Where Thou Art or Where Art Thou? Which is correct?

Years ago, people used words that aren’t used today in English. “Where art thou?” is one of those phrases. This is an old way to ask someone where they are.

People don’t use these phrases in everyday speech anymore. These days, people just ask, “Where are you?”

When you hear the phrases Where thou art or Where art thou, you need to know how the word “thou,” which is a second-person singular pronoun from early modern English, was used in the past.

If you are learning English, it is helpful to know that where art thou is a question, while where thou art is used when giving an answer about a place.

Where thou art or where art thou? Which one to use?

To know the difference between “Where art thou?” and “Where thou art?,” you need to know that the first one asks a question and the second one asserts a statement.

“Where thou art” is a statement that confirms where someone is, while “Where art thou?” is a question that asks where someone is.

Meaning and use: Where thou art

“Where thou art” means “where you are” in modern English, which tells the person where they are or what they are doing.

For example, in Shakespearean literature, a character might proclaim, 

“I rejoice in knowing where thou art,” 

This signifies joy in knowing where the other person is. This expression is often found in Biblical texts and older literary works to denote a statement of location.

Meaning and use: Where art thou

But “Where art thou?” is a question about where someone is. It’s like asking someone “where are you?” in modern English.

William Shakespeare famously used this construction in his play “Romeo and Juliet”—though with a twist, as 

“Wherefore art thou Romeo?” 

It actually means “Why are you Romeo?” 

If someone in a play lost sight of another character, they might call out, “Where art thou?” to seek them out.

Is it wrong to use one of them?

Both phrases are correct in their respective contexts; however, they are not interchangeable due to their different functions in a sentence. 

Using “where thou art” to ask a question, or “where art thou?” to make a statement would not match their intended uses. 

Can I use Where thou art and where art thou in modern times?

In contemporary English, the pronouns “thou” and its variants are considered archaic(old). They are rarely used in everyday conversation but may be employed for artistic or period-specific effect.

5 short examples of where thou art

1. In poetry: “Under the moon’s soft light, where thou art dreaming.”
2. In period dramas: The character laments, “I long for the meadows where thou art not.”
3. In religious contexts: A hymn may include, “Seek and ye shall find where thou art hiding.”
4. In literature: An author may pen, “He journeyed to the vale where thou art said to roam.”

5 short examples of where art thou

1. In film and literature: “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” uses the phrase as a title.
2. In theater: An actor in Shakespearean costume asks, “Where art thou, Romeo?”
3. In critique or parody: “He looked upon the chaos and wondered, ‘Where art thou, order?’”

Simple Ways to Say “Where Thou Art” [Formal and Informal Options]

Whether one decides on a formal or informal approach, the phrase “Where Art Thou?” can effectively be translated to suit the context.

There are various contemporary equivalents that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Formal Alternatives

For modern formal contexts, one may use:

• Wher thou art: Wherever you are located
• Where are thou: May I know your whereabouts?

These phrases maintain a level of formality suitable for professional or ceremonial occasions.

Informal Alternatives

In casual situations, people commonly ask:

• Where thou art: Where you are
• Where are thou: Where are you?

These options are straightforward and widely understood in everyday conversations.

Frequently Asked Questions