members. (plural sense)
Bullet points: - team, staff, data, pair phrases
Everyday Usage and Style Considerations
The “Here’s” Problem
Using “here’s” for plurals is common in speech but incorrect in writing.
Examples:
- Here’s my friends ❌
- Here are my friends ✅
Bullet points: - Contractions can mislead
- Avoid in formal writing
Formal vs. Informal Contexts
Formal contexts require proper agreement; informal speech often bends rules.
Examples:
- Here is the report. (formal)
- Here’s the report. (informal)
Bullet points: - Emails, reports → formal
- Chats, casual speech → flexible
Tips to Avoid Mistakes
Bullet points:
- Pause and read aloud
- Identify singular vs plural
- Avoid overusing “here’s”
Special Cases and Exceptions
“There is / There are” vs. “Here is / Here are”
Use there is/are for existence, here is/are for presentation.
Table Example:
| Phrase | Use | Example |
| Here is | Presentation | Here is the report. |
| There is | Existence | There is a report on the desk. |
Lists of Nouns
Verb agrees with the first noun in the list.
Examples:
- Here is a pen and some paper.
- Here are pencils, erasers, and notebooks.
Pronoun Cases
Use singular pronouns with “is” and plural with “are.”
Examples:
- Here is it ❌ → Here it is ✅
- Here are they ❌ → Here they are ✅
Quick Grammar Checklist for Writers and Learners
Bullet points:
- Check the noun
- Singular → is, plural → are
- Swap “here” with the subject to confirm
Case Study: Common Mistakes in Professional Writing
Example 1: Business Email
Incorrect: Here’s the attachments. ❌
Corrected: Here are the attachments. ✅
Example 2: Journalism
Incorrect: Here’s the facts about the election. ❌
Corrected: Here are the facts about the election. ✅
Example 3: Academic Context
Incorrect: Here’s the data for the study. ❌
Corrected: Here is the data for the study. ✅
Comparison Table: Here Is vs Here Are
| Phrase | Use | Noun Type | Example |
| Here is | Singular / uncountable | Book, advice, info | Here is the book. |
| Here are | Plural | Keys, reports, emails | Here are the keys. |
Common Mistakes / Confusions
Examples:
- Here’s the keys ❌
- Here is the information ✅
Bullet points: - Plural nouns with “is”
- Overuse of “here’s”
- Ignoring first noun in lists
Examples Section
Examples:
- Here is the pen.
- Here are the documents.
- Here is some information.
- Here are chairs and tables.
Self Assessment Section
Mini Quiz (choose is/are):
- Here ___ my shoes.
- Here ___ some advice.
- Here ___ the students.
- Here ___ a pen and notebook.
- Here ___ the photos.
Answer Key: 1-are, 2-is, 3-are, 4-is, 5-are
Expert Insights & Fun Grammar Facts
Bullet points:
- “Here is/are” follows inversion rules
- Spoken English favors “here’s”
- Collective nouns can be tricky
Final Thoughts
“Here is” and “Here are” are essential tools for clear English communication. The choice depends on the number and type of the noun that follows: singular or uncountable nouns always pair with is, while plural nouns require are. Misusing them, especially in professional or academic contexts, can confuse readers and weaken credibility. A common pitfall is overusing “here’s” for plurals due to speech habits, but conscious checking of the subject noun solves this. Using simple tests—replacing “here” with the noun—helps learners self-correct and reinforce patterns. Collective nouns and lists may require careful observation: the verb agrees with the first noun in the series. Practicing these phrases in emails, presentations, and daily writing builds confidence, while spotting mistakes in real examples sharpens awareness. Remember, clarity is key: even casual contexts benefit from correct subject–verb agreement. By combining memorization strategies, checklists, and practice exercises, beginners can master these phrases quickly. Once confident, you’ll find “Here is” and “Here are” natural to use, giving your writing and speech precision and professionalism. Start with short sentences, gradually include complex lists and collective nouns, and always read aloud to ensure agreement. Correct usage reflects expertise and attention to detail, crucial for ESL learners, content writers, and anyone aiming for polished communication.
FAQs
What is the difference between “Here is” and “Here are”?
“Here is” is used for singular or uncountable nouns, while “Here are” is for plural nouns. The verb must agree with the real subject following “here.”
Can I use “Here’s” with plural nouns?
Informally, people often say “here’s” with plurals, but grammatically it’s incorrect. Always use “here are” for plural nouns in writing.
Why do people say “Here’s the keys” if it’s wrong?
It’s a spoken shortcut where “here’s” sounds simpler, but it ignores subject–verb agreement rules.
Which is correct: “Here are the information” or “Here is the information”?
Correct: “Here is the information.” Information is uncountable and takes singular agreement.
Do British and American English treat “Here is/Here are” differently?
No, both varieties follow the same rule: singular/uncountable nouns → is, plural nouns → are. Minor informal speech tendencies may differ.
How do I know whether to use is or are after here?
Check the first noun after “here”: singular → is, plural → are. Swap “here” with the noun to verify.
Can “Here is” start a formal email?
Yes. Use “Here is” for singular or uncountable items and “Here are” for plural items in professional writing.
What about lists—should I follow the first noun?
Yes, the verb agrees with the first noun in a list. “Here is a pen and notebook” is correct; “Here are a pen and notebook” is not.
Is “Here are it” ever correct?
No. Pronouns must match: singular → is, plural → are. Correct: “Here it is” or “Here they are.”
What’s the fastest way to avoid mistakes?
Identify the noun after “here,” determine if it’s singular, plural, or uncountable, and match the verb accordingly. Reading aloud helps.
Sophia Turner is a grammar-focused writer who covers similes, word-versus-word meanings, and correct English usage. Her content is designed for learners who want quick answers, logical explanations, and practical guidance for improving writing accuracy and style.
