There Is vs. There Are: Mastering Usage with Examples & Exercises
Understanding when to use “there is” versus “there are” is a fundamental aspect of English grammar. This distinction, based on number agreement, determines whether you’re referring to a singular or plural noun.
Mastering this concept is crucial for clear and accurate communication, both in writing and speaking. This article provides a comprehensive guide, suitable for English language learners of all levels, from beginners seeking to solidify their basic skills to advanced speakers aiming to refine their grammar.
We will explore the rules, exceptions, common mistakes, and provide numerous examples and practice exercises to help you confidently use “there is” and “there are.”
This guide is particularly beneficial for students preparing for English proficiency exams, writers seeking to improve their clarity, and anyone who wants to enhance their overall command of the English language. By the end of this article, you will have a solid grasp of when and how to use “there is” and “there are” correctly.
Table of Contents
- Definition: There Is vs. There Are
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories
- Examples
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition: There Is vs. There Are
The phrases “there is” and “there are” are used to indicate the existence or presence of something. They are often referred to as existential “there”. The choice between “there is” and “there are” depends on whether the noun that follows is singular or plural.
“There is” is used with singular nouns and uncountable nouns. It indicates the existence of one item or a non-countable quantity.
“There are” is used with plural nouns. It indicates the existence of multiple items.
In essence, “there is” and “there are” function as introductory phrases that set the stage for introducing the subject of the sentence. They don’t carry any inherent meaning themselves but rather serve a grammatical purpose.
Structural Breakdown
The basic structure of sentences using “there is” and “there are” is as follows:
There + is/are + noun/noun phrase + (optional modifiers)
Let’s break down each component:
- There: This is the introductory word, the existential “there.” It doesn’t refer to a specific location.
- Is/Are: This is the verb “to be,” conjugated to agree with the noun that follows. “Is” is used for singular and uncountable nouns, while “are” is used for plural nouns.
- Noun/Noun Phrase: This is the subject of the sentence – the thing that exists. It can be a single noun (e.g., “a book”) or a noun phrase (e.g., “a tall building”).
- Optional Modifiers: These are words or phrases that provide additional information about the noun. They can include adjectives, prepositional phrases, or clauses (e.g., “on the table,” “that I bought yesterday”).
Examples:
- There is a cat on the roof. (Singular noun: cat)
- There are many stars in the sky. (Plural noun: stars)
- There is some water in the bottle. (Uncountable noun: water)
Types and Categories
Sentences using “there is” and “there are” can be classified based on their function and polarity:
Affirmative Sentences
These sentences state the existence of something.
Example: There is a park near my house.
Negative Sentences
These sentences deny the existence of something. They typically use “not” after “is” or “are” or contractions like “isn’t” or “aren’t.”
Example: There isn’t any milk in the fridge.
Interrogative Sentences
These are questions that inquire about the existence of something. They are formed by inverting “is” or “are” with “there.”
Example: Is there a problem?
Complex Sentences
These sentences combine independent and dependent clauses, often providing more context or detail about the existence of something.
Example: There is a restaurant downtown that serves delicious pizza.
Examples
The following tables provide numerous examples of “there is” and “there are” used in various contexts.
Affirmative Sentences
This table showcases “there is” and “there are” in affirmative statements, highlighting the agreement with singular and plural nouns.
| Sentence | Noun Type |
|---|---|
| There is a book on the table. | Singular |
| There are some apples in the basket. | Plural |
| There is a big tree in the garden. | Singular |
| There are many birds singing outside. | Plural |
| There is a famous museum in the city. | Singular |
| There are several options to consider. | Plural |
| There is a good reason to be optimistic. | Singular |
| There are few clouds in the sky today. | Plural |
| There is a little bit of sugar left. | Uncountable (treated as singular) |
| There are some interesting articles online. | Plural |
| There is a new cafe opening soon. | Singular |
| There are numerous studies on this topic. | Plural |
| There is a possibility of rain tomorrow. | Singular |
| There are several ways to solve this problem. | Plural |
| There is a comfortable chair in the corner. | Singular |
| There are many people waiting in line. | Plural |
| There is a beautiful painting on the wall. | Singular |
| There are various types of flowers in the garden. | Plural |
| There is a strong wind blowing outside. | Singular |
| There are some important documents on my desk. | Plural |
| There is a solution to every problem. | Singular |
| There are always challenges to overcome. | Plural |
| There is an exciting opportunity for you. | Singular |
| There are many benefits to exercising regularly. | Plural |
| There is a sense of community here. | Singular |
| There are different opinions on this matter. | Plural |
| There is a direct flight to London. | Singular |
| There are several branches of the bank nearby. | Plural |
Negative Sentences
This table demonstrates how to form negative sentences using “there is” and “there are,” including the use of “not” and contractions.
| Sentence | Noun Type |
|---|---|
| There is not (isn’t) a cloud in the sky. | Singular |
| There are not (aren’t) any cookies left. | Plural |
| There isn’t any milk in the refrigerator. | Uncountable (treated as singular) |
| There aren’t many students in the library today. | Plural |
| There isn’t a single mistake in the report. | Singular |
| There aren’t any easy solutions to this problem. | Plural |
| There isn’t much time left. | Uncountable (treated as singular) |
| There aren’t enough chairs for everyone. | Plural |
| There isn’t a direct train to the airport. | Singular |
| There aren’t many tourists this season. | Plural |
| There isn’t a clear answer to that question. | Singular |
| There aren’t any tickets available for the concert. | Plural |
| There isn’t much hope for improvement. | Uncountable (treated as singular) |
| There aren’t any good restaurants in this neighborhood. | Plural |
| There isn’t a gas station nearby. | Singular |
| There aren’t any public holidays next month. | Plural |
| There isn’t a single person who agrees with you. | Singular |
| There aren’t any errors in the calculation. | Plural |
| There isn’t any evidence to support your claim. | Uncountable (treated as singular) |
| There aren’t many opportunities like this. | Plural |
| There isn’t a shortcut to success. | Singular |
| There aren’t any easy answers to this question. | Plural |
| There isn’t a valid reason for your behavior. | Singular |
| There aren’t any immediate plans for expansion. | Plural |
| There isn’t a perfect solution to this problem. | Singular |
| There aren’t any guarantees in life. | Plural |
| There isn’t a simple explanation for this. | Singular |
| There aren’t many people who understand this. | Plural |
Interrogative Sentences
This table illustrates how to form questions using “there is” and “there are,” by inverting the verb and the existential “there.”
| Sentence | Noun Type |
|---|---|
| Is there a doctor in the house? | Singular |
| Are there any questions? | Plural |
| Is there any sugar in my coffee? | Uncountable (treated as singular) |
| Are there many people coming to the party? | Plural |
| Is there a bus stop near here? | Singular |
| Are there any good movies playing? | Plural |
| Is there enough room for everyone? | Uncountable (treated as singular) |
| Are there any special offers today? | Plural |
| Is there a problem with the computer? | Singular |
| Are there any vegetarian options on the menu? | Plural |
| Is there a charge for using the internet? | Singular |
| Are there any flights available tomorrow? | Plural |
| Is there enough information to make a decision? | Uncountable (treated as singular) |
| Are there any discounts for students? | Plural |
| Is there a possibility of a delay? | Singular |
| Are there any complaints about the service? | Plural |
| Is there a reason to be concerned? | Singular |
| Are there any updates on the project? | Plural |
| Is there a solution to this issue? | Singular |
| Are there any alternatives we can consider? | Plural |
| Is there a dress code for the event? | Singular |
| Are there any specific requirements for the job? | Plural |
| Is there a deadline for submitting the application? | Singular |
| Are there any restrictions on using this software? | Plural |
| Is there a warranty on this product? | Singular |
| Are there any side effects to this medication? | Plural |
| Is there a tutorial available for this program? | Singular |
| Are there any hidden costs involved? | Plural |
Complex Sentences
This table provides examples of complex sentences using “there is” and “there are,” incorporating additional clauses and phrases for more detailed descriptions.
| Sentence | Noun Type |
|---|---|
| There is a small cafe down the street that sells delicious pastries. | Singular |
| There are several reasons why I don’t want to go, but I won’t bore you with the details. | Plural |
| There is a chance that it will rain tomorrow, so bring an umbrella. | Singular |
| There are many people who believe in climate change, despite the skeptics. | Plural |
| There is a new exhibit at the museum that you might find interesting. | Singular |
| There are several books on the shelf that I haven’t read yet. | Plural |
| There is always something to learn, no matter how old you are. | Singular |
| There are many challenges to overcome if you want to succeed. | Plural |
| There is a hidden message in the painting that only experts can decipher. | Singular |
| There are several factors that contribute to the problem, but we don’t have time to discuss them all. | Plural |
| There is a strong possibility that the meeting will be postponed due to the weather. | Singular |
| There are numerous studies which prove the benefits of exercise. | Plural |
| There is a general consensus that more needs to be done to address this issue. | Singular |
| There are multiple perspectives on this topic, and each one is valid. | Plural |
| There is a growing concern about the increasing levels of pollution in the city. | Singular |
| There are many opportunities available for those who are willing to work hard. | Plural |
| There is a direct correlation between education and income, according to the study. | Singular |
| There are several steps you need to take in order to complete the process. | Plural |
| There is a sense of urgency in addressing this crisis. | Singular |
| There are various reasons why people choose to live in the countryside. | Plural |
| There is a famous landmark that is visible from almost every part of the city. | Singular |
| There are several different approaches to solving this particular problem. | Plural |
| There is a common misconception that all cats hate water. | Singular |
| There are many factors that can influence the final decision. | Plural |
| There is a well-known saying that “honesty is the best policy.” | Singular |
| There are always going to be disagreements, but it’s important to find a compromise. | Plural |
| There is a growing trend of people working remotely. | Singular |
| There are several things we need to consider before making a final decision. | Plural |
Usage Rules
The correct usage of “there is” and “there are” hinges on the number of the noun that follows. However, there are some nuances to consider.
Singular Nouns
Use “there is” when referring to a single, countable noun.
Example: There is a bird in the tree.
Plural Nouns
Use “there are” when referring to multiple, countable nouns.
Example: There are many cars on the road.
Uncountable Nouns
Uncountable nouns, which cannot be counted individually (e.g., water, information, advice), are generally treated as singular. Therefore, use “there is.”
Example: There is some water in the glass.
Compound Subjects
When a sentence uses “there is/are” followed by a compound subject (two or more nouns joined by “and”), the verb usually agrees with the first noun. However, this rule can be flexible, and it’s often more natural to use “there are” if the compound subject is clearly plural in meaning.
Example (more formal): There is a book and a pen on the desk.
Example (more common): There are a book and a pen on the desk.
If the nouns refer to a single entity or idea, “there is” is always correct.
Example: There is bacon and eggs for breakfast. (referring to a single dish)
Exceptions
Sometimes, the noun that immediately follows “there is/are” might be singular, but the actual subject of the sentence is plural. This often occurs with collective nouns or phrases indicating quantity.
Example: There is a group of students waiting outside. (Although “group” is singular, the group consists of multiple students.)
In this case, it’s grammatically correct to use “there is,” but using “there are” is becoming increasingly common and acceptable, especially in informal contexts, if the focus is on the individual members of the group. A more formal construction would be: “There are students waiting outside”.
Common Mistakes
One of the most common mistakes is using “there is” with plural nouns and vice versa.
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| There is many books on the shelf. | There are many books on the shelf. | “Books” is plural, so “there are” is required. |
| There are a cat sleeping on the sofa. | There is a cat sleeping on the sofa. | “Cat” is singular, so “there is” is required. |
| There is some problems with the system. | There are some problems with the system. | “Problems” is plural, so “there are” is required. |
| There are a lot of water in the lake. | There is a lot of water in the lake. | Although “a lot” implies quantity, “water” is uncountable and treated as singular. |
| Is there any chairs available? | Are there any chairs available? | “Chairs” is plural, so “are there” is required. |
Another common mistake is using “there is” with uncountable nouns when a plural quantifier is used.
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| There is many information available online. | There is much information available online. | “Information” is uncountable, use “much” instead of “many.” |
| There is several advice I can give you. | There is some advice I can give you. | “Advice” is uncountable, use “some” instead of “several.” |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding with these practice exercises. Answers are provided below each exercise.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with “is” or “are.”
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. There ______ a spider in the bathtub. | is |
| 2. There ______ many reasons to be happy. | are |
| 3. There ______ some milk left in the carton. | is |
| 4. There ______ a lot of people at the concert. | are |
| 5. There ______ a good movie on TV tonight. | is |
| 6. There ______ any questions about the homework? | are |
| 7. There ______ not enough time to finish the project. | is |
| 8. There ______ several options to choose from. | are |
| 9. There ______ a problem with the car. | is |
| 10. There ______ some interesting facts in the book. | are |
Exercise 2: Correct the Errors
Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences.
| Question | Corrected Sentence |
|---|---|
| 1. There are a apple on the table. | There is an apple on the table. |
| 2. There is many students in the classroom. | There are many students in the classroom. |
| 3. There are not much sugar in my tea. | There is not much sugar in my tea. |
| 4. Is there any chairs available? | Are there any chairs available? |
| 5. There is a lot of cars on the street. | There are a lot of cars on the street. |
| 6. There are a interesting story in the newspaper. | There is an interesting story in the newspaper. |
| 7. There is some problems with my computer. | There are some problems with my computer. |
| 8. There are not a single person who agrees with you. | There is not a single person who agrees with you. |
| 9. There is many information online about this topic. | There is much information online about this topic. |
| 10. There are a good reason to be cautious. | There is a good reason to be cautious. |
Exercise 3: Sentence Construction
Create sentences using “there is” or “there are” based on the given prompts.
| Prompt | Example Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. (book / desk) | There is a book on the desk. |
| 2. (trees / park) | There are many trees in the park. |
| 3. (water / bottle) | There is some water in the bottle. |
| 4. (people / waiting) | There are several people waiting. |
| 5. (cat / sleeping) | There is a cat sleeping. |
| 6. (questions / end) | Are there any questions at the end? |
| 7. (time / waste) | There isn’t any time to waste. |
| 8. (options / consider) | There are multiple options to consider. |
| 9. (solution / problem) | There is a solution to the problem. |
| 10. (challenges / overcome) | There are always challenges to overcome. |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, understanding the nuances of inversion and the existential “there” can further refine their grammar skills.
Inversion
Inversion occurs when the typical subject-verb order is reversed. With “there is/are,” inversion is primarily used to form questions, as demonstrated earlier.
However, it can also be used in certain literary or formal contexts for emphasis.
Example: “There stood a majestic oak tree.” (Instead of “A majestic oak tree stood there.”)
Existential ‘There’
The “there” in “there is/are” is referred to as the existential “there.” It’s a dummy subject, meaning it doesn’t refer to anything specific. Its sole purpose is to allow the verb “to be” to come before the actual subject of the sentence.
Understanding this concept clarifies why the verb agrees with the noun that follows, not with “there” itself.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about “there is” and “there are.”
- When should I use “there was” and “there were” instead of “there is” and “there are”?
- Can I use “there is” with plural nouns if I’m using a quantifier like “a lot of”?
- What if I have a compound subject joined by “or”?
- Is it ever acceptable to use “there’s” with a plural noun in informal speech?
- How do I use “there is/are” with gerunds?
- Can I use “there is/are” in definitions?
- What’s the difference between “it is” and “there is”?
- How do I use “there is/are” with clauses acting as subjects?
Use “there was” and “there were” when referring to the past. “There was” is used with singular and uncountable nouns in the past tense, while “there were” is used with plural nouns in the past tense.
For example, “There was a fire last night,” and “There were many people at the concert yesterday.”
No, the verb must agree with the actual noun, not the quantifier. Even with “a lot of,” if the noun is plural, use “there are.” For example, “There are a lot of books on the shelf,” not “There is a lot of books on the shelf.”
When subjects are joined by “or,” the verb agrees with the subject that is closer to it. For example, “There is a book or some magazines on the table,” and “There are some magazines or a book on the table.”
While grammatically incorrect, using “there’s” with a plural noun is sometimes heard in very informal speech, but it is generally best to avoid this in writing or formal speaking. It’s always safer to stick to the grammatically correct “there are.” For instance, someone might say, “There’s many reasons why I’m upset,” but it is better to say “There are many reasons why I’m upset.”
Gerunds (verbs ending in “-ing” that function as nouns) are generally treated as singular. Therefore, use “there is.” For example, “There is swimming allowed in the lake.” However, if you are referring to multiple gerunds, use “there are.” For example, “There are swimming, hiking, and biking available as activities.”
Yes, “there is/are” can be used to define something by stating its properties or components. For example, “A good friend is someone who is always there for you,” or “The ingredients for this cake are flour, sugar, and eggs.”
“It is” typically refers to something specific that has already been mentioned or is understood in the context. “There is” introduces the existence of something new or unspecified.
For example, if someone asks, “Where’s my book?” you might reply, “It is on the table.” If you’re simply stating that a book exists on the table, you would say, “There is a book on the table.”
When a clause acts as the subject, treat it as singular and use “there is.” For example, “There is no doubt that he will succeed,” or “There is nothing I can do to change the past.”
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “there is” and “there are” is essential for clear and accurate English communication. By understanding the basic rules, recognizing common mistakes, and practicing regularly, you can confidently use these phrases in your writing and speaking.
Remember to always check for agreement between the verb and the noun that follows, and pay attention to uncountable nouns and compound subjects.
Continue practicing with varied exercises and real-life examples to solidify your understanding. With consistent effort, you’ll find using “there is” and “there are” becomes second nature, allowing you to express yourself with greater precision and fluency.
Don’t be afraid to seek out additional resources and practice materials to further enhance your skills. Happy learning!
