There-is vs. There-are-how-to-choose: What's the Difference?
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'There is' for one thing and 'There are' for many things to show that something exists.
- Use 'There is' (or 'There's') for singular nouns: 'There is a bird.'
- Use 'There are' for plural nouns: 'There are three birds.'
- Use 'There is' for uncountable nouns like water or advice: 'There is some milk.'
Overview
The English constructions there is and there are serve a crucial function: to introduce the existence or presence of something or someone. They act as existential constructions, effectively signaling to the listener or reader that new information about what exists is about to be presented. Unlike typical English sentences where the subject usually comes before the verb, with there is/are, the true subject of the sentence appears after the verb be.
The fundamental distinction between there is and there are lies in subject-verb agreement. You use there is (or its contraction there's) when the noun referring to what exists is singular or uncountable. Conversely, you use there are (or there're, though there are is more common in formal contexts) when the noun referring to what exists is plural.
This principle remains consistent across different tenses, adapting is and are to was and were for the past tense, or incorporating modal verbs like will be.
For example, to indicate a single book's presence, you would state, There is a book on the table. If multiple books are present, the correct form becomes, There are several books on the table. For abstract or mass nouns like information, which are grammatically treated as singular, the construction is There is some information available. Understanding this core agreement rule, despite the inverted subject-verb order, is paramount for accurate usage.
How This Grammar Works
there is/are construction is the use of there as an expletive subject or dummy subject. In this grammatical role, there does not carry its usual adverbial meaning of 'in that place.' Instead, it functions solely to occupy the subject position in the sentence, fulfilling a grammatical requirement of English that most declarative sentences must have a subject. This allows the actual, semantically meaningful subject to be postponed until after the verb be.there and the verb be, speakers can present the existence of something as a given, then elaborate on what that something is. Consider the difference between A problem exists. and There is a problem. The latter more naturally introduces the problem as new information to the listener.there is/are construction allows for a smoother flow of discourse, especially when introducing previously unmentioned entities. It avoids abruptly starting a sentence with unfamiliar information. Instead, it uses a grammatically neutral there to prepare the listener for the upcoming, more significant noun phrase.be in this context functions as an existential verb, signifying 'to exist' or 'to be present.' The agreement then shifts from the initial there (which is always grammatically singular, but not the true subject for agreement) to the noun phrase that follows the verb.There is a cat in the garden, there is the expletive subject, is is the existential verb, and a cat is the logical subject determining the singular form of is. If you were to say, A cat is in the garden, the cat's existence is less of a focus, and the sentence might imply the listener already knows about a specific cat. The flexibility provided by this structure is a key feature of English, allowing speakers to manage information flow effectively in conversation and writing.Formation Pattern
there is/are construction involves understanding its structure in various sentence types and tenses. The core pattern is always There + verb to be + subject (noun phrase) + (optional complement/prepositional phrase). The verb to be agrees in number with the subject noun phrase that follows it, not with there.
There is a solution. (There's a solution.) | There are many solutions. | There is some evidence. (There's some evidence.) |
There isn't a problem. (There is not a problem.) | There aren't any problems. (There are not any problems.) | There isn't enough time. (There is not enough time.) |
Is there a phone here? | Are there any questions? | Is there fresh coffee? |
there is. | Yes, there are. | Yes, there is. |
there isn't. | No, there aren't. | No, there isn't. |
There's is common in spoken and informal written English for there is. There're exists but is less frequently used than there are, especially in writing. For negatives, there isn't and there aren't are standard.
There was a misunderstanding. | There were two messages. | There was little progress. |
There wasn't any doubt. | There weren't many people. | There wasn't much noise. |
Was there a reason? | Were there any witnesses? | Was there sufficient proof? |
there was. | Yes, there were. | Yes, there was. |
there wasn't. | No, there weren't. | No, there wasn't. |
will)
there will be is used regardless of the number of the subsequent noun, as will is a modal verb that does not inflect for number.
There will be a meeting tomorrow. / There will be new developments. / There will be some chaos.
There won't be a delay. / There won't be any issues. / There won't be any hesitation.
Will there be an announcement? / Will there be many attendees? / Will there be any rain?
There has been a significant improvement. / There have been several changes. / There has been some confusion.
There had been a prior agreement. / There had been misunderstandings.
be (is, are, was, were, has been, have been) to the number (singular or plural) of the noun phrase that immediately follows it.
When To Use It
there is/are construction is exceptionally versatile and fundamental to expressing existence in English. Its applications range from simple descriptions to conveying complex information, making it indispensable in everyday communication.- 1Introducing New Information or Entities: This is the primary function. Use
there is/areto mention something for the first time, especially when describing a scene, a situation, or a fact previously unknown to the listener.
There's a new café opening downtown next week.(Introducing a new establishment.)There are currently three open positions in our department.(Informing about job availability.)There was a power outage last night, which affected the entire building.(Explaining an event.)
- 1Describing Places and Environments: When you want to detail what can be found in a particular location,
there is/areprovides a natural and clear way to do so. This is common in travel guides, real estate descriptions, or simply telling a friend about a room.
In the main square, there's a historic fountain and several benches.If you look at the floor plan, you'll see that there are two bathrooms and a small balcony.When I entered the room, there was an unfamiliar scent, almost like burnt sugar.
- 1Asking About Existence or Availability: This construction forms questions when inquiring whether something exists or is currently accessible.
Is there Wi-Fi available in this hotel room?(Checking availability.)Are there any vegetarian options on the menu tonight?(Asking about food choices.)Were there any delays on your flight from London?(Inquiring about past events.)
- 1Expressing Problems, Issues, or Challenges: It's frequently used to highlight difficulties or obstacles.
I'm sorry, but there's a slight issue with your reservation.(Announcing a problem politely.)There are still a few unresolved bugs in the software that need fixing.(Pointing out challenges.)Was there a misunderstanding about the project deadline?(Investigating a potential issue.)
- 1Making General Statements or Observations:
There is/arecan introduce universal truths, general observations, or abstract concepts.
There is always hope, even in difficult times.(A philosophical observation.)In most large cities, there are usually traffic jams during peak hours.(A general fact.)There has been significant debate surrounding the new policy.(Describing an ongoing situation.)
- 1Quantifying or Specifying Amount: Often paired with quantifiers (
some,any,many,much,a lot of, numbers).
There are three major airports serving the metropolitan area.There isn't much demand for that product anymore.Is there enough food for everyone at the party?
there is/are functions as a foundational grammatical tool for conveying information about the world around us, introducing new elements into discourse with clarity and natural flow.Common Mistakes
there is/are due to its unique structure and the nuances of English noun classification. Recognizing these pitfalls is crucial for advancing your grammatical accuracy.- 1Incorrect Subject-Verb Agreement, Especially with Lists: This is arguably the most frequent error. The rule states that the verb
bemust agree with the first noun phrase immediately following it, even if that noun phrase is part of a longer list of items.
- Incorrect:
There are a computer, a monitor, and some cables on my desk.(The verbareincorrectly agrees with the pluralsome cableslater in the list, not the singulara computer.) - Correct:
There is a computer, a monitor, and some cables on my desk.(isagrees witha computer.) - Correct (changing the order):
There are some cables, a monitor, and a computer on my desk.(areagrees withsome cables.)
there is/are.- 1Confusion of Uncountable Nouns as Plural: Many languages treat nouns like
information,advice,furniture,money,water, ortrafficas countable or allow them to be pluralized. In English, these are typically uncountable nouns and are grammatically treated as singular, always takingthere is.
- Incorrect:
There are too much traffic on the highway this morning.(trafficis uncountable.) - Correct:
There is too much traffic on the highway this morning. - Incorrect:
Are there any new informations regarding the project?(informationis uncountable.) - Correct:
Is there any new information regarding the project?
are to them.- 1Mixing up
there is/arewithit is/they are: These constructions introduce distinct types of information.There is/areintroduces something new into the discourse.It isandthey arerefer back to something already mentioned or implied, or provide more specific details about it.
- Incorrect:
I need a new laptop. It is a good offer at the store.(If the offer hasn't been mentioned,it isis wrong.) - Correct:
I need a new laptop. There is a good offer at the store.(Introducing the offer.) - Correct (after introduction):
There is a good offer at the store. It is only available until Friday.(Nowitrefers back to the offer.) - Incorrect:
I can't go to the party. They are a lot of errands I need to run.(Instead of introducing new errands,they arerefers to previously known errands.) - Correct:
I can't go to the party. There are a lot of errands I need to run.
It can also be used as a dummy subject for time, weather, or distance (It's raining). Do not confuse this with existential there.- 1Using
there'swith Plural Nouns in Formal Contexts: In very informal spoken English, native speakers sometimes usethere's(as inthere's three people) even with plural nouns. While common conversationally, this is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in all written communication, formal speech, and by learners aiming for accurate English. Stick strictly tothere arefor plurals.
- Incorrect (informal speech):
There's five minutes left. - Correct (all contexts):
There are five minutes left.
- 1Incorrectly Using
there have/has: The constructionthere have/hasis not a standard existential form in English.Haveandhasindicate possession or are auxiliary verbs in perfect tenses. For existence, the verb is alwaysbe(there has beenorthere have been).
- Incorrect:
There has a new movie out. - Correct:
There is a new movie out.(Present existence.) - Correct:
There has been a new movie out for a while.(Existence leading up to the present.)
there is/are correctly and naturally.Real Conversations
Understanding how there is/are functions in authentic communication highlights its natural rhythm and utility. Observe these scenarios reflecting modern English usage.
Scenario 1
> Student A: Hey everyone, is there an update on the presentation slides?
> Student B: Not yet, there's still a bit of research left to do on my part.
> Student C: Yeah, and there are a couple of sources I need to cross-reference too. We should probably set up a quick call later today.
> Student A: Good idea. Is there a time that works for most people around 3 PM?
> Student B: Hmm, there's a lecture I have then. But I'm free after 4.
> Student C: Okay, so there aren't many conflicts after 4, it seems. Let's aim for 4:30 PM.
Observation*: Here, there is/are is used for requesting and providing updates, identifying existing tasks, and confirming availability or lack thereof, all crucial for collaborative work.
Scenario 2
> Friend 1: What's up? Are there any cool events happening this weekend?
> Friend 2: Not sure, I haven't checked. But there is a new art exhibition at the gallery. I saw an ad for it.
> Friend 1: Oh really? Is there an entry fee?
> Friend 2: I think there might be a small one. And there are some street food vendors outside too, which is always a plus.
> Friend 1: Nice! So there's a lot to do if we go. Text me the details if you find them.
Observation*: This dialogue demonstrates using there is/are to inquire about potential activities, confirm details, and describe available attractions, making plans concrete.
Scenario 3
> Subject: Quick Project Update & Check-in
> Hi Team,
> Just a brief update on Project X. There has been good progress on the front-end development, thanks to everyone's hard work. However, there are still a few pending tasks in the backend queue that need attention by end-of-day.
> Is there anything blocking anyone from completing their assigned work? Please let me know if there are any unforeseen issues or if you require additional support. There will be a brief stand-up meeting tomorrow morning to review these points.
> Best,
> [Your Name]
Observation*: In a professional context, there is/are is used to provide status updates, identify existing obstacles, offer assistance, and announce future events (there will be).
These examples illustrate how naturally and frequently there is/are appears in both informal and formal communication, demonstrating its essential role in conveying information about presence and existence.
Quick FAQ
there is/are usage.There is a park and The park is there?There is a park uses the existential there to introduce the existence of a park for the first time or to state its presence generally. The emphasis is on the park's existence.The park is there, conversely, uses there as an adverb of place, referring to a specific location previously understood or indicated. It assumes the listener already knows which park is being discussed and merely states its location. For instance, There's a beautiful park in the city center. (introduces) vs.Which park? The one near the library? Yes, the park is there. (locates a known park).some and any typically interact with there is/are?Some and any are quantifiers that follow distinct patterns with there is/are:Some: Primarily used in positive statements when referring to an unspecified quantity or number.There is some good news.There are some students waiting outside.Any: Predominantly used in negative statements and questions.There isn't any milk left.Are there any tickets available?However,anycan also appear in positive statements when it means 'it doesn't matter which' or implies a conditional situation.If there are any problems, let me know.
there is/are be used with verbs other than to be?there + verb to be. You will not find there walks, there sleeps, or there happens in the same existential sense.there came or there arose, these are distinct poetic or literary inversions, not the standard existential there is/are pattern. For other verbs, you would typically use a regular subject-verb structure: A man walks down the street.There used to be?There used to be is a common and grammatically correct way to talk about the past existence of something that no longer exists or is no longer true. It combines the existential there with the semi-modal used to, indicating past habits or states. The agreement follows the usual rule, although used to itself doesn't change form.There used to be a cinema on this street.(It's gone now.)There used to be many small shops in this area.(Now there are fewer or different ones.)
there is/are?there is and there are are used across all registers. However, using contractions (there's, there isn't, there aren't) is more common in informal speech and writing.there is/are structure itself.Present Tense Agreement
| Noun Type | Verb | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Singular Noun
|
is
|
There is a lamp.
|
|
Plural Noun
|
are
|
There are lamps.
|
|
Uncountable Noun
|
is
|
There is light.
|
|
Compound (Singular first)
|
is
|
There is a lamp and some books.
|
|
Compound (Plural first)
|
are
|
There are books and a lamp.
|
Contractions
| Full Form | Contraction | Usage |
|---|---|---|
|
There is
|
There's
|
Very common in speech/informal writing
|
|
There are
|
There're
|
Common in speech, rare in writing
|
|
There is not
|
There isn't / There's not
|
Standard negative
|
|
There are not
|
There aren't
|
Standard negative
|
Meanings
We use 'there is' and 'there are' to say that something exists or is located in a specific place. In these sentences, 'there' is a dummy subject, and the real subject follows the verb.
Singular Existence
Used to introduce one person, thing, or idea.
“There is a new student in class.”
“There is a fly in my soup.”
Plural Existence
Used to introduce two or more people or things.
“There are five apples on the table.”
“There are many reasons to be happy.”
Uncountable Nouns
Used for things we cannot count (liquids, abstract concepts).
“There is some sugar in the jar.”
“There is too much noise here.”
The Proximity Rule (Informal)
In lists, the verb often agrees with the first item mentioned.
“There is a sofa and two chairs in the room.”
“There are two chairs and a sofa in the room.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative Singular
|
There is + [a/an] + Noun
|
There is a cat.
|
|
Affirmative Plural
|
There are + [Number/Many] + Nouns
|
There are two cats.
|
|
Negative Singular
|
There is not + [a/an] + Noun
|
There isn't a cat.
|
|
Negative Plural
|
There are not + [any] + Nouns
|
There aren't any cats.
|
|
Question Singular
|
Is there + [a/an] + Noun?
|
Is there a cat?
|
|
Question Plural
|
Are there + [any] + Nouns?
|
Are there any cats?
|
|
Short Answer (+)
|
Yes, there is / are.
|
Yes, there are.
|
|
Short Answer (-)
|
No, there isn't / aren't.
|
No, there isn't.
|
Formality Spectrum
There is a scheduled meeting at noon. (Workplace)
There is a meeting at 12:00. (Workplace)
There's a meeting at 12. (Workplace)
Meeting at 12. (Workplace)
The Existential 'There' Decision Tree
Singular
- is There is a book.
Plural
- are There are books.
Uncountable
- is There is water.
There is vs. It is
Is or Are?
Is the noun plural?
Is it uncountable?
Common Uncountable Nouns (Always 'Is')
Food/Drink
- • Water
- • Rice
- • Sugar
Abstract
- • Information
- • Advice
- • Love
Groups
- • Furniture
- • Luggage
- • Money
Examples by Level
There is a car.
There are two apples.
Is there a park?
There are no books.
There is some milk in the fridge.
There aren't any people here.
Are there any eggs?
There is a big tree in the garden.
There is a lot of traffic today.
There are several ways to solve this.
Is there any information about the flight?
There's a sofa and two chairs in the lounge.
There appear to be some discrepancies in the report.
There is little hope of a recovery.
There are bound to be some complaints.
Is there likely to be a delay?
There remains a significant gap in our knowledge.
There followed a long period of silence.
There has been a growing concern regarding privacy.
Were there to be a change, we would notify you.
There exists a fine line between genius and insanity.
Should there be any further complications, please call.
There is no denying the impact of his work.
Therein lies the problem with your argument.
Easily Confused
These are homophones (sound the same) but have completely different meanings.
Learners use 'It is' to introduce new things.
Many languages use 'have' for existence (e.g., Spanish 'hay' or Chinese 'yǒu').
Common Mistakes
There are a cat.
There is a cat.
Is a book on the table?
Is there a book on the table?
There is two dogs.
There are two dogs.
There are no a car.
There is no car.
There are some milk.
There is some milk.
There's many people.
There are many people.
Are there any water?
Is there any water?
There are much information.
There is a lot of information.
There are a table and four chairs.
There is a table and four chairs.
There is many problems.
There are many problems.
There is thought to be many reasons.
There are thought to be many reasons.
Sentence Patterns
There is a ___ in the ___.
There are some ___ on the ___.
Is there any ___ left?
There are likely to be ___.
Real World Usage
There's a party tonight, you coming?
There were ten people on my team.
Is there a gym in the hotel?
There is a delivery fee of $5.
There are so many fake accounts lately!
There is significant evidence to support this theory.
The 'There's' Shortcut
Uncountable Trap
The Proximity Rule
Casual Plurals
Smart Tips
Look only at the very first item in your list to decide between 'is' and 'are'.
Feel free to use 'There's' for almost everything when speaking quickly; it's a common 'lazy' habit of natives.
Check if the noun is plural. If it is, you almost always need 'Are there'.
Start with 'There is/are' to set the stage, then use 'It' or 'They' to give details.
Pronunciation
The 'There's' Contraction
In 'There's', the 's' sounds like a /z/.
Linking 'Are'
In 'There are', the 'r' in 'there' links to the 'a' in 'are'.
Rising Intonation
Is there a ⤴️ dog?
Asking a yes/no question.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Is is for one, Are is for more. Just look at the noun, that's the score!
Visual Association
Imagine a single finger pointing at one object (There IS) versus a whole hand opening up to show many objects (There ARE).
Rhyme
One thing, use is. Many things, use are. Now you're a grammar star!
Story
In a lonely house, there IS a ghost. But at a busy party, there ARE many guests. The ghost is singular and quiet (is), the guests are plural and loud (are).
Word Web
Challenge
Look around your room right now. Say 3 sentences using 'There is' and 3 sentences using 'There are' out loud.
Cultural Notes
Native speakers very frequently use 'There's' for plural nouns in casual speech (e.g., 'There's three of us'). While common, avoid this in exams.
In African American Vernacular English, 'It's' is often used where standard English uses 'There's'.
You might hear 'They is' or 'They are' used existentially in some dialects, though this is non-standard.
The use of 'there' as an existential dummy subject dates back to Old English 'þær'.
Conversation Starters
Is there anything good on TV tonight?
Are there many parks in your city?
Is there any advice you would give to a new student?
If there were no internet for a day, what would you do?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
There ___ many stars in the sky tonight.
There ___ some water on the floor.
Find and fix the mistake:
There are a lot of information in this book.
any / there / in / fridge / the / milk / Is / ?
A: ___ any chairs in the room? B: No, there aren't.
There ___ a cat and three dogs in the yard.
There ___ no reason to worry.
Find and fix the mistake:
There's many things to do.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesThere ___ many stars in the sky tonight.
There ___ some water on the floor.
Find and fix the mistake:
There are a lot of information in this book.
any / there / in / fridge / the / milk / Is / ?
A: ___ any chairs in the room? B: No, there aren't.
There ___ a cat and three dogs in the yard.
There ___ no reason to worry.
Find and fix the mistake:
There's many things to do.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
13 exercisesSorry, ___ any gluten-free options on the menu?
I can't talk now, ___ too much noise in here.
Choose the correct sentence:
There are a new coffee shop and a bookstore on that corner.
Translate into English: 'Are there any messages for me?'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the noun type with the correct phrase:
___ a password for the Wi-Fi?
I'm sorry, there are no more time.
Arrange these words into a question:
Choose the correct question:
Translate into English: 'There isn't enough evidence.'
Match the beginning of the sentence with its correct ending.
Score: /13
FAQ (8)
In casual conversation, yes, it's very common. However, in writing or exams, you must use `There are`.
In speech, it sounds like 'there-er', but we almost never write it as `There're` because it looks strange.
Use `There is`. Example: 'There is a lamp and two chairs.' This is called the proximity rule.
In English, we use `There is` to introduce the existence of something. `It is` is used to describe something we already know about.
It is uncountable and singular. Always say `There is some news`.
Just swap the words: `Is there...?` or `Are there...?`
No, 'people' is plural. You must say `There are people`.
The same rules apply! Use `was` for singular/uncountable and `were` for plural.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Hay
English changes the verb based on number; Spanish does not.
Il y a
French is invariant; English is variant.
Es gibt
German uses a fixed phrase; English agrees with the noun.
Arimasu / Imasu
Japanese focuses on animacy; English focuses on number.
Hunaka (هناك)
Arabic doesn't require a 'to be' verb in the present tense.
Yǒu (有)
English uses 'be'; Chinese uses 'have'.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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