# there

/ˈðɛɹ/ (US) · /ðˈeə/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/there
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. at that place

adverb · CEFR A1

in, at, or to a place that is not where you are now.

For teachers: at or in that place; used to indicate a location away from the speaker.

- Put the chair over there by the window so we can see the garden.
- The hikers decided to camp there because the plateau offered a clear view of the valley and protection from the wind.

Usage: Functions as a locative adverb; typically follows the verb or the object.

Teaching tip: Contrast with 'here' to teach spatial distance relative to the speaker.

### 2. to show existence

pronoun · CEFR A1

used with the verb 'to be' to show that something exists or is happening.

For teachers: used as a dummy subject or expletive pronoun to introduce a sentence concerning the existence of something.

- There is a small park near my house where children play.
- There remain several unresolved issues regarding the budget that the committee must address before the final vote.

Usage: The verb 'to be' must agree with the noun that follows 'there'.

Teaching tip: Remind students that 'there' is not the real subject; the noun following the verb determines singular or plural forms.

### 3. comforting someone

interjection · CEFR B1

something you say to comfort someone who is upset.

For teachers: used as an expression of sympathy, encouragement, or to soothe someone.

- There, there, don't cry; everything will be fine.
- There, there, it was only a minor accident and no one was actually hurt.

Usage: Often repeated as 'there, there'.

Teaching tip: This is very common when speaking to children or close friends in distress.

### 5. that place

noun · CEFR B2

that specific place or position mentioned before.

For teachers: a particular point, state, or location previously referred to.

- It is a long walk from there to the train station.
- We moved to the suburbs in 2010 and have lived there ever since.

Usage: Often follows a preposition like 'from' or 'near'.

Teaching tip: Used as a noun substitute for a previously mentioned location.

## Examples

- Put the box over there on the table.
- I went to the new library yesterday and spent three hours studying there because it was so quiet.
- While the initial proposal seemed promising, there were several underlying logistical issues that the committee failed to address during the first round of deliberations.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.