Hear hear is the correct expression when you want to show strong agreement or support for what someone has said. Here here is a common misspelling because both phrases sound exactly the same when spoken, making it easy for writers to confuse them.
This guide explains the meaning, history, correct spelling, common mistakes, British and American usage, practical examples, and simple tips so you can confidently use the right phrase in every situation.
Quick Answer
The correct phrase is hear hear.
People say hear hear to show agreement, approval, or support for a speaker’s words.
Here here is almost always incorrect because it changes the meaning of the expression.
Correct examples
- Hear, hear! That is an excellent idea.
- Everyone shouted, “Hear, hear!” after the speech.
- I completely agree. Hear, hear!
Incorrect examples
- Here here! That is a great point. ❌
- The audience shouted here here. ❌
Quick rule: If you mean “I agree,” always write hear hear.
The Origin of Hear Hear or Here Here
The phrase hear hear comes from the British Parliament.
Centuries ago, members would shout “Hear him!” to encourage others to listen to a speaker. Over time, the expression became shorter and changed to “Hear, hear!”
The word hear means “listen.” It has nothing to do with the word here, which means “in this place.”
Because both words sound the same, many people mistakenly write here here, especially online.
British English vs American English Spelling
Both British English and American English use the expression hear hear.
There is no spelling difference between the two varieties of English. The only difference is that British parliamentary traditions made the phrase famous, while Americans use it mainly in speeches, meetings, and writing.
| English Variety | Correct Form | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| British English | Hear hear | Traditional parliamentary expression |
| American English | Hear hear | Used to express agreement |
| Australian English | Hear hear | Common in formal speaking |
| Canadian English | Hear hear | Standard spelling |
| Incorrect Everywhere | Here here | Misspelling |
Which Spelling Should You Use?
Always use hear hear when showing agreement.
If you write for a UK audience, US audience, Commonwealth readers, or an international audience, the spelling stays exactly the same.
Choose hear hear in:
- Business emails
- Articles
- Academic writing
- Speeches
- News reports
- Social media posts
Avoid here here unless you literally mean “this place here,” which is a completely different meaning.
Common Mistakes with Hear Hear or Here Here
Here are mistakes people often make.
| Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|
| Here here! | Hear hear! |
| I said here here. | I said, “Hear, hear!” |
| Everyone yelled here here. | Everyone yelled, “Hear, hear!” |
| Hear here! | Hear, hear! |
Why does this mistake happen?
- The words are pronounced the same.
- People learn the phrase by hearing it before seeing it written.
- Spellcheck often misses the error because here is a correctly spelled word.
Easy memory trick
Think of hear as listen.
If you are agreeing with someone’s words, you want others to hear them.
Hear Hear or Here Here in Everyday Examples
Emails
Hear, hear! I fully support your proposal.
News
Several members responded with “Hear, hear!” during the debate.
Social media
Hear, hear! Everyone deserves equal opportunities.
Formal writing
The audience answered with repeated cries of “Hear, hear!”
Meetings
One employee said, “Hear, hear!” after the manager’s announcement.
Hear Hear or Here Here – Google Trends & Usage Data
Searches for hear hear or here here increase because many people are unsure which spelling is correct.
The confusion appears most often in:
- Google searches
- Student assignments
- Social media posts
- Email writing
- Online discussions
The correct phrase hear hear is widely used in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and other English-speaking countries.
People often search here here because they type the phrase exactly as it sounds.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Hear Hear | Here Here |
|---|---|---|
| Correct spelling | ✔ Yes | ✘ No |
| Meaning | Expression of agreement | Usually a misspelling |
| Part of speech | Interjection | Two location words |
| Used in speeches | Yes | No |
| Used in writing | Yes | No |
| Formal English | Yes | No |
| Common mistake | No | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hear hear correct?
Yes. Hear hear is the correct expression used to show agreement.
Is here here ever correct?
Not as an expression of agreement. It is usually a spelling mistake.
Why do people write here here?
Because hear and here sound exactly alike.
Do Americans say hear hear?
Yes. Americans use hear hear, although it is less common than in British traditions.
Should I use commas?
Yes. The traditional form is Hear, hear!
Is hear hear formal?
Yes. It is suitable for speeches, debates, meetings, and formal writing, but it also appears in informal conversations.
What is the easiest way to remember it?
Remember that people are asking others to hear the speaker, not pointing to a place here.
Conclusion
The correct expression is hear hear, and the rule is simple: use hear because the phrase means “listen” and expresses agreement, while here here is a spelling mistake in this context.
Whenever you want to support someone’s opinion in writing or speech, choose hear, hear! for clear and correct English.
A practical way to remember it is to connect hear with listening. If you often confuse similar words, you may also enjoy reading our guide on then or than to improve your everyday English.
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