English grammar may look simple at first, but small phrases can sometimes cause big confusion. One such common confusion is between “here is” and “here are.” These two expressions are used almost every day—in classrooms, offices, emails, conversations, and even on social media. Yet, many learners are unsure which one is correct and when to use it. As a result, mistakes like “Here is the books” or “Here’s the answers” are very common, even among advanced English users.
The confusion usually happens because the sentence starts with the word “here,” and learners forget to focus on the noun that comes after it. In reality, the choice between “is” and “are” does not depend on here at all—it depends on whether the noun is singular or plural. Understanding this small rule can greatly improve both spoken and written English.
In everyday communication, people often use contractions like “here’s”, which makes the confusion even stronger. While such forms may sound natural in casual speech, they are not always grammatically correct—especially in writing, exams, or professional settings. That is why learning the correct use of here is vs here are is important for students, teachers, and anyone who wants to speak and write English clearly and confidently.
This topic is especially useful for ESL learners, school students, and competitive exam candidates because it connects directly with subject-verb agreement, one of the most important grammar rules in English. Once you understand how here is and here are work, you will find it much easier to avoid mistakes and sound more natural in English.
What Is “Here Is” and “Here Are”? (Simple Definition)
Here is and here are are common English structures used to introduce, point to, or present something.
- Here is → used with singular nouns
- Here are → used with plural nouns
👉 The verb (is / are) agrees with the noun that comes after, not with here.
Why “Here Is vs Here Are” Confuses Learners
In everyday conversations, people often use here is and here are quickly, without thinking about grammar rules. Because here comes first, learners mistakenly think it controls the verb.
From real-life teaching experience, this is one of the top 10 grammar mistakes ESL learners make.
How “Here Is” and “Here Are” Work in Grammar
Basic Grammar Rule
The structure follows this pattern:
Here + verb (is/are) + noun
The noun decides the verb.
- Singular noun → here is
- Plural noun → here are
When to Use “Here Is” (Singular Form)
Use here is when you are introducing one person, thing, or idea.
Examples
- Here is my book.
- Here is the answer.
- Here is your coffee.
Explanation:
Each sentence refers to one item, so is is correct.
When to Use “Here Are” (Plural Form)
Use here are when introducing more than one person or thing.
Examples
- Here are your keys.
- Here are the answers.
- Here are my notes.
Explanation:
The nouns are plural, so are is required.
Here Is vs Here Are: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Here Is | Here Are |
|---|---|---|
| Noun type | Singular | Plural |
| Verb used | Is | Are |
| Example | Here is the file. | Here are the files. |
| Common mistake | Using with plural nouns | Using with singular nouns |
Here Is vs Here Are in Everyday Life
In everyday conversations, people often use here is and here are to:
- Hand something to someone
- Start an explanation
- Introduce information
- Share links or lists
Examples
- At a café: Here is your tea.
- In class: Here are today’s topics.
- On WhatsApp: Here is the link.
Here Is vs Here Are in Writing
Academic Writing
- Here is the definition.
- Here are the main arguments.
Emails
- Here is the document you requested.
- Here are the updated files.
Social Media & Captions
- Here is my latest post.
- Here are some memories from the trip.
“Here’s” vs “Here Are” (Contractions Explained)
What Is “Here’s”?
Here’s = Here is
⚠ Important:
People often incorrectly use here’s with plural nouns in casual speech.
Correct
- Here’s the answer.
- Here’s my idea.
Incorrect (Very Common Mistake)
- ❌ Here’s the keys.
- ❌ Here’s the reasons.
Correct Version
- ✅ Here are the keys.
- ✅ Here are the reasons.
Here Is vs Here Are with Lists
Single Item List
- Here is the grocery list.
Multiple Items List
- Here are the grocery items:
- Milk
- Bread
- Eggs
Tip:
Even if the list comes later, the implied noun decides the verb.
Here Is vs Here Are with Uncountable Nouns
Uncountable nouns are treated as singular.
Examples
- Here is the information.
- Here is some advice.
- Here is the news.
Even though they sound plural, they are grammatically singular.
Here Is vs Here Are with Collective Nouns
Collective nouns depend on meaning, not form.
Examples
- Here is the team. (acting as one unit)
- Here are the team members. (individual people)
Here Is vs Here Are in Questions
Examples
- Is here the problem?
- Are here the documents?
In modern English, this structure is rare. People usually say:
- Is this the problem?
- Are these the documents?
How to Choose Correctly (Simple Trick)
Ask yourself:
What comes after “here”?
- One thing → here is
- More than one → here are
This one question solves 90% of confusion.
Common Mistakes People Make with “Here Is vs Here Are”
Mistake 1: Ignoring the noun
❌ Here is the rules.
✅ Here are the rules.
Mistake 2: Overusing “Here’s”
❌ Here’s the reasons.
✅ Here are the reasons.
Mistake 3: Letting speech habits affect writing
Casual speech ≠ correct writing.
How Teachers Explain “Here Is vs Here Are” to Students
Educators often use object pointing:
- One pen → Here is a pen.
- Two pens → Here are two pens.
This physical method helps memory.
How Writers Use “Here Is” and “Here Are” Effectively
Writers use these phrases to:
- Introduce ideas smoothly
- Guide readers
- Improve flow
Example
Here are three reasons why grammar matters.
Common “Here Is / Here Are” Examples with Explanations
Singular (Here Is)
- Here is the answer. – One answer
- Here is my phone. – One object
- Here is your ticket. – One ticket
- Here is the plan. – One plan
- Here is the solution. – One solution
- Here is a suggestion. – One idea
- Here is the problem. – One issue
- Here is the reason. – One reason
- Here is my opinion. – One opinion
- Here is the link. – One link
- Here is some advice. – Uncountable noun
- Here is the news. – Treated as singular
- Here is your gift. – One gift
- Here is the form. – One document
- Here is my response. – One response
Plural (Here Are)
- Here are the answers. – More than one
- Here are your shoes. – Two items
- Here are the documents. – Multiple files
- Here are my ideas. – Many ideas
- Here are the reasons. – Plural noun
- Here are your keys. – Multiple keys
- Here are the steps. – Several steps
- Here are the results. – Multiple outcomes
- Here are my notes. – More than one note
- Here are the instructions. – Plural noun
- Here are the photos. – Multiple images
- Here are your options. – Several choices
- Here are the answers you wanted. – Plural answers
- Here are my recommendations. – Many suggestions
- Here are the details. – More than one detail
Here Is vs Here Are for Exams and Tests
Quick Exam Rule
- Singular → is
- Plural → are
Exam Tip
Underline the noun after “here” before choosing the verb.
Here Is vs Here Are in Spoken vs Written English
- Spoken English: more flexible, informal
- Written English: grammar matters more
For essays, emails, and exams → always follow the rule.
FAQs: Here Is vs Here Are
1. Is “here is” always singular?
Yes, it must be followed by a singular or uncountable noun.
2. Can I say “here’s the documents”?
No. That is incorrect in standard English.
3. Why do native speakers say it wrong?
Because casual speech often ignores grammar rules.
4. Is “here are” formal or informal?
It works in both formal and informal English.
5. Which is better for exams?
Always use grammatically correct forms, not spoken shortcuts.
Suggested Internal Links
- Singular vs Plural Nouns
- Subject-Verb Agreement
- Is vs Are
- This vs These
Conclusion
The difference between “here is” and “here are” may seem small, but it plays a big role in correct English usage. The key rule to remember is very simple: always look at the noun that comes after “here.” If the noun is singular or uncountable, use here is. If the noun is plural, use here are. This single rule can help you avoid most errors related to this topic.
Many mistakes happen because people follow spoken habits instead of grammar rules. In casual conversation, native speakers may say things like “Here’s the keys,” but in correct and standard English—especially in writing—that form is wrong. As a learner, it is important to know the difference between informal speech and correct grammar, and to use the correct form in exams, essays, emails, and professional communication.
By mastering here is vs here are, you strengthen your overall grammar, improve sentence clarity, and build confidence in English. Whether you are a student learning basic grammar, a teacher explaining subject-verb agreement, or a writer aiming for accuracy, this small concept can make a noticeable difference in your language skills.
The best way to master this topic is practice. Read sentences carefully, identify the noun, and then choose the correct verb. Over time, the correct usage will become natural. Remember, good English is not about using difficult words—it is about using simple words correctly. When you get “here is” and “here are” right, you take one more strong step toward clear and confident English communication.
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