Understanding how to use “there is” and “there are” correctly is fundamental for expressing existence or presence in English. These phrases are essential for describing what exists in a particular place or situation.
This comprehensive guide will provide you with a thorough understanding of “there is” and “there are,” covering their definitions, structural rules, usage guidelines, and common mistakes. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this article will equip you with the knowledge and practice you need to master this important aspect of English grammar, enabling you to communicate more effectively and accurately.
By the end of this guide, you’ll confidently use “there is” and “there are” in various contexts.
Table of Contents
- Definition of “There Is/Are”
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories
- Examples of “There Is/Are”
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of “There Is/Are”
“There is” and “there are” are existential constructions in English grammar. They are used to indicate the existence or presence of something. Essentially, they signify that something exists or can be found in a specific place or context. These constructions are often used to introduce new information or to describe a scene.
The primary function of “there is” and “there are” is to assert the existence of a noun phrase. They differ based on the number of the noun they refer to. “There is” is used with singular or uncountable nouns, while “there are” is used with plural nouns. Understanding this distinction is crucial for correct usage.
Contextually, “there is” and “there are” are versatile and appear in various situations, from simple descriptions to more complex explanations. They are common in everyday conversation, written texts, and formal presentations.
Mastering their use allows for clearer and more accurate communication about what exists or is present.
Structural Breakdown
The basic structure of sentences using “there is” and “there are” is as follows:
- There + is/are + noun phrase (+ optional modifiers)
The choice between “is” and “are” depends on the number of the noun phrase that follows. If the noun is singular or uncountable, “is” is used. If the noun is plural, “are” is used. The noun phrase can be further modified by adjectives, adverbs, or prepositional phrases to provide more detail.
For example:
- There is a book on the table. (singular noun: book)
- There are many books on the shelf. (plural noun: books)
- There is some water in the glass. (uncountable noun: water)
In questions, the structure is inverted:
- Is/Are + there + noun phrase (+ optional modifiers)?
Examples:
- Is there a problem?
- Are there any chairs available?
In negative sentences, “not” is added after “is” or “are”:
- There is/are + not + noun phrase (+ optional modifiers)
Contractions are commonly used in negative sentences:
- There isn’t = There is not
- There aren’t = There are not
Examples:
- There is not enough time. (or There isn’t enough time.)
- There are not any tickets left. (or There aren’t any tickets left.)
Types and Categories
Affirmative Sentences
Affirmative sentences assert the existence of something. They follow the basic structure: “There is/are + noun phrase.”
Examples:
- There is a cat in the garden.
- There are some flowers in the vase.
Negative Sentences
Negative sentences deny the existence of something. They include “not” after “is” or “are,” often contracted to “isn’t” or “aren’t.”
Examples:
- There is not a cloud in the sky. (or There isn’t a cloud in the sky.)
- There are not any students in the classroom. (or There aren’t any students in the classroom.)
Interrogative Sentences (Questions)
Interrogative sentences ask about the existence of something. The structure is inverted: “Is/Are + there + noun phrase?”
Examples:
- Is there a post office nearby?
- Are there any good restaurants in this area?
Sentences with Modal Verbs
“There is/are” can be used with modal verbs to express possibility, necessity, or obligation.
Examples:
- There might be a meeting tomorrow.
- There should be enough food for everyone.
- There must be a mistake.
Sentences with Quantifiers
Quantifiers such as “some,” “any,” “many,” “much,” “few,” and “a lot of” are often used with “there is/are” to indicate the quantity of the noun.
Examples:
- There is some milk in the fridge.
- There are many people at the party.
- There isn’t much time left.
- There aren’t any tickets available.
Examples of “There Is/Are”
The following tables provide extensive examples of “there is” and “there are” used in various contexts. These examples are categorized to illustrate different usages and sentence structures.
Examples with Singular Nouns (“There Is”)
This table illustrates the use of “there is” with singular nouns. Each example demonstrates how to correctly indicate the existence of a single item or entity.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| There is a cat on the roof. | Indicates the existence of one cat on the roof. |
| There is a problem with my computer. | Indicates the existence of one problem. |
| There is a meeting scheduled for tomorrow. | Indicates the existence of one meeting. |
| There is a new restaurant in town. | Indicates the existence of one new restaurant. |
| There is a bus coming. | Indicates the existence of one bus. |
| There is a solution to this issue. | Indicates the existence of one solution. |
| There is a reason for everything. | Indicates the existence of one reason. |
| There is a chance of rain today. | Indicates the existence of one chance. |
| There is a concert next week. | Indicates the existence of one concert. |
| There is a doctor available. | Indicates the existence of one doctor. |
| There is a park near my house. | Indicates the existence of one park. |
| There is a bridge over the river. | Indicates the existence of one bridge. |
| There is a light on in that room. | Indicates the existence of one light. |
| There is a store open late tonight. | Indicates the existence of one store. |
| There is a gas station on the corner. | Indicates the existence of one gas station. |
| There is a museum downtown. | Indicates the existence of one museum. |
| There is a library in the city center. | Indicates the existence of one library. |
| There is a bakery down the street. | Indicates the existence of one bakery. |
| There is a coffee shop nearby. | Indicates the existence of one coffee shop. |
| There is a train leaving soon. | Indicates the existence of one train. |
| There is a flight delayed. | Indicates the existence of one flight. |
| There is a sale at the mall. | Indicates the existence of one sale. |
| There is a discount available. | Indicates the existence of one discount. |
| There is a special offer today. | Indicates the existence of one special offer. |
| There is a promotion going on. | Indicates the existence of one promotion. |
Examples with Plural Nouns (“There Are”)
This table showcases the use of “there are” with plural nouns. Each example demonstrates how to correctly indicate the existence of multiple items or entities.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| There are cats in the garden. | Indicates the existence of multiple cats. |
| There are problems with my computer. | Indicates the existence of multiple problems. |
| There are meetings scheduled for this week. | Indicates the existence of multiple meetings. |
| There are new restaurants in town. | Indicates the existence of multiple new restaurants. |
| There are buses coming. | Indicates the existence of multiple buses. |
| There are solutions to these issues. | Indicates the existence of multiple solutions. |
| There are reasons for everything. | Indicates the existence of multiple reasons. |
| There are chances of rain this month. | Indicates the existence of multiple chances. |
| There are concerts next month. | Indicates the existence of multiple concerts. |
| There are doctors available. | Indicates the existence of multiple doctors. |
| There are parks near my house. | Indicates the existence of multiple parks. |
| There are bridges over the river. | Indicates the existence of multiple bridges. |
| There are lights on in those rooms. | Indicates the existence of multiple lights. |
| There are stores open late tonight. | Indicates the existence of multiple stores. |
| There are gas stations on the corner. | Indicates the existence of multiple gas stations. |
| There are museums downtown. | Indicates the existence of multiple museums. |
| There are libraries in the city center. | Indicates the existence of multiple libraries. |
| There are bakeries down the street. | Indicates the existence of multiple bakeries. |
| There are coffee shops nearby. | Indicates the existence of multiple coffee shops. |
| There are trains leaving soon. | Indicates the existence of multiple trains. |
| There are flights delayed. | Indicates the existence of multiple flights. |
| There are sales at the mall. | Indicates the existence of multiple sales. |
| There are discounts available. | Indicates the existence of multiple discounts. |
| There are special offers today. | Indicates the existence of multiple special offers. |
| There are promotions going on. | Indicates the existence of multiple promotions. |
Examples with Uncountable Nouns (“There Is”)
This table illustrates the use of “there is” with uncountable nouns. Uncountable nouns are substances, concepts, or materials that cannot be counted individually.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| There is water in the bottle. | “Water” is an uncountable noun. |
| There is milk in the fridge. | “Milk” is an uncountable noun. |
| There is sugar on the table. | “Sugar” is an uncountable noun. |
| There is salt in the soup. | “Salt” is an uncountable noun. |
| There is rice in the bowl. | “Rice” is an uncountable noun. |
| There is information available online. | “Information” is an uncountable noun. |
| There is evidence to support the claim. | “Evidence” is an uncountable noun. |
| There is traffic on the highway. | “Traffic” is an uncountable noun. |
| There is air pollution in the city. | “Air pollution” is an uncountable noun. |
| There is noise in the background. | “Noise” is an uncountable noun. |
| There is sunshine today. | “Sunshine” is an uncountable noun. |
| There is darkness at night. | “Darkness” is an uncountable noun. |
| There is happiness in the air. | “Happiness” is an uncountable noun. |
| There is sadness in her eyes. | “Sadness” is an uncountable noun. |
| There is love in their hearts. | “Love” is an uncountable noun. |
| There is hope for the future. | “Hope” is an uncountable noun. |
| There is peace in the valley. | “Peace” is an uncountable noun. |
| There is knowledge to be gained. | “Knowledge” is an uncountable noun. |
| There is wisdom in his words. | “Wisdom” is an uncountable noun. |
| There is beauty in nature. | “Beauty” is an uncountable noun. |
| There is freedom in this country. | “Freedom” is an uncountable noun. |
| There is justice for all. | “Justice” is an uncountable noun. |
| There is honesty in his character. | “Honesty” is an uncountable noun. |
| There is music in the air. | “Music” is an uncountable noun. |
| There is art in every form. | “Art” is an uncountable noun. |
Negative Examples (“There Isn’t/Aren’t”)
This table provides negative examples using “there isn’t” and “there aren’t.” These examples demonstrate how to deny the existence of something.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| There isn’t a cloud in the sky today. | Indicates the absence of clouds. |
| There aren’t any tickets left for the concert. | Indicates the absence of available tickets. |
| There isn’t any milk in the fridge. | Indicates the absence of milk. |
| There aren’t any chairs in the room. | Indicates the absence of chairs. |
| There isn’t a single person who agrees. | Indicates the absence of agreement. |
| There aren’t many opportunities like this. | Indicates the scarcity of such opportunities. |
| There isn’t much time to waste. | Indicates the limited amount of time. |
| There aren’t any easy solutions to this problem. | Indicates the absence of easy solutions. |
| There isn’t a direct flight to that city. | Indicates the absence of a direct flight. |
| There aren’t any vegetarian options on the menu. | Indicates the absence of vegetarian options. |
| There isn’t a gas station nearby. | Indicates the absence of a nearby gas station. |
| There aren’t any good movies playing right now. | Indicates the absence of good movies. |
| There isn’t any doubt about his talent. | Indicates the absence of doubt. |
| There aren’t any excuses for that behavior. | Indicates the absence of valid excuses. |
| There isn’t a clear answer to that question. | Indicates the absence of a clear answer. |
| There aren’t any hidden costs. | Indicates the absence of hidden costs. |
| There isn’t a rule against it. | Indicates the absence of a rule. |
| There aren’t any restrictions on that. | Indicates the absence of restrictions. |
| There isn’t a simple explanation. | Indicates the absence of a simple explanation. |
| There aren’t many people who know that. | Indicates the scarcity of people who know that. |
| There isn’t any coffee left. | Indicates the absence of coffee. |
| There aren’t any clean towels. | Indicates the absence of clean towels. |
| There isn’t any hot water. | Indicates the absence of hot water. |
| There aren’t any available seats. | Indicates the absence of available seats. |
| There isn’t a parking space. | Indicates the absence of a parking space. |
Interrogative Examples (“Is/Are There?”)
This table presents interrogative examples using “is there” and “are there.” These examples demonstrate how to ask about the existence of something.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Is there a doctor in the house? | Asking if a doctor is present. |
| Are there any questions? | Asking if there are any questions to be asked. |
| Is there any milk left? | Asking if there is any milk remaining. |
| Are there any tickets available? | Asking if there are tickets that can be purchased. |
| Is there a problem? | Asking if a problem exists. |
| Are there any issues? | Asking if there are any issues to worry about. |
| Is there a bus stop nearby? | Asking if a bus stop is located close by. |
| Are there any good restaurants around here? | Asking if there are quality restaurants in the vicinity. |
| Is there a post office near here? | Asking if a post office is located nearby. |
| Are there any banks open today? | Asking if any banks are operating today. |
| Is there a gas station on this road? | Asking if there is a gas station along the road. |
| Are there any ATMs in the area? | Asking if there are automated teller machines in the area. |
| Is there a pharmacy open late? | Asking if a pharmacy is open during late hours. |
| Are there any grocery stores nearby? | Asking if there are grocery stores located nearby. |
| Is there a coffee shop around here? | Asking if a coffee shop is in the vicinity. |
| Are there any parks close to the hotel? | Asking if there are parks near the hotel. |
| Is there a museum in this town? | Asking if a museum is located in the town. |
| Are there any historical sites to visit? | Asking if there are historical sites that can be visited. |
| Is there a movie theater in this neighborhood? | Asking if a movie theater is located in the neighborhood. |
| Are there any shows playing tonight? | Asking if there are any shows being performed tonight. |
| Is there a sale going on? | Asking if there is a sale currently happening. |
| Are there any discounts available? | Asking if there are any discounts that can be used. |
| Is there a special offer today? | Asking if there is a special offer for today. |
| Are there any promotions running? | Asking if there are any promotions currently active. |
| Is there a charge for parking? | Asking if there is a fee for parking. |
Usage Rules
The primary rule is to match the verb (“is” or “are”) with the number of the noun that follows. “There is” is used with singular or uncountable nouns, while “there are” is used with plural nouns.
When a sentence begins with “there,” the subject comes after the verb. This is known as subject-verb inversion. The verb must agree with the noun that follows “is” or “are.”
Examples:
- There is a book. (singular)
- There are books. (plural)
- There is water. (uncountable)
When a compound subject follows “there is/are,” the verb typically agrees with the first noun in the compound subject. However, this can sometimes sound awkward, and it may be better to rephrase the sentence.
Examples:
- There is a book and a pen on the desk. (More natural: There are a book and a pen on the desk.)
- There are pens and a book on the desk. (This sounds more natural.)
With quantifiers, the choice between “is” and “are” depends on whether the noun is countable or uncountable.
Examples:
- There is some water. (uncountable)
- There are some apples. (countable)
- There is a lot of traffic. (uncountable)
- There are a lot of cars. (countable)
Common Mistakes
One common mistake is using “there is” with plural nouns or “there are” with singular nouns. This is a basic error that can be avoided by carefully checking the number of the noun.
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| There is books on the table. | There are books on the table. | “Books” is plural, so “are” should be used. |
| There are a cat in the garden. | There is a cat in the garden. | “Cat” is singular, so “is” should be used. |
Another mistake is using “is” or “are” incorrectly in questions. The verb must still agree with the noun that follows “there.”
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Is there any chairs available? | Are there any chairs available? | “Chairs” is plural, so “are” should be used. |
| Are there a problem? | Is there a problem? | “Problem” is singular, so “is” should be used. |
Forgetting to use “not” in negative sentences or using it incorrectly is another common error.
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| There is no a problem. | There is not a problem. (or There isn’t a problem.) | “Not” should be used after “is.” |
| There are not any ticket. | There are not any tickets. (or There aren’t any tickets.) | “Tickets” is plural, and the noun should be plural too. |
Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Verb
Select the correct verb (“is” or “are”) to complete each sentence.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. There _____ a spider in the bathtub. | is |
| 2. There _____ many stars in the sky. | are |
| 3. There _____ some milk in the refrigerator. | is |
| 4. There _____ a lot of people at the concert. | are |
| 5. There _____ no sugar in my coffee. | is |
| 6. There _____ a few apples on the tree. | are |
| 7. There _____ a good reason to be happy. | is |
| 8. There _____ several options available. | are |
| 9. There _____ enough time to finish the project. | is |
| 10. There _____ too many cars on the road. | are |
Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with “is” or “are” to complete the sentences correctly.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. _____ there a bank near here? | Is |
| 2. _____ there any good movies playing? | Are |
| 3. _____ there some water in the pitcher? | Is |
| 4. _____ there enough chairs for everyone? | Are |
| 5. _____ there a post office in town? | Is |
| 6. _____ there any questions? | Are |
| 7. _____ there a problem with the car? | Is |
| 8. _____ there any solutions to this issue? | Are |
| 9. _____ there a train leaving soon? | Is |
| 10. _____ there any flights delayed? | Are |
Exercise 3: Correct the Sentences
Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. There is many people at the party. | There are many people at the party. |
| 2. There are a dog in the house. | There is a dog in the house. |
| 3. Is there any chairs? | Are there any chairs? |
| 4. There isn’t no milk left. | There isn’t any milk left. |
| 5. There are a lot of traffic. | There is a lot of traffic. |
| 6. There is some apples on the table. | There are some apples on the table. |
| 7. Are there a reason for this? | Is there a reason for this? |
| 8. There aren’t a good explanation. | There isn’t a good explanation. |
| 9. There is several books on the shelf. | There are several books on the shelf. |
| 10. Is there any problem with the car? | Is there a problem with the car? |
Advanced Topics
In more complex sentences, “there is/are” can be combined with relative clauses to provide additional information about the noun.
Examples:
- There is a man who wants to speak with you.
- There are several books that I need to read.
“There is/are” can also be used with gerunds (verb forms ending in “-ing”) to describe activities or situations.
Examples:
- There is swimming in the lake.
- There are many people waiting in line.
In formal writing, it’s sometimes preferable to avoid starting sentences with “there is/are” to create a more concise and direct style. In such cases, the sentence can be rephrased.
Examples:
- There is a problem with the engine. (More formal: The engine has a problem.)
- There are many challenges ahead. (More formal: Many challenges lie ahead.)
FAQ
- When should I use “there is” versus “there are”?
Use “there is” with singular or uncountable nouns and “there are” with plural nouns. The choice depends on the number of the noun that follows “is” or “are.”
- How do I form questions with “there is/are”?
Invert the structure: “Is/Are + there + noun phrase?” For example, “Is there a doctor nearby?” or “Are there any questions?”
- How do I make negative sentences with “there is/are”?
Add “not” after “is” or “are.” Contractions “isn’t” and “aren’t” are commonly used. For example, “There is not a problem” or “There aren’t any tickets left.”
- Can I use “there is/are” with modal verbs?
Yes, you can use “there is/are” with modal verbs to express possibility, necessity, or obligation. For example, “There might be a meeting tomorrow” or “There should be enough food for everyone.”
- What happens when the subject is compound (e.g., “a book and a pen”)?
Typically, the verb agrees with the first noun in the compound subject. However, it’s often better to rephrase the sentence for clarity
and naturalness. For example, instead of “There is a book and a pen on the desk,” consider “There are a book and a pen on the desk” or “There are pens and a book on the desk.”
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “there is” and “there are” is crucial for effective communication in English. These constructions are fundamental for expressing existence, presence, and quantity in various contexts.
By understanding the structural rules, usage guidelines, and common mistakes associated with “there is” and “there are,” you can significantly improve the clarity and accuracy of your language skills.
Throughout this guide, we have covered the definition, structural breakdown, types and categories, examples, usage rules, common mistakes, practice exercises, advanced topics, and frequently asked questions related to “there is” and “there are.” By reviewing these sections and practicing the exercises, you can confidently use these constructions in your everyday conversations, written texts, and formal presentations.
Remember to always match the verb (“is” or “are”) with the number of the noun that follows, and pay attention to the context to ensure correct usage. With consistent practice and attention to detail, you can master “there is” and “there are” and communicate more effectively in English.