There Is vs. There Are: Mastering Usage with Examples & Exercises
Understanding when to use “there is” and “there are” is fundamental to constructing grammatically correct and clear sentences in English. These phrases, known as existential “there,” indicate the existence of something. While seemingly simple, their correct usage depends on the number (singular or plural) of the noun that follows. This article provides a comprehensive guide to mastering “there is” and “there are,” complete with definitions, structural breakdowns, examples, usage rules, common mistakes, practice exercises, and advanced topics. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this resource will help you confidently and accurately use these essential phrases.
Table of Contents
- Definition of “There Is” and “There Are”
- Structural Breakdown
- Examples of “There Is” and “There Are”
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Definition of “There Is” and “There Are”
“There is” and “there are” are introductory phrases 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 the number (singular or plural) of the noun that follows. These phrases serve to shift the focus of the sentence to the existence of the noun, rather than the noun itself being the primary subject performing an action. They are commonly used to introduce new information or to describe a scene or situation.
“There is” is used when referring to a singular noun or an uncountable noun. It signifies that one thing or an unspecified quantity of something exists. For example, “There is a cat on the roof” indicates the existence of one cat. Similarly, “There is water in the bottle” refers to an unspecified amount of water.
“There are” is used when referring to plural nouns. It signifies that multiple things exist. For example, “There are many students in the classroom” indicates the existence of multiple students. The use of “are” signals that the noun is plural, making the sentence grammatically correct.
Structural Breakdown
The basic structure of sentences using “there is” and “there are” follows a specific pattern. Understanding this pattern is crucial for constructing grammatically correct sentences.
The fundamental structure is: There + be (is/are) + noun/noun phrase + (optional) additional information.
- There: This is the introductory word, sometimes called the expletive. It doesn’t have a meaning in itself but functions to introduce the existence of something.
- Be (is/are): This is the verb “to be,” conjugated according to the number of 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 noun or group of words acting as a noun whose existence is being asserted. The choice of “is” or “are” depends on whether this noun is singular or plural.
- (Optional) Additional Information: This can include prepositional phrases, adjectives, or clauses that provide more details about the noun.
For example:
- There is a book on the table. (Singular noun)
- There are several apples in the basket. (Plural noun)
- There is some milk in the refrigerator. (Uncountable noun)
In questions, the structure is slightly altered:
- Is there a problem?
- Are there any questions?
In negative sentences, “not” is added after “is” or “are”:
- There is not a single cloud in the sky. (or: There isn’t a single cloud in the sky.)
- There are not any tickets left. (or: There aren’t any tickets left.)
Examples of “There Is” and “There Are”
The following sections provide extensive examples of how to use “there is” and “there are” in various contexts. These examples are categorized to help you understand the specific usage rules and patterns.
Singular Nouns with “There Is”
When referring to a singular noun, “there is” is used. The following table provides examples of sentences using “there is” with singular nouns.
The table below showcases the use of “there is” followed by singular nouns, illustrating how to correctly indicate the existence of one item or entity. Each example is designed to provide clarity and reinforce the grammatical rule.
| Sentence |
|---|
| There is a cat sleeping on the windowsill. |
| There is a new restaurant opening downtown. |
| There is a park near my house. |
| There is a problem with my computer. |
| There is a solution to every challenge. |
| There is a bird singing outside. |
| There is a meeting scheduled for tomorrow. |
| There is a reason for everything. |
| There is a good movie playing at the cinema. |
| There is a bakery on the corner. |
| There is a bus stop across the street. |
| There is a concert next weekend. |
| There is an apple on the table. |
| There is a train leaving in five minutes. |
| There is a sale at the department store. |
| There is a doctor available to see you. |
| There is a possibility of rain. |
| There is a light on in the attic. |
| There is a chance we could win. |
| There is a key under the doormat. |
| There is a letter for you. |
| There is a spider in the bath. |
| There is a new coffee shop opening. |
| There is a fly in my soup. |
| There is a tree in my garden. |
| There is a cloud in the sky. |
| There is a bridge across the river. |
| There is a path through the woods. |
| There is a phone ringing. |
Plural Nouns with “There Are”
When referring to plural nouns, “there are” is used. The following table provides examples of sentences using “there are” with plural nouns.
The following table provides numerous examples illustrating the use of “there are” followed by plural nouns. These examples demonstrate how to correctly indicate the existence of multiple items or entities, ensuring grammatical accuracy and clarity.
| Sentence |
|---|
| There are many stars in the sky tonight. |
| There are several books on the shelf. |
| There are a few apples left in the fridge. |
| There are some children playing in the park. |
| There are no easy answers to this question. |
| There are numerous reasons to be happy. |
| There are two cars parked outside. |
| There are several options available. |
| There are many different cultures in the world. |
| There are a lot of people at the concert. |
| There are some cookies in the jar. |
| There are five dogs in my neighborhood. |
| There are three eggs in the fridge. |
| There are a few problems we need to address. |
| There are some important details to consider. |
| There are several ways to solve this puzzle. |
| There are a lot of opportunities for growth. |
| There are countless possibilities. |
| There are many things to be grateful for. |
| There are a few questions I’d like to ask. |
| There are birds singing in the forest. |
| There are houses on the street. |
| There are windows in the building. |
| There are lights on in the city. |
| There are flowers in the garden. |
| There are mountains in the distance. |
| There are rivers flowing to the sea. |
| There are cars driving down the road. |
| There are shops in the town. |
Uncountable Nouns with “There Is”
When referring to uncountable nouns, “there is” is used. Uncountable nouns are substances, concepts, or things that cannot be counted individually (e.g., water, information, advice). The following table provides examples of sentences using “there is” with uncountable nouns.
The table below illustrates the correct usage of “there is” with uncountable nouns. These examples demonstrate how to refer to substances, concepts, or things that cannot be counted individually, ensuring grammatical accuracy.
| Sentence |
|---|
| There is water in the glass. |
| There is some milk in the carton. |
| There is a lot of information available online. |
| There is no sugar in my coffee. |
| There is some salt on the table. |
| There is a little bit of hope left. |
| There is too much noise in this room. |
| There is hardly any traffic today. |
| There is some confusion about the instructions. |
| There is a great deal of research being done. |
| There is enough food for everyone. |
| There is always room for improvement. |
| There is sand on the beach. |
| There is ice in the freezer. |
| There is snow on the mountains. |
| There is oil in the engine. |
| There is gas in the car. |
| There is blood on the floor. |
| There is evidence to support his claim. |
| There is no time to waste. |
| There is love in the air. |
| There is happiness in the world. |
| There is music playing. |
| There is art in the museum. |
| There is knowledge to be gained. |
| There is beauty all around us. |
| There is potential in everyone. |
| There is progress being made. |
| There is work to be done. |
Compound Subjects
When dealing with compound subjects connected by “and,” “there are” is generally used because it implies plurality. However, if the compound subject is considered a single unit or idea, “there is” might be appropriate. Consider context carefully.
The following table shows examples of compound subjects with “there is” and “there are”. Note the subtle differences in the intended meaning based on the verb used.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| There is bacon and eggs for breakfast. | “Bacon and eggs” is considered a single dish. |
| There are bacon and eggs on the menu. | “Bacon and eggs” are considered as separate items. |
| There is a pen and a notebook on the desk. | This is acceptable, but less common. |
| There are a pen and a notebook on the desk. | More common usage, emphasizing the individual items. |
| There is love and understanding in our family. | “Love and understanding” are seen as a combined concept. |
| There are love and understanding between them. | “Love and understanding” are seen as separate entities. |
| There is bread and butter on the table. | “Bread and butter” is often considered a single pairing. |
| There are bread and butter available separately. | “Bread and butter” are seen as separate entities. |
| There is a knife and fork missing from the drawer. | This is acceptable, but less common. |
| There are a knife and a fork missing from the drawer. | More common usage, emphasizing the individual items. |
Complex Sentences
Using “there is” and “there are” in complex sentences involves ensuring that the verb agrees with the noun in the main clause. The following table provides examples of such sentences.
Below is a table illustrating the usage of “there is” and “there are” within more complex sentence structures. These examples demonstrate how to maintain grammatical accuracy when incorporating these existential phrases into sentences with multiple clauses and more intricate constructions.
| Sentence |
|---|
| There is a rumor that the company is going to be sold. |
| There are reports that the storm will intensify overnight. |
| There is a belief that hard work leads to success. |
| There are indications that the economy is improving. |
| There is a feeling that something is about to change. |
| There are signs that winter is coming. |
| There is a consensus that the project should continue. |
| There are concerns that the budget will be exceeded. |
| There is an expectation that everyone will participate. |
| There are suggestions that we should try a new approach. |
| There is a hope that peace will prevail. |
| There are fears that the situation will worsen. |
| There is a chance that we might be late, so let’s hurry. |
| There are reasons why we should be cautious, but we should proceed. |
| There is a possibility that the flight will be delayed due to the weather. |
| There are circumstances where exceptions can be made to the rule. |
| There is a saying that “honesty is the best policy.” |
| There are many examples of courage throughout history. |
| There is a tradition that we celebrate every year. |
| There are several factors that contributed to the decision. |
| There is a theory that explains this phenomenon. |
| There are different opinions on this matter. |
| There is a need for more research in this area. |
| There are several advantages to this approach. |
| There is a downside to every decision. |
| There are two sides to every story. |
| There is a beginning and an end to every journey. |
| There are ups and downs in life. |
| There is always something to learn. |
Usage Rules
Several rules govern the proper use of “there is” and “there are.” Understanding these rules is essential for avoiding common grammatical errors.
Subject-Verb Agreement
The most important rule is subject-verb agreement. The verb (“is” or “are”) must agree with the noun that follows. If the noun is singular or uncountable, use “there is.” If the noun is plural, use “there are.”
Correct: There is a book on the table.
Incorrect: There are a book on the table.
Correct: There are books on the table.
Incorrect: There is books on the table.
When a prepositional phrase follows the noun, the verb still agrees with the noun, not the object of the preposition.
Correct: There is a bottle of water on the shelf. (agrees with “bottle”)
Correct: There are bottles of water on the shelf. (agrees with “bottles”)
Exceptions to the Rules
While subject-verb agreement is paramount, there are some exceptions to the general rules, often involving compound subjects or collective nouns.
- Compound Subjects with “or” or “nor”: When two subjects are connected by “or” or “nor,” the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
- There is either a problem with the engine or a lack of fuel.
- There are neither tickets nor seats available.
- Collective Nouns: Collective nouns (e.g., team, family, committee) can be singular or plural depending on whether they are acting as a unit or as individual members. However, with “there is/are”, it’s more common to treat them as plural if they imply multiple entities.
- There is a team waiting to start. (Less common, emphasizes the team as a unit)
- There are a team of experts available. (More common, implies multiple experts)
Special Cases
Special cases often involve idiomatic expressions or specific grammatical structures. Pay attention to these nuances to ensure accuracy.
- “There’s” with Plural Nouns (Informal): In informal speech, “there’s” is sometimes used even when a plural noun follows. This is generally considered grammatically incorrect in formal writing.
- Informal: There’s many reasons why I’m upset.
- Formal: There are many reasons why I’m upset.
- Sentences Starting with “Here”: While this article focuses on “there is/are,” it’s worth noting the similarity with sentences starting with “here.” The same subject-verb agreement rules apply.
- Here is your coffee.
- Here are your keys.
Common Mistakes
Several common mistakes occur when using “there is” and “there are.” Being aware of these errors can help you avoid them.
The most frequent errors involve incorrect subject-verb agreement or confusion between singular and plural nouns. Here are some examples of common mistakes and their corrections:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| There are a book on the table. | There is a book on the table. | “Book” is singular, so “is” should be used. |
| There is books on the table. | There are books on the table. | “Books” is plural, so “are” should be used. |
| There is many people at the party. | There are many people at the party. | “People” is plural, so “are” should be used. |
| There are water in the bottle. | There is water in the bottle. | “Water” is uncountable, so “is” should be used. |
| There’s a lot of reasons to be happy. | There are a lot of reasons to be happy. | “Reasons” is plural, so “are” should be used (formal). |
| There is three cats in the garden. | There are three cats in the garden. | “Cats” is plural, so “are” should be used. |
| There are some sugar in my tea. | There is some sugar in my tea. | “Sugar” is uncountable, so “is” should be used. |
| There is five dollar on the table. | There are five dollars on the table. | “Dollars” is plural, so “are” should be used. |
| There are a little bit of information missing. | There is a little bit of information missing. | “Information” is uncountable, so “is” should be used. |
| There is several option available. | There are several options available. | “Options” is plural, so “are” should be used. |
Practice Exercises
The following exercises will help you practice using “there is” and “there are” correctly. Each exercise focuses on different aspects of the grammar rule.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with “there is” or “there are.”
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. _______ a fly in my soup. | There is |
| 2. _______ many trees in the forest. | There are |
| 3. _______ some milk in the fridge. | There is |
| 4. _______ a problem with my car. | There is |
| 5. _______ several reasons why I’m late. | There are |
| 6. _______ no sugar in my coffee. | There is |
| 7. _______ two birds sitting on the fence. | There are |
| 8. _______ a good movie playing tonight. | There is |
| 9. _______ some interesting articles in the magazine. | There are |
| 10. _______ a lot of traffic on the road today. | There is |
Exercise 2: Correct the Errors
Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences.
| Incorrect Sentence | Correct Sentence |
|---|---|
| 1. There are a cat sleeping on the bed. | There is a cat sleeping on the bed. |
| 2. There is many books on the shelf. | There are many books on the shelf. |
| 3. There are some water in the glass. | There is some water in the glass. |
| 4. There is three apples in the basket. | There are three apples in the basket. |
| 5. There are a lot of information available. | There is a lot of information available. |
| 6. There is several options to choose from. | There are several options to choose from. |
| 7. There are a little bit of hope left. | There is a little bit of hope left. |
| 8. There is two car parked outside. | There are two cars parked outside. |
| 9. There are no easy answer to this question. | There are no easy answers to this question. |
| 10. There is some cookies in the jar. | There are some cookies in the jar. |
Exercise 3: Sentence Construction
Create sentences using “there is” or “there are” based on the given prompts.
| Prompt | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| 1. (one dog/park) | There is one dog in the park. |
| 2. (several birds/tree) | There are several birds in the tree. |
| 3. (some juice/fridge) | There is some juice in the fridge. |
| 4. (a problem/my homework) | There is a problem with my homework. |
| 5. (many students/classroom) | There are many students in the classroom. |
| 6. (no milk/coffee) | There is no milk in my coffee. |
| 7. (two cats/garden) | There are two cats in the garden. |
| 8. (a new cafe/town) | There is a new cafe in town. |
| 9. (some interesting people/party) | There are some interesting people at the party. |
| 10. (a lot of snow/mountains) | There is a lot of snow on the mountains. |
Exercise 4: Complex Sentence Usage
Combine the following sentence fragments using “there is” or “there are” to create complex sentences.
| Fragments | Complex Sentence |
|---|---|
| 1. a rumor / the company / merge | There is a rumor that the company will merge. |
| 2. reports / the weather / improve | There are reports that the weather will improve. |
| 3. a belief / hard work / pay off | There is a belief that hard work will pay off. |
| 4. indications / the economy / recover | There are indications that the economy is recovering. |
| 5. a feeling / something / happen | There is a feeling that something is about to happen. |
| 6. signs / winter / coming | There are signs that winter is coming. |
| 7. a consensus / the project / continue | There is a consensus that the project should continue. |
| 8. concerns / the budget / exceed | There are concerns that the budget will be exceeded. |
| 9. an expectation / everyone / participate | There is an expectation that everyone will participate. |
| 10. suggestions / we / try a new approach | There are suggestions that we should try a new approach. |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, understanding more complex aspects of “there is” and “there are” can further enhance their grammatical proficiency.
Inverted Sentences
Inverted sentences occur when the usual subject-verb order is reversed. This can sometimes happen with “there is/are” for emphasis or stylistic effect.
While less common, sentences can be structured to place emphasis on the noun following “there is/are”. This inversion can add a stylistic flourish to writing and speech.
- Example: “There is no doubt in my mind” can be inverted to “No doubt is there in my mind,” though the latter is less common and more formal.
- Another example: “There are many challenges ahead” can be less commonly inverted to “Many challenges are there ahead.”
Existential “There” with Modal Verbs
“There is/are” can be used with modal verbs (e.g., can, could, may, might, should, must) to express possibility, necessity, or obligation regarding the existence of something.
Modal verbs can be combined with “there is/are” to express a range of possibilities, necessities, or obligations related to the existence of something. These constructions add nuance and precision to expressing existence.
- There might be a problem with the system. (possibility)
- There should be a solution to this issue. (obligation/expectation)
- There must be a mistake somewhere. (deduction)
- There could be several reasons for the delay. (possibility)
- There can be exceptions to every rule. (possibility/permission)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about using “there is” and “there are.”
- Q: When should I use “there is” versus “there are”?
A: Use “there is” when the noun that follows is singular or uncountable. Use “there are” when the noun that follows is plural. The verb must agree with the noun in number.
- Q: What if I have a compound subject connected by “and”?
A: Generally, use “there are” because a compound subject connected by “and” is usually considered plural. However, if the compound subject is viewed as a single unit, “there is” might be appropriate.
- Q: How do I form questions using “there is” and “there are”?
A: Invert the verb and “there.” For example, “Is there a problem?” or “Are there any questions?”
- Q: What about negative sentences?
A: Add “not” after “is” or “are.” For example, “There is not a single cloud in the sky” or “There are not any tickets left.” Contractions like “isn’t” and “aren’t” are also common.
- Q: Can I use “there’s” with a plural noun?
A: In informal speech, “there’s” is sometimes used with a plural noun. However, this is generally considered grammatically incorrect in formal writing. It’s best to use “there are” in formal contexts.
- Q: How does the presence of a prepositional phrase affect the choice between “there is” and “there are”?
The verb should agree with the noun that comes before the preposition. For instance, in the sentence “There is a book on the shelves,” the verb “is” agrees with the singular noun “book,” not with “shelves.” Similarly, in “There are books on the shelf,” the verb “are” agrees with the plural noun “books.”
- Q: How do I use “there is” and “there are” in formal writing?
A: In formal writing, always adhere strictly to subject-verb agreement. Ensure that “there is” is followed by a singular or uncountable noun and “there are” is followed by a plural noun. Avoid contractions like “there’s” with plural nouns.
- Q: Can “there is” or “there are” be used at the end of a sentence?
A: While less common, “there is/are” can appear at the end of a sentence for emphasis or stylistic reasons, though it’s generally preferable to structure sentences where they introduce the subject. For example, “The solution, if there is one, remains elusive.”
- Q: What’s the difference between “it is” and “there is”?
A: “It is” refers to something already mentioned or known, while “there is” introduces the existence of something new. For instance, “The book is on the table. It is a good read.” (refers to the book already mentioned) vs. “There is a book on the table.” (introduces the existence of a book).
- Q: When should I use “existential there” instead of a direct subject?
A: Use “there is/are” when you want to emphasize the existence of something rather than the thing itself. It’s useful for introducing new information or describing a scene. For example, instead of saying “A cat is on the roof,” you can say “There is a cat on the roof” to emphasize the cat’s presence.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “there is” and “there are” is a crucial step in achieving grammatical accuracy and clarity in English. By understanding the basic definitions, structural rules, and common exceptions, you can confidently construct sentences that effectively convey the existence of things. Regular practice, coupled with an awareness of common mistakes, will further solidify your understanding. Whether you’re writing formal essays or engaging in casual conversation, the correct usage of “there is” and “there are” will enhance your communication skills and make your message more precise and impactful. Keep practicing with the exercises provided, and refer back to the rules and examples whenever you need a refresher. With consistent effort, you’ll master this essential aspect of English grammar.
