contraction Common

theres

Theres (contraction) means a casual contraction of "there is," used before a singular noun to point out that something exists. Example: “Theres no need to worry about it.”

contraction

A casual contraction of "there is," used before a singular noun to point out that something exists.

"Theres no need to worry about it."

"Theres a reason he hasn't called back yet."

How to use theres

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn informal squeezing-together of "there is," most often written as "there's" with the apostrophe.

Common mistake

Standard written English requires the apostrophe: "there's." Writing it as one solid word without the mark is a common typo, and it should never be confused with the possessive "theirs."

Easily confused with

theirs → there's →

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Can you complete this real example?

_____ no need to worry about it.

Rhymes for theres

Ceres somewheres

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Frequently asked questions

What does “theres” mean?

The word “theres” means a casual contraction of "there is," used before a singular noun to point out that something exists. In plain terms, an informal squeezing-together of "there is," most often written as "there's" with the apostrophe.

How do you use “theres” in a sentence?

Here is “theres” used in a sentence: “Theres no need to worry about it.”

What part of speech is “theres”?

“Theres” is a contraction.

Is “theres” a common word?

“Theres” is a fairly common word in modern English.

What is the difference between there's and theirs?

There's is a contraction of there is, used to point out that something exists, as in there's a problem. Theirs is a possessive pronoun meaning belonging to them, as in the house is theirs. They sound alike but are never interchangeable.

Is it correct to say there's before a plural noun?

In careful writing, there's should come before singular nouns, as in there's a book, while there are should come before plural nouns, as in there are books. Saying there's three people is common in casual speech but is considered nonstandard in formal writing.

When should you use there's instead of there is?

There's is the informal, contracted form and fits conversation and casual writing. In formal or academic writing, the full form there is is often preferred.

Does there's only mean there is?

Mostly, but not always. Besides there is, there's can also stand for there has in some sentences, such as there's been a delay. Context makes clear which meaning applies.