B2 Sentence Structure 13 min read Fácil

'There' existencial (Hay)

¡Domina el uso de there is/are para introducir sujetos nuevos y describir la existencia de forma fluida, como un hablante nativo!
Marcar como aprendido
Practícalo

Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use 'There' + 'be' to introduce new information or state that something exists without making it the grammatical subject.

  • Use 'There is' for singular nouns and uncountable things: 'There is a fly in my soup.'
  • Use 'There are' for plural nouns: 'There are three meetings scheduled today.'
  • In questions, swap the order: 'Is there any coffee left?' or 'Are there any concerns?'
There + Verb (be/seem/appear) + Real Subject + Location/Context 📍

Overview

¿Alguna vez has mirado tu teléfono y te has dado cuenta de que there is (no hay) Wi-Fi? Ese pequeño momento de pánico te lo trae el there existencial. Es la gramática de la existencia.
No estás describiendo cómo es algo; simplemente estás anunciando que existe en el mundo. Es como un dedo señalando algo y diciendo:
¡Oye, mira! ¡Esta cosa está aquí!
.
En inglés, usamos there is y there are para introducir nueva información. Llamamos a esto el there existencial. ¿Por qué?
Porque habla de la existencia de las cosas. Si entras en una habitación y ves un gato en el sofá, no dices
A cat is on the sofa
. Eso suena como un robot.
Dices: There is a cat on the sofa. Se siente más natural. Piensa en there como un marcador de posición. No significa allí (ese es otro there).
Simplemente guarda el lugar al principio de la oración para que puedas decirle al mundo lo que está pasando. Es como los créditos iniciales de una película. Te dice quién y qué aparece en pantalla antes de que comience la acción.
Usas esto cuando quieres mencionar a una persona, un objeto o incluso una idea abstracta por primera vez. Por ejemplo, there is un problema con mi pedido. O, there are tres mensajes nuevos en tu bandeja de entrada.
Es el iniciador de conversación definitivo. Dato curioso: sin esta regla, no podrías decirle a tu amigo que there's (hay) una araña en su hombro. Y de verdad, ¿qué clase de amigo serías entonces?

Word Order Rules

El orden de las palabras aquí es muy específico. Normalmente, en inglés, el sujeto va primero. Pero con el there existencial, el sujeto real viene *después* del verbo. El patrón es: There + be (verbo) + Noun (sujeto) + Lugar/Tiempo.
  • Singular: There + is + a/an + sustantivo singular. Ejemplo: There is a coffee on the table.
  • Plural: There + are + sustantivo plural. Ejemplo: There are two dogs in the park.
Si quieres hacer una pregunta, simplemente intercambias las dos primeras palabras: Is there a fly in my soup? o Are there any tickets left?. Para negativos, solo añade not: There is not (isn't) any milk. o There are not (aren't) any chairs. En los mensajes de texto modernos, casi siempre usamos la contracción There's para el singular. ¡Pero ten cuidado!
En la escritura formal, debes evitar there's para cosas en plural como There's three books. Aunque todo el mundo lo diga en la vida real, tu profesor de inglés podría tener un pequeño ataque al corazón si lo escribes así. Usa There are para los plurales cuando intentes parecer profesional, como en una entrevista de trabajo por Zoom.

How This Grammar Works

Piensa en there como un sujeto ficticio. No es una persona o cosa real. Es solo un fantasma gramatical.
Su único trabajo es introducir el sujeto real que le sigue. Imagina que eres un vlogger de viajes. Llegas a una playa hermosa.
No dices simplemente
The beach is beautiful
. Quieres decirles a tus seguidores qué pueden encontrar allí. Dices: There are many palm trees here! o There is a small café nearby. Estás introduciendo estas cosas en la conversación.
Uno de los mayores obstáculos para los estudiantes es confundir there is con it is. Aquí está la regla de oro: usa there is para decir que algo existe. Usa it is para describir esa cosa una vez que ya la has presentado.
  • There is un teléfono nuevo sobre la mesa. (Te estoy diciendo que está ahí).
  • It is muy caro. (Estoy describiendo el teléfono del que acabamos de hablar).
Si los mezclas, podrías sonar un poco como un error de Google Translate de 2012. Humorísticamente, decir que there is (hay) una razón para todo suele significar simplemente que olvidaste por qué entraste en la cocina.

Formation Pattern

1
Configurar estas oraciones es como construir con piezas de Lego. Es un proceso simple de 3 pasos:
2
Empieza con la palabra There. Esto actúa como tu base.
3
Elige tu verbo basándote en la cantidad. Si ves una cosa, usa is. Si ves dos o más, usa are.
4
Singular/Incontable: is (There is water / There is a bug)
5
Plural: are (There are memes / There are people)
6
Añade el sustantivo (lo que estás hablando) y cualquier detalle extra como dónde está.
7
There + is + a party + at my house.
8
There + are + many stars + in the sky.
9
En el habla informal, There's es el rey. There's a new video on YouTube. Es rápido, tiene garra y te hace sonar como un hablante nativo. Solo recuerda que is ama los sustantivos singulares y are ama los sustantivos plurales. Son como esa pareja en una fiesta que se niega a separarse. Si pones is con un sustantivo plural en un ensayo formal, es como usar calcetines con sandalias: algunas personas lo hacen, pero definitivamente es una elección cuestionable.

Pattern Variations

La vida no se trata solo de lo que *hay*; a veces se trata de lo que *no* hay.
  • El Negativo: Añade not. En inglés informal, usamos isn't y aren't.
  • There isn't any Wi-Fi in this café. (La tragedia definitiva del siglo XXI).
  • There aren't any clean towels.
  • La Pregunta: Invierte el verbo y there.
  • Is there a charger I can use?
  • Are there any good shows on Netflix right now?
  • La Respuesta Corta: No digas simplemente Yes o No. Usa el patrón.
  • Is there a gym in the hotel?
    ->
    Yes, there is.
  • Are there many people at the party?
    -> "No, there aren't."
  • Palabras de Cantidad: A menudo usamos some para positivos y any para negativos y preguntas.
  • There are some cookies in the kitchen.
  • Are there any cookies left? (La pregunta más importante que jamás harás).
Usar estas variaciones hace que tu inglés se sienta flexible. Puedes navegar un viaje en Uber o revisar una aplicación de comida a domicilio sin sonar como si estuvieras leyendo un libro de texto de los años 50.

Real Conversations

Veamos cómo se ve esto en el mundo real. Imagina que estás en un café con un amigo.

Escenario 1: En un café

A

Amigo

Is there una mesa para nosotros?
T

Tú

Sí, there's una en la esquina. ¡Pero there aren't ningunas sillas!
A

Amigo

Mira, there are algunas sillas cerca de la ventana. Vamos a por ellas.

Escenario 2: Pedir comida online

T

Tú

Are there hamburguesas veganas en esta aplicación?
C

Compañero

Creo que there is una opción en ese lugar nuevo.
T

Tú

Ah, espera, there's una tarifa de envío de 10 dólares. No importa, there's algo de pasta en la nevera.

Escenario 3: Vlogging de viajes

T

Tú

¡Hola chicos! There's una vista increíble detrás de mí. There are tantos turistas hoy, pero there is un lugar tranquilo allá por la fuente.

¿Ves? Está en todas partes. Desde los comentarios de TikTok hasta los grupos de WhatsApp, esta regla es el pegamento que mantiene unido el inglés básico.

Common Mistakes

Incluso los profesionales se equivocan a veces. Aquí están los grandes errores a vigilar:
  1. 1La trampa del It is: No digas
    It is a book on the table
    cuando quieras decir There is a book on the table. Recuerda: There is = existencia. It is = identificación/descripción.
  2. 2El error de ortografía: No confundas There con Their (de ellos) o They're (ellos son). Suenan igual, pero el autocorrector de tu teléfono te juzgará en silencio.
  3. 3Confusión Singular/Plural: Decir
    There is many people
    . Aunque es común en la jerga muy informal, técnicamente está mal. Usa There are para los plurales.
  4. 4La A perdida: ¡No olvides el artículo! No es There is car. Es There is a car.
  5. 5Abusar de Have: En muchos idiomas, dices Tiene un gato para decir Hay un gato. En inglés, no hacemos eso. Simplemente usa there is.

Quick FAQ

P: ¿Puedo decir There's para cosas en plural?

R: En el habla informal, sí. Pero en un examen, usa siempre There are para los plurales.

P: ¿Qué pasa si tengo una lista de cosas, como un bolígrafo y dos lápices?

R: Normalmente, el verbo concuerda con el *primer* elemento de la lista. Por lo tanto, There is a pen and two pencils.

P: ¿Es there el sujeto de la oración?

R: Gramaticalmente, es un marcador de posición. El sujeto real es el sustantivo que viene después del verbo.

P: ¿Cómo digo there is en pasado?

R: Simplemente cambia el verbo be. Usa there was para singular y there were para plural.

P: ¿Está bien decir There is no en lugar de There isn't any?

R: ¡Sí! There is no milk es perfectamente correcto y suena un poco más directo.

P: ¿Puedo usar there is para personas?

R: ¡Absolutamente! There is a new student in our class es la forma estándar de presentar personas.

Existential 'There' across Tenses

Tense Singular/Uncountable Plural
Present Simple
There is
There are
Past Simple
There was
There were
Future (Will)
There will be
There will be
Present Perfect
There has been
There have been
Past Perfect
There had been
There had been
Modals (e.g. might)
There might be
There might be

Common Contractions

Full Form Contraction Usage Note
There is
There's
Very common in speech/writing
There are
There're
Rare in writing, common in fast speech
There will
There'll
Common in informal speech
There is not
There isn't / There's not
Both are common
There are not
There aren't
Standard negative plural

Meanings

A construction used to introduce a new topic or to state the existence or presence of something in a particular place or time.

1

Physical Existence

Stating that an object or person is physically present in a location.

“There is a cat on the roof.”

“There are several cars in the driveway.”

2

Abstract Existence

Stating the presence of non-physical things like ideas, problems, or feelings.

“There is no hope for a quick resolution.”

“There are many reasons to be optimistic.”

3

Events and Occurrences

Announcing that an event is happening or will happen.

“There is a party tonight at Sarah's house.”

“There was a massive protest in the city center.”

4

Availability

Indicating whether something can be used or obtained.

“There is plenty of food in the fridge.”

“Are there any tickets left for the show?”

5

Complex Existence (B2+)

Using 'there' with modal verbs or verbs of perception to express nuance.

“There might be a delay in your shipment.”

“There appears to have been a mistake in the calculations.”

Reference Table

Reference table for 'There' existencial (Hay)
Función Singular/Incontable Plural Ejemplo
Affirmative
`There is / There was`
`There are / There were`
`There is a cat.` `There are cats.`
Negative
`There isn't / wasn't`
`There aren't / weren't`
`There isn't a problem.` `There weren't questions.`
Question
`Is there? / Was there?`
`Are there? / Were there?`
`Is there coffee?` `Were there any emails?`
Future
`There will be`
`There will be`
`There will be a party.`
Perfect Tenses
`There has been`
`There have been`
`There has been rain.` `There have been delays.`
Modal Verbs
`There might be`
`There might be`
`There might be a test.`

Espectro de formalidad

Formal
There appears to be a discrepancy in the financial records.

There appears to be a discrepancy in the financial records. (Workplace)

Neutral
There is a mistake in the accounts.

There is a mistake in the accounts. (Workplace)

Informal
There's a bit of a mess-up with the numbers.

There's a bit of a mess-up with the numbers. (Workplace)

Jerga
There's a major glitch in the system.

There's a major glitch in the system. (Workplace)

El 'There' Existencial vs. El 'There' de Lugar

¡Todo es cuestión de contexto!

Existencial (Sujeto Ficticio)

  • There is a cat. (el gato existe)
  • There are problems. (los problemas existen)

Adverbio (Lugar)

  • The cat is there. (ubicación del gato)
  • Go over there. (dirección)

Cuándo usar 'There Is/Are' vs. 'It Is'

There is/are
There's a new café. (Introduce algo nuevo)
There are many options. (Afirma existencia/disponibilidad)
It is
It's amazing! (Se refiere a algo ya conocido)
It's Tuesday. (Habla de tiempo/clima/distancia)

Cómo elegir 'There is' o 'There are'

1

¿Estás introduciendo algo por primera vez o afirmando su existencia?

YES
Usa 'There is/are'
NO
Considera sujeto + verbo directo o 'It is'
2

¿La frase nominal que sigue es singular, incontable o plural?

YES
NO
3

Si es singular/incontable:

YES
Usa 'There is' (o 'was', 'will be', etc.)
NO
4

Si es plural:

YES
Usa 'There are' (o 'were', 'will be', etc.)
NO

Usos de 'There is/are'

✨

Información Nueva

  • • There's a notification.
  • • There are some changes.
✔️

Existencia

  • • There is a God.
  • • There are 7 continents.
⏳

Disponibilidad

  • • There isn't much time.
  • • Are there seats left?
🖼️

Descripciones

  • • There is a lake.
  • • There are mountains.
Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

Ejemplos por nivel

1

There is a dog in the park.

2

There are four chairs in the room.

3

Is there a supermarket near here?

4

There are no students in the class.

1

There was a big party last night.

2

There weren't any eggs in the fridge.

3

Will there be a test tomorrow?

4

There is a lot of sugar in this tea.

1

There has been an accident on the highway.

2

There is something I need to tell you.

3

There used to be a cinema on this street.

4

Is there anything I can do to help?

1

There appears to be a slight delay with your flight.

2

There might have been a misunderstanding during the call.

3

There is no point in arguing about this now.

4

There are bound to be some objections to the new policy.

1

There remains much work to be done before the deadline.

2

There exists a fundamental flaw in your logic.

3

There arose a sudden conflict between the two factions.

4

There's no denying that the climate is changing.

1

There being no further objections, the motion was passed.

2

Should there be any changes, we will notify you immediately.

3

There lived an old fisherman by the sea.

4

There is but one path to true enlightenment.

Fácil de confundir

Existential 'There' (There is / There are) vs There vs. It

Learners use 'It' to introduce new things because their native language uses one word for both.

Existential 'There' (There is / There are) vs There vs. They

In fast speech, 'There are' and 'They are' can sound similar.

Existential 'There' (There is / There are) vs There vs. Have

Many languages (like Spanish or Chinese) use the verb 'to have' for existence.

Errores comunes

✗

It is a book on the table.

✓

There is a book on the table.

Use 'there' to introduce existence.
✗

There is two cats.

✓

There are two cats.

Verb must agree with the plural noun.
✗

Is a park near here?

✓

Is there a park near here?

You cannot omit 'there' in this structure.
✗

There are no some chairs.

✓

There are no chairs. / There aren't any chairs.

Don't use 'some' with 'no' or 'not'.
✗

There was many people.

✓

There were many people.

Past tense plural agreement.
✗

There is not some milk.

✓

There isn't any milk.

Use 'any' in negative sentences.
✗

Will be a party?

✓

Will there be a party?

Future questions still need the dummy subject 'there'.
✗

There has been many changes.

✓

There have been many changes.

Present perfect plural agreement.
✗

There is no point to go.

✓

There is no point in going.

Incorrect preposition/gerund use with this specific 'there' idiom.
✗

I think that there's a lot of problems.

✓

I think that there are a lot of problems.

While 'there's' is common in speech for plurals, it's technically incorrect in B1+ writing.
✗

There remains some issues.

✓

There remain some issues.

Formal verbs like 'remain' must also agree with the plural subject.

Patrones de oraciones

There is a ___ in the ___.

There seems to be a ___ with ___.

Is there any ___ left?

There has been a lot of ___ lately.

Real World Usage

Booking an Airbnb very common

Is there a washing machine in the apartment?

Tech Support common

There seems to be a bug in the latest update.

Job Interview occasional

There were several instances where I had to lead the team.

Ordering Food constant

Are there any nuts in this dish?

Social Media very common

There's a new trend going around on TikTok.

Emergency occasional

There has been an accident! Is there a doctor here?

Regístrate gratis para ver todos los ejemplos
💡

La Concordancia es Clave

Siempre verifica si la frase nominal *después* de 'there is/are' es singular o plural. El verbo 'be' debe concordar con *ese sustantivo*, no con 'there'. ¡Es el error más común!
There are two books on the table.
(¡No 'There is two books'!)
⚠️

No Confundas 'There'

Recuerda, el 'there' existencial no se refiere a un lugar. Si quieres decir 'allí' como una ubicación, ese es un 'there' diferente. ¡Mantenlos separados!
The keys are there, on the table.
(¡Aquí 'there' es un lugar, no existencial!)
🎯

Usa las Contraste

En el inglés hablado casual e informal, 'there's' se usa casi universalmente para 'there is'. ¡Siéntete libre de usarlo! Te hará sonar mucho más natural y fluido. "There's a spider in the corner." ('There're' es menos común).
🌍

El Contexto lo es Todo

La elección entre 'There is' y 'A subject exists' puede cambiar sutilmente el tono. 'There is' suele ser más neutro e introduce información nueva, mientras que 'A subject exists' puede sonar más formal o enfático. ¡Elige sabiamente según tu audiencia! Piensa en cómo sonaría un ensayo académico versus una conversación informal:
There is a notable shift in economic policy.
vs.
A notable shift in economic policy exists.
(Esta última es más formal).
💡

Introducción Pasiva

Piensa en 'there is/are' como una excelente forma de introducir información sin que un sujeto específico actúe. A menudo se usa cuando la existencia de algo es más importante que quién o qué lo causó. Por ejemplo, en las noticias:
There has been a serious accident on the highway.
(Lo importante es el accidente, no quién lo causó).
⚠️

Evita el Abuso

Aunque es útil, no dependas solo de 'there is/are'. A veces, una construcción de oración más directa es más clara y concisa. ¡Varía tus estructuras de oración para mantener tu escritura interesante! En vez de decir
There is a lot of rain today.
podrías decir "It's raining a lot today."

Smart Tips

Use 'There seems to be' instead of 'You have'.

You have a mistake in your email. → There seems to be a mistake in your email.

Start with 'There was' to paint a picture for the reader.

A dark forest was ahead. → There was a dark forest ahead.

Just match the verb to the very first noun you say.

There are a chair and some tables. → There is a chair and some tables.

Always use 'any' in the question.

Is there some milk? → Is there any milk?

Pronunciación

/ðɛərz/

The 'There's' Contraction

In natural speech, 'There is' is almost always contracted to 'There's'. The 's' sounds like a /z/.

/ðɛərɑːr/

Linking 'There are'

When saying 'There are', the 'r' in 'there' is often pronounced to link with the 'a' in 'are'.

Rising Intonation for Questions

Is there a ↗️ problem?

Conveys a genuine inquiry or concern.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

T-H-E-R-E: To Highlight Everything Recently Entered.

Asociación visual

Imagine a stage curtain opening. 'There is' is the person pulling the curtain to show you what is on the stage. The curtain itself isn't the star; the thing behind it is.

Rhyme

If it's one, 'There is' is done. If it's more, 'There are' is the door.

Story

A traveler arrives in a new city. First, they see 'There is a hotel'. Then they notice 'There are many shops'. Finally, they realize 'There has been a festival' because of the decorations.

Word Web

existencepresenceavailabilityoccurrenceplaceholderdummy subject

Desafío

Look around your room right now. List 5 things using 'There is' and 5 things using 'There are'. Then, turn them into questions.

Notas culturales

Using 'There seems to be...' is a common cultural 'softener'. English speakers often avoid direct confrontation by blaming the existence of a problem rather than the person.

In some dialects, you might hear 'There's' used for everything, regardless of plurality, even more frequently than in standard English.

Existential 'there' is used to maintain an objective, impersonal tone in research papers.

The use of 'there' as a dummy subject dates back to Old English (þær), where it was already used to introduce sentences where the subject was delayed.

Inicios de conversación

“

Is there anything you would change about your city?

“

Are there any traditions in your country that outsiders might find strange?

“

Is there a book or movie that changed your life?

Temas para diario

Describe your dream house. What is there in every room?
Write about a major change in your life. What was there before that isn't there now?
Argue for or against the existence of aliens. Use 'there' to present your evidence.

Errores comunes

Incorrect

Correcto

Incorrect

Correcto

Incorrect

Correcto

Incorrect

Correcto

Sign up free to see all tips

Test Yourself

Elige la forma correcta

___ a lot of cars on the road today.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: There are
'A lot of cars' es una frase nominal plural, por lo que 'there are' es la forma correcta para la concordancia sujeto-verbo. ¡Siempre fíjate en el sustantivo después de 'be'!
Encuentra y corrige el error Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

There is three main points in her argument.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: There are three main points in her argument.
El sujeto 'three main points' es plural, por lo que el verbo debe ser 'are', no 'is'. Recuerda: el verbo concuerda con el sustantivo que sigue a 'there'.
¿Qué oración es correcta? Opción múltiple

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Is there any milk in the fridge?
'Milk' es un sustantivo incontable, que requiere una forma verbal singular ('is'). En las preguntas, 'is there' va primero. ¡Piensa en 'agua' en español, que también es incontable!

Score: /3

Ejercicios de practica

8 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'there is' or 'there are'.

_______ many reasons why I love this city.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: There are
'Reasons' is plural, so we use 'there are'.
Choose the most natural sentence for a professional email. Opción múltiple

How should you mention a possible error?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: There seems to be a mistake in the file.
'There seems to be' is the most polite and professional way to introduce a problem.
Correct the error in the following sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

In the fridge it is some milk.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: In the fridge there is some milk.
We use 'there is' for existence, not 'it is'.
Rewrite the sentence starting with 'There'. Sentence Transformation

A storm is coming.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: There is a storm coming.
This is the standard way to introduce an approaching event.
Match the question to the correct short answer. Match Pairs

1. Is there any coffee? 2. Are there any cookies?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-Yes, there is / 2-Yes, there are
Short answers must mirror the verb and subject of the question.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Excuse me, _______ a bank near here? B: Yes, _______ one just around the corner.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: is there / there is
The question uses 'is there' and the answer confirms existence with 'there is'.
Which sentence uses 'There' for existence (not location)? Grammar Sorting

Select the existential use.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: There is a box on the floor.
In this sentence, 'there' is a dummy subject introducing the box.
Change 'There is a problem' to the present perfect. Conjugation Drill

Present Perfect form:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: There has been a problem.
'Problem' is singular, so we use 'has been'.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

12 exercises
Elige la forma correcta Completar huecos

In my hometown, ___ a beautiful park near the river.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: there is
Elige la forma correcta Completar huecos

Before the invention of phones, ___ no instant communication.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: there was
Encuentra y corrige el error Error Correction

There was many opportunities for growth in that company.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: There were many opportunities for growth in that company.
Encuentra y corrige el error Error Correction

It is a problem with the Wi-Fi.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: There is a problem with the Wi-Fi.
¿Qué oración es correcta? Opción múltiple

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Is there any possibility to reschedule?
¿Qué oración es correcta? Opción múltiple

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: There hasn't been much progress.
Escribe la oración correcta en inglés Traducción

Translate into English: 'Habrá un examen la próxima semana.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["There will be an exam next week.","There's going to be an exam next week."]
Escribe la oración correcta en inglés Traducción

Translate into English: 'No hay ninguna duda.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["There is no doubt.","There's no doubt."]
Pon las palabras en orden Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: There are many problems in life.
Pon las palabras en orden Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: There might be a solution.
Empareja cada situación con la forma correcta de 'there' Match Pairs

Match the situations with the correct existential 'there' form:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched
Empareja cada parte de la oración Match Pairs

Match the beginnings with the correct endings:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched

Score: /12

Preguntas frecuentes (8)

In informal spoken English, yes. People often say `There's three people`. However, in formal writing or exams, you must use `There are` for plural nouns.

Use `There is` to introduce something new (`There is a cat`). Use `It is` to describe something we already know about (`It is a black cat`).

The verb usually agrees with the first item. `There is a pen and two books` is common. If the first item is plural, use are: `There are two books and a pen`.

Yes, in formal or literary English, you can use verbs like `exist`, `remain`, `seem`, or `appear`. Example: `There remains one final question.`

Grammatically, it acts as the subject (the 'dummy subject'), but the 'real' or 'logical' subject is the noun that follows the verb.

Put 'will' before 'there'. Example: `Will there be any food at the party?`

`There is no...` is slightly more emphatic and common in formal writing. Both are correct.

No. Use `There has been` for singular/uncountable and `There have been` for plural. Example: `There has been a change` vs `There have been changes`.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

Regístrate gratis para practicar

In Other Languages

Spanish moderate

Hay

English requires subject-verb agreement (is/are), whereas 'Hay' is invariant.

French partial

Il y a

French uses the verb 'to have' (avoir), while English uses 'to be'.

German low

Es gibt

The German structure uses 'It' as the subject and 'gives' as the verb, which is very different from English.

Japanese low

あります (arimasu) / います (imasu)

English distinguishes by number (singular/plural), while Japanese distinguishes by 'aliveness'.

Arabic high

هناك (hunāka)

In Arabic, the verb 'to be' is often omitted in the present tense.

Chinese partial

有 (yǒu)

Chinese does not use a placeholder like 'there'; the verb 'have' starts the sentence.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Iniciar Frases con Fluidez (Adverbios de Transición)
Next
Modismos de Negocios: Cutting Edge & Ballpark Figure

Learn These First

A1 Builds On

Hay... (There is / There are)

Overview ¿Alguna vez has entrado en una habitación y has sentido que alguien te observaba? ¿O has abierto la nevera solo...

Videos relacionados

Your Body Killed Cancer 5 Minutes Ago 09:14

Your Body Killed Cancer 5 Minutes Ago
Your Coffee Mug is a Physics Disaster 07:35

Your Coffee Mug is a Physics Disaster
The Loophole That Could End The Electoral College 06:34

The Loophole That Could End The Electoral College
Grammar Lesson. How to make Sentences in English. Word Order in English. 11:45 YouTube

Grammar Lesson. How to make Sentences in English. Word Order in English.

English Lessons with Kate
English Sentence Structure and Word Order in English 5:17 YouTube

English Sentence Structure and Word Order in English

English Fluency Journey
English grammar tutorial - Word order - Gramática inglesa 5:49 YouTube

English grammar tutorial - Word order - Gramática inglesa

Your English Web: Weekly English video lessons

Related Grammar Rules

C1

Énfasis: ¡*Sí* que me gusta! (Emphatic Do/Does/Did)

### Visión general La gramática inglesa ofrece varios mecanismos para el énfasis, que van desde elecciones léxicas como...
B2

Énfasis con do/does/did

### Overview Dominar el énfasis en inglés es uno de los pasos definitivos para pasar de un nivel intermedio (B1) a uno...
C1

Lo que necesitas es... (Oraciones escindidas con Wh- para énfasis)

### Overview Dominar el énfasis en inglés es uno de los sellos distintivos de un hablante de nivel C1. No se trata solo...
C1

Dislocación a la izquierda: Poner el objeto primero

### Overview El concepto de 'fronting' (o anteposición) es una herramienta sintáctica avanzada que, como estudiante de...
C1

Estructura Paralela en Listas (Coincidencia de Palabras)

### Overview Imagina que estás construyendo un puente. Para que sea estable, estético y funcional, cada cable, cada vig...
Was this helpful?

Comentarios (0)

Inicia Sesión para Comentar
¡No hay comentarios todavía. Sé el primero en compartir tus ideas!