- 1NAmE//ðɛr//, NAmE//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. There comes a point where you give up. There remains the problem of finance. Suddenly there was a loud bang. (informal) There are only four days left. (literary) There once was a poor farmer who had four sons.
- 2in, 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. “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! We're almost there (= we have almost arrived). Can I get there and back in a day? I left in 2008 and I haven't been back there since. Hello, is Bob there please? (= used when calling someone on the phone) I took one look at the car and offered to buy it there and then/then and there (= immediately).
- 3existing or available I went to see if my old school was still there. The money's there if you need it.
- 4at that point (in a story, an argument, etc.) “I feel…” There she stopped. I don't agree with you there.
- 5used to attract someone's attention Hello, there! You there! Come back! There you are! I've been looking for you everywhere.
- 6used to attract someone'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.
- 7there 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.
- 1used when giving someone a thing they want or have asked for There you are—that'll be $3.80, please. OK, there you go.
- 2used when explaining or showing something to someone You switch on, push in the DVD, and there you are! There you are! I told you it was easy!
- 3used 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…
used to show that you think a place or an activity is not very interesting or impressive because you have already experienced it Not New York again! Been there, done that, got the T-shirt.
to be available if someone wants to talk to you or if they need help You know I'll always be there for you.
to know all about a situation because you have experienced it
in various places Papers were scattered here and there on the floor.
in many different places; all around
not important synonym irrelevant What might have happened is neither here nor there.
not very intelligent, especially because of mental illness
used to show that you are determined not to change your attitude or opinion Well, you can't have it, so there!
that is the situation It's crazy, I know, but there it is.
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!
used to praise or encourage small children or animals Finish your lunch, there's a good boy.
used to persuade a small child to stop crying or being upset There, there! Never mind, you'll soon feel better.
used to criticize someone when they behave in a way that is typical of them There you go again—jumping to conclusions.
Check pronunciation: there