there
adverb /ðeə(r)/
/ðer/
Idioms - strong form /ðeə(r)/, weak form /ðə(r)/strong form /ðer/, weak form /ðər/there is, are, was, were, etc.used to show that something exists or happens
- There's a restaurant around the corner.
- There are two people waiting outside.
- Has there been an accident?
- I don't want there to be any misunderstanding.
- There seemed to be no doubt about it.
- In our old town there appeared to be two sorts of people.
- There comes a point where you give up.
- There remains the problem of finance.
- There used to be a cinema here.
- Suddenly there was a loud bang.
- Many people believe there need to be more women in video games.
- (informal) There's only four days left.
- (literary) There once was a poor farmer who had four sons.
- in, at or to that place or position
- We went on to Paris and stayed there eleven days.
- I hope we get there in time.
- It's there, right in front of you!
- There it is—just behind the chair.
- We're almost there (= we have almost arrived).
- Are we nearly there yet?
- Come on, I know you're there somewhere.
- Hello, is Bob there please? (= used when calling somebody on the phone)
- prep. + there ‘Have you seen my pen?’ ‘Yes, it's over there.’
- There are a lot of people back there (= behind) waiting to get in.
- I'm not going in there—it's freezing!
- I left in 2008 and I haven't been back there since.
- Can I get there and back in a day?
- I took one look at the car and offered to buy it there and then/then and there (= immediately).
- James just sat there in silence.
- He wasn't doing anything, just standing there.
- existing or available
- I went to see if my old school was still there.
- The money's there if you need it.
- This is the most exciting technology out there today.
- Most of the system is already there, just waiting to be used.
- at that point (in a story, an argument, etc.)
- ‘I feel…’ There she stopped.
- I don't agree with you there.
- used to attract somebody’s attention
- Hello, there!
- You there! Come back!
- There you are! I've been looking for you everywhere.
- used to attract somebody’s attention to a particular person, thing or fact
- There's the statue I was telling you about.
- That woman there is the boss's wife.
- There goes the last bus (= we've just missed it).
- There goes the phone (= it's ringing).
- (humorous) There goes my career! (= my career is ruined)
- So, there you have it: that's how it all started.
- there to do something used to show the role of a person or thing in a situation
- The fact is, they're there to make money.
Word OriginOld English thǣr, thēr of Germanic origin; related to Dutch daar and German da, also to that and the.
Idioms
been there, done that
- (informal) used to show that you think a place or an activity is not very interesting or impressive because you have already experienced it
- Not Spain again! Been there, done that, got the T-shirt.
be there for somebody
- to be available if somebody wants to talk to you or if they need help
- You know I'll always be there for you.
by there
- (Welsh English) there; to there
- He's over by there.
have been there before
- (informal) to know all about a situation because you have experienced it
here and there
- in various places
- Papers were scattered here and there on the floor.
not all there
- (informal) not very intelligent, especially because of mental illness
so there!
- (informal) used to show that you are determined not to change your attitude or opinion
- Well, you can't have it, so there!
there it is
- (informal) that is the situation
- It's crazy, I know, but there it is.
there or thereabouts
- (British English, informal) used to say that something is very good, even if it is not perfect
- At the end of the tournament, he'll be there or thereabouts (= he may not win, but he will be one of the best players).
there’s something for you
- (informal) used to say that something is a very good example of something
- She visited him every day he was in the hospital. There's devotion for you.
- (ironic) He didn't even say thank you. There's gratitude for you!
there’s a good boy, girl, dog, etc.
- (informal) used to praise or encourage small children or animals
- Finish your lunch, there's a good boy.
there’s lovely, nice, etc.
- (Welsh English) used to say that something has a particular quality
there, there!
- (informal) used to persuade a small child to stop crying or being upset
- There, there! Never mind, you'll soon feel better.
there you are
(also there you go)
(informal)- used when giving somebody a thing they want or have asked for
- There you are—that'll be £3.80, please.
- OK, there you go.
- used when explaining or showing something to somebody
- You switch on, push in the DVD and there you are!
- There you are! I told you it was easy!
- used when you are talking about something that happens in a typical way or about a situation that cannot be changed
- There you go—that's what they're like.
- I know it’s not ideal but there you go…
there you go again
- (informal) used to criticize somebody when they behave in a way that is typical of them
- There you go again—jumping to conclusions.