If you’ve ever typed “here’s the files” and then paused, wondering if that was actually wrong, you’re not alone. Here is or here are is one of the most common grammar mix-ups in everyday English — spoken by native speakers, written in business emails, and tested in every grammar classroom. The good news? Once you understand one simple rule, you’ll never second-guess yourself again. This guide breaks down the difference in plain language, with examples, a comparison table, a self-check test, and answers to the questions people actually search for.
Definition of Here Is or Here Are
“Here is” and “here are” are both used to introduce or point out something close to the speaker. The choice between them isn’t random — it depends entirely on subject–verb agreement. “Here is” pairs with a singular or uncountable noun, while “here are” pairs with a plural noun. In short: one thing gets “is,” more than one thing gets “are.”
Understanding “Here Is” and “Here Are”
Both phrases start with “here,” an adverb of place, followed by the verb “to be.” What confuses people is that “here” looks like the subject of the sentence — but it isn’t. The real subject is the noun that comes right after the verb.
- Here is the answer. (singular subject: answer)
- Here are the answers. (plural subject: answers)
Once you shift your focus away from “here” and onto the noun that follows, the rule becomes almost automatic.
Here are meaning
“Here are” is the plural form used when you’re presenting, offering, or pointing out two or more things at once. It signals that multiple items, people, or ideas are being introduced in the sentence — for example, “Here are the tickets,” or “Here are your options.” The meaning is essentially “these things are here,” just rearranged for emphasis.
Why People Get Confused
This mix-up isn’t a sign of poor grammar skills — it happens to native and non-native speakers alike, and there are clear reasons why.
- The contraction “here’s” is used constantly in speech, even before plural nouns.
- Fast talking and casual texting skip grammar checks entirely.
- Writers focus on “here” instead of scanning ahead to the actual subject.
- Some nouns (like “news,” “data,” or “scissors”) don’t follow obvious singular/plural logic.
Why It Feels Right but Isn’t
“Here’s the keys” sounds smooth because contractions are easy to say quickly, and English speech naturally favors shortcuts. But smooth doesn’t mean correct. “Here’s” always means “here is,” so pairing it with a plural noun like “keys” breaks subject–verb agreement — even if your ear doesn’t catch it.
Subject–Verb Agreement Refresher
Subject–verb agreement simply means the verb must match the number of the subject. Singular subjects take singular verbs; plural subjects take plural verbs.
Quick Grammar Rule
- Singular or uncountable noun → here is
- Plural noun → here are
Simple Test
Flip the sentence around so the noun comes first, then see which verb sounds natural:
- “Books” + “are here” → Here are the books.
- “Book” + “is here” → Here is the book.
If you’re unsure, this reversal trick almost always reveals the answer instantly.
Countable and Uncountable Nouns in Action
Countable Nouns
Countable nouns can be counted individually (one, two, three…), and they change form between singular and plural.
- Here is a chair. / Here are three chairs.
- Here is your ticket. / Here are your tickets.
Uncountable Nouns
Uncountable nouns (also called mass nouns) don’t have a plural form and always take “is,” even though they might feel like they refer to “many” things.
- Here is some information.
- Here is the furniture you ordered.
- Here is the advice I promised.
Edge Cases and Collective Nouns
Collective nouns (team, family, staff, data) are tricky because they represent a group but can act as singular or plural depending on context and regional usage.
- Here is the team. (treated as one unit — common in American English)
- Here are the data points. (treating “data” as plural — common in academic and scientific writing)
Here are the list of names
A very common mistake is writing “here are the list of names.” This is incorrect because the real subject is list (singular), not “names.” The correct version is: Here is the list of names. Always trace back to the noun immediately governed by the verb — not the noun that happens to sit at the end of the phrase.
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Everyday Usage and Style Considerations
The “Here’s” Problem
“Here’s” is a contraction of “here is” — nothing more. Using “here’s” before a plural noun (“here’s your documents”) is grammatically incorrect, even though it’s extremely common in casual speech.
Formal vs. Informal Contexts
- Casual conversation: contractions and shortcuts are widely accepted.
- Formal writing (emails, reports, academic papers): correct agreement is expected and noticed.
Tips to Avoid Mistakes
- Mentally expand “here’s” to “here is” before you finish typing.
- Identify the noun right after the verb, not the last word in the sentence.
- Read your sentence back out loud — errors are often easier to hear than to see.
Special Cases and Exceptions
“There Is / There Are” vs. “Here Is / Here Are”
Both pairs follow identical grammar rules, but their meaning differs. “There is/are” points to existence somewhere else, while “here is/are” points to something close to the speaker.
- There is a problem with the printer.
- Here is the printer you asked about.
Lists of Nouns
When a sentence introduces a list joined by “and,” the verb usually agrees with the noun closest to it, though many style guides recommend treating the whole list as plural.
- Here is a pen and a notebook. (each item, singular focus)
- Here are a pen and a notebook. (both items together, plural focus)
Pronoun Cases
The same singular/plural logic applies with pronouns:
- Here it is.
- Here they are.
Quick Grammar Checklist for Writers and Learners
- Find the noun that follows the verb — that’s your real subject.
- Singular or uncountable noun → use is.
- Plural noun → use are.
- Never use “here’s” before a plural noun in formal writing.
- When in doubt, reverse the sentence and test it.
Case Study: Common Mistakes in Professional Writing
Example 1: Business Email
❌ “Here’s the files you requested.” ✅ “Here are the files you requested.”
A small fix, but it changes how polished and detail-oriented your message appears to a manager or client.
Example 2: Journalism
❌ “Here is the results of the survey.” ✅ “Here are the results of the survey.”
News writing demands precision, and subject–verb errors can undercut a reporter’s credibility.
Example 3: Academic Context
❌ “Here’s the findings of this study.” ✅ “Here are the findings of this study.”
Academic readers expect flawless grammar, so this kind of slip can distract from otherwise strong research.
Comparison Table: Here Is vs Here Are
| Feature | Here Is | Here Are |
| Noun type | Singular / uncountable | Plural |
| Example | Here is your coffee. | Here are your keys. |
| Contraction | Here’s | No standard contraction |
| Common in | Formal & informal speech | Formal & informal speech |
| Typical mistake | Rare | Often replaced with “here’s” |
| Use with lists | Sometimes (closest noun) | Sometimes (whole list) |
Here are our or here is our
The answer depends entirely on what follows “our.” If the noun after “our” is singular, use “here is our” (“Here is our proposal”). If it’s plural, use “here are our” (“Here are our proposals”). The possessive pronoun “our” doesn’t change the rule — the noun it modifies still decides the verb.
Quick Grammar Guide
Rule 1: Check the noun after “here”
Always locate the noun that directly follows the verb — that word determines whether you need “is” or “are.”
Rule 2: Countable vs uncountable nouns
Countable plural nouns need “are”; uncountable nouns (even ones that sound like “a lot”) always need “is.”
Rule 3: Lists rule
For two or more items joined by “and,” most style guides favor “are,” since multiple things are being presented together.
Rule 4: “Here’s” warning
Never let “here’s” slip in front of a plural noun in professional or academic writing — it’s a contraction of “here is” only.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using “here’s” before plural nouns (“here’s your shoes”).
- Ignoring uncountable nouns and adding “are” by mistake (“here are the information”).
- Matching the verb to the last noun in a phrase instead of the true subject (“here are the list of items”).
- Overcorrecting collective nouns without considering context (team, staff, data).
Best Simple Test Method
Step 1: Identify the real subject
Look past “here” and find the noun the verb actually refers to.
Step 2: Replace “here” with the subject
Rearrange the sentence so the noun comes first — “the noun is/are here” — and trust whichever version sounds natural.
Common Mistakes / Confusions
Many learners also confuse “here is/are” with similar constructions like “there is/are,” “it is/they are,” and contractions in general. The safest habit is to always expand contractions mentally and double-check the noun before finalizing a sentence, especially in professional documents.
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Examples Section
- Here is your invoice.
- Here are your invoices.
- Here is some water.
- Here are the guidelines.
- Here is the manager.
- Here are the employees.
Examples of “Here Are” in Everyday English
- Here are the snacks for the party.
- Here are your test results.
- Here are a few tips before you start.
- Here are the directions to the venue.
- Here are the updated numbers.
Common Grammar Confusions Including Here Is or Here Are in English Usage
“Here is or here are” often sits alongside other subject–verb agreement puzzles, such as “there is/there are,” “this is/these are,” and collective noun disagreements. Recognizing that all these pairs follow the same core logic — match the verb to the true subject — makes every related rule easier to remember.
Improve Grammar Skills Using Here Is or Here Are and Related Rules
Practicing this one rule strengthens your overall grasp of subject–verb agreement, which shows up throughout English grammar — from basic sentences to complex academic writing. The more you consciously check singular versus plural nouns, the more naturally correct grammar will come, even in fast conversation.
Self Assessment Section
Test yourself before checking the answers below:
- Here ___ my glasses. (is/are)
- Here ___ the reason for the delay. (is/are)
- Here ___ some advice for you. (is/are)
- Here ___ the children. (is/are)
Answers: 1. are, 2. is, 3. is, 4. are
Expert Insights & Fun Grammar Facts
- Grammar authorities agree the subject always governs the verb, regardless of word order.
- “Here” almost never functions as a grammatical subject — it’s an adverb signaling location or immediacy.
- English speakers have used “here’s” as a casual shortcut for centuries, which is why it feels so natural even when it’s technically incorrect before plural nouns.
FAQs
Which is correct, here is or here are?
Both can be correct depending on the noun that follows — “here is” for singular/uncountable nouns, “here are” for plural nouns.
Is it “Here is my keys” or “Here are my keys”?
“Here are my keys” is correct because “keys” is plural.
What does “here is” mean?
It means something singular is being pointed out or presented, located close to the speaker.
Is “Here’s” the same as “Here is”?
Yes, “here’s” is simply the contraction of “here is” and should only be used before singular or uncountable nouns.
Which adverb is “here”?
“Here” is an adverb of place, indicating location or proximity, not the subject of the sentence.
How can I remember when to use “Here is” or “Here are”?
Reverse the sentence so the noun comes first — if “is” sounds right, use “here is”; if “are” sounds right, use “here are.”
Final Thoughts
The difference between “here is” and “here are” comes down to one simple habit: locate the true subject before choosing your verb. Singular and uncountable nouns take “is”; plural nouns take “are.” Practice this rule consistently, and it will become second nature in both speech and writing — helping you sound more polished, professional, and grammatically confident.
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