Here Is vs Here Are Difference Explained Clearly 📌 Master Grammar Like a Pro

Understanding the difference between “here is” and “here are” might seem simple, yet it trips up even seasoned writers and speakers.

You may have said, “Here’s the keys” or “Here are the information” without thinking twice.

While these mistakes are common, mastering this small grammar point can dramatically improve your clarity in speech and writing.

In this guide, we’ll break down every aspect of Here Is vs. Here Are Difference, explore tricky edge cases, and give you practical tools to avoid mistakes.

By the end, you’ll confidently know when to use “here is” and “here are” in everyday English.

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Why “Here Is” and “Here Are” Matter

Grammar may feel like a maze, but small changes like “is” vs. “are” can change how professional, clear, and trustworthy your writing sounds.

• Saying “Here is the keys” makes you sound informal or careless.
• Using “Here are the keys” shows that you understand subject–verb agreement.
• In business emails, presentations, or academic writing, these small details can leave a lasting impression.

Think of it this way: grammar is like a tool. The better you use it, the stronger your message.

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Quick Grammar Refresher: Subject–Verb Agreement

At its core, the difference between here is and here are comes down to subject–verb agreement.

• Singular subjects require is.
• Plural subjects require are.

Here’s a quick reference table:

Subject Type	Correct Example	Incorrect Example
Singular	Here is my phone.	Here are my phone.
Plural	Here are my books.	Here is my books.
Uncountable	Here is some water.	Here are some water.

Tip: Always identify the subject immediately after here is/are. That’s your cue for the correct verb.

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Countable and Uncountable Nouns in Action

Countable Nouns

Countable nouns are things you can count: apples, chairs, cars.

• Correct: “Here are three chairs.”
• Incorrect: “Here is three chairs.”

Quick rule: If you can add a number in front, it’s countable. Plural? Use are.

Uncountable Nouns

Uncountable nouns are things you cannot count: water, sugar, information.

• Correct: “Here is some sugar.”
• Incorrect: “Here are some sugar.”

Key point: Uncountable nouns always pair with is.

Edge Cases

Some nouns can confuse writers:

Noun Type	Example	Correct Form
Collective nouns	team, audience	Here is the team (singular)
Compound nouns	bread and butter	Here is the bread and butter
Plural form meaning singular	news, mathematics	Here is the news

Even experienced writers occasionally slip here. Think about “the team is winning” vs. “the players are winning”—context matters.

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Everyday Usage and Style Considerations

The “Here’s” Problem

“Here’s” is a contraction of “here is,” and it’s often used with plural nouns in speech:

• Spoken: “Here’s the keys.” ✅ Common, casual
• Written: ❌ Avoid in formal writing; it should be “Here are the keys.”

Formal vs. Informal Context

• Spoken English: Flexibility is high. Mistakes are forgiven.
• Written English: You must match verb to subject for credibility.

Tips to Avoid Mistakes

1. Identify the subject immediately. Singular or plural?
2. Ask: Can I count it? Plural = are, uncountable/singular = is.
3. When in doubt, rewrite: “The keys are here” instead of “Here’s the keys.”

Mini Flowchart:

Is the subject singular? → use “is”  
Is the subject plural? → use “are”  
Is the noun uncountable? → use “is”

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Special Cases and Exceptions

“There is / There are” vs. “Here is / Here are”

While similar, these phrases have slightly different usage:

• There is / There are introduces the existence of something.
  • Example: “There are five chairs in the room.”
• Here is / Here are emphasizes presence or location.
  • Example: “Here are the five chairs you requested.”

Lists of Nouns

When presenting multiple items:

• Correct: “Here are pens, pencils, and markers.”
• Incorrect: “Here is pens, pencils, and markers.”

Pronoun Cases

• Singular pronouns: Here he is, Here she is
• Plural pronouns: Here they are

Understanding pronouns avoids awkward mistakes in writing.

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Real-Life Examples and Mini Case Studies

Case Study 1: Business Email
Incorrect: “Here’s the documents you requested.”
Corrected: “Here are the documents you requested.”

Impact: The correction communicates professionalism and attention to detail.

Case Study 2: Social Media Post
Incorrect: “Here’s my friends at the party.”
Corrected: “Here are my friends at the party.”

Impact: Even casual posts feel more polished.

Pro Tip: Read your sentences out loud. If it sounds off, check the subject–verb agreement.

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Quick Checklist for Writers and Learners

• Singular subject → is
• Plural subject → are
• Uncountable nouns → is
• Contractions like “here’s” → avoid with plural nouns in writing
• If confused → rephrase the sentence

Mini Table of Dos and Don’ts:

Do	Don’t
Use Here are with plural nouns	Use Here’s with plurals
Match verb to subject	Ignore subject–verb agreement
Rewrite if awkward	Guess based on habit

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FAQs

What is the difference between “here is” and “here are”?

Answer: “Here is” is used with singular or uncountable nouns. “Here are” is used with plural nouns.

Can I use “here’s” with plural nouns?

Answer: Informally yes, but it’s grammatically incorrect in formal writing. Use “here are” instead.

Why do people say “here’s the keys” if it’s wrong?

Answer: Spoken English often favors contractions. It’s informal, but technically incorrect.

Which is correct: “here are the information” or “here is the information”?

Answer: “Here is the information.” Information is uncountable and singular.

How can I quickly decide whether to use “is” or “are”?

Answer: Identify the subject after “here.” Singular/uncountable = is, plural = are.

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Conclusion

Mastering Here Is vs. Here Are Difference is simpler than it seems. Start by identifying your subject, check if it’s singular, plural, or uncountable, and match your verb.

Use contractions carefully, read your sentences aloud, and rephrase awkward structures. Small grammar details like this boost clarity, professionalism, and confidence in writing.

Once you internalize these rules, you’ll naturally know when to say “here is” or “here are”—no guesswork needed.