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?'
Overview
there is (没有) Wi-Fi？那种小小的惊慌时刻正是由存在句 there 带来的。这是关于“存在”的语法。你不是在描述某物是什么样子的，而只是宣布它存在于这个世界上。这就像一根手指指着某物说：“嘿，看！这东西在这儿！”there is 和 there are 来引入新信息。我们称之为“存在句 there”。为什么？因为它谈论的是事物的存在。如果你走进一个房间，看到沙发上有一只猫，你不会说 A cat is on the sofa.那听起来像机器人。你会说
There is a cat on the sofa. 这感觉更自然。把 there 想象成一个占位符。它不表示“在那里”（那是另一个 there）。它只是占据句子开头的位置，这样你就可以告诉世界发生了什么。它就像电影的片头字幕，在动作开始前告诉你屏幕上有谁和有什么。当你第一次提到一个人、一个物体，甚至是一个抽象的概念时，你会用到它。例如，there is 我的订单有个问题。或者，there are 你的收件箱里有三条新消息。它是终极的开场白。有趣的事实：如果没有这条规则，你甚至无法告诉你的朋友 there's (有) 一只蜘蛛在他们的肩膀上。说真的，到那时你还算什么朋友？Word Order Rules
there 中，真正的主语出现在动词*之后*。模式是：There + be (动词) + Noun (主语) + 地点/时间。- 单数：
There+is+a/an+ 单数名词。例如：There is a coffee on the table. - 复数：
There+are+ 复数名词。例如：There are two dogs in the park.
Is there a fly in my soup? 或 Are there any tickets left? 对于否定句，只需加上 not：There is not (isn't) any milk. 或 There are not (aren't) any chairs. 在现代短信中，我们几乎总是对单数使用缩写 There's。但要小心！在正式写作中，你应该避免在复数事物上使用 there's，比如 There's three books. 虽然在现实生活中每个人都这么说，但如果你这样写，你的英语老师可能会心脏病发作。当你想要显得专业时（比如在 Zoom 上的面试中），请对复数使用 There are。How This Grammar Works
there 想象成一个“虚假主语”。它不是一个真实的人或物。它只是一个语法的幽灵。它唯一的任务就是引入后面真正的主语。想象你是一个旅游博主。你到达了一个美丽的海滩。你不会只说 The beach is beautiful.你想告诉你的粉丝他们在那儿能找到什么。你会说
There are many palm trees here! 或 There is a small café nearby. 你是在把这些事物引入对话中。there is 和 it is。这里的黄金法则是：使用 there is 来表达某物存在。一旦你引入了那个事物，就用 it is 来描述它。There is桌子上有一部新手机。（我在告诉你它在那儿。）It is它非常贵。（我在描述我们刚才提到的那部手机。）
there is (有) 通常只是意味着你忘记了自己为什么要进厨房。
Formation Pattern
There 开头。这作为你的基础。
is。如果你看到两个或更多，用 are。
is (There is water / There is a bug)
are (There are memes / There are people)
There + is + a party + at my house.
There + are + many stars + in the sky.
There's 是核心。There's a new video on YouTube. 它快捷、有力，让你听起来像母语人士。只需记住 is 喜欢单数名词，而 are 喜欢复数名词。他们就像派对上那一对拒绝分开的情侣。如果你在正式论文中把 is 和复数名词放在一起，就像穿袜子配凉鞋——有人这么做，但这绝对是一个奇怪的选择。
Pattern Variations
- 否定句： 加上
not。在非正式英语中，我们使用isn't和aren't。 There isn't any Wi-Fi in this café.(21 世纪终极悲剧。)There aren't any clean towels.- 疑问句： 调换动词和
there的位置。 Is there a charger I can use?Are there any good shows on Netflix right now?- 简略回答： 不要只说
Yes或No。使用这个模式。 Is there a gym in the hotel?
->Yes,
there is.Are there many people at the party?
-> "No,there aren't."- 数量词： 我们通常对肯定句使用
some，对否定句和疑问句使用any。 There are some cookies in the kitchen.Are there any cookies left?(你问过的最重要的一个问题。)
Real Conversations
让我们看看这在现实世界中是什么样子的。想象你正和朋友在咖啡馆。
场景 1：在咖啡馆
朋友： Is there 有我们的位置吗？
你： 有的，there's 角落里有一个。但是 there aren't 没有椅子！
朋友： 看，窗户旁边 there are 有几把椅子。我们去拿吧。
场景 2：在线订餐
你： 这个 App 上 Are there 有素食汉堡吗？
室友： 我觉得那家新店 there is 有一个选项。
你： 噢等下，there's 有 10 美元的配送费。算了，冰箱里 there's 有些意大利面。
场景 3：旅游博客
你： 嘿大家！我身后 There's 有很棒的风景。今天 There are 有这么多游客，但喷泉那边 there is 有个安静的地方。
看到了吗？它无处不在。从 TikTok 的评论到 WhatsApp 群组，这条规则是连接基础英语的粘合剂。
Common Mistakes
- 1“It is” 陷阱： 当你想表达
There is a book on the table时，不要说It is a book on the table
。记住：There is= 存在。It is= 辨别/描述。 - 2拼写失误： 不要把
There与Their(他们的) 或They're(他们是) 混淆。它们听起来一样，但你手机的自动纠错会默默审判你。 - 3单复数混淆： 说
There is many people
。虽然在非常非正式的俚语中很常见，但在技术上是错误的。为了保持语法的整洁，请对复数使用There are。 - 4丢失的 “A”： 不要忘记冠词！不是
There is car。是There is a car. - 5过度使用 “Have”： 在许多语言中，你会说“它有一只猫”来表示“有一只猫”。在英语中，我们不这样做。只需使用
there is。
Quick FAQ
There's 吗？There are。There is a pen and two pencils.there 是句子的主语吗？there is？be。对单数用 there was，对复数用 there were。There is no 而不是 There isn't any 可以吗？There is no milk 完全正确，而且听起来更直接一点。there is 吗？There is a new student in our class 是介绍人的标准方式。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.
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.”
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.”
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.”
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?”
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
| 功能 | 单数/不可数 | 复数 | 例句 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
肯定句
|
`There is / There was`
|
`There are / There were`
|
"There is a cat." "There are cats."
|
|
否定句
|
`There isn't / wasn't`
|
`There aren't / weren't`
|
"There isn't a problem." "There weren't questions."
|
|
疑问句
|
`Is there? / Was there?`
|
`Are there? / Were there?`
|
"Is there coffee?" "Were there any emails?"
|
|
将来时
|
`There will be`
|
`There will be`
|
"There will be a party."
|
|
完成时
|
`There has been`
|
`There have been`
|
"There has been rain." "There have been delays."
|
|
情态动词
|
`There might be`
|
`There might be`
|
"There might be a test."
|
正式程度
There appears to be a discrepancy in the financial records. (Workplace)
There is a mistake in the accounts. (Workplace)
There's a bit of a mess-up with the numbers. (Workplace)
There's a major glitch in the system. (Workplace)
存现用法 'There' vs. 地点副词 'There'
存现用法 (形式主语)
- There is a cat. (猫存在)
- There are problems. (问题存在)
副词 (地点)
- The cat is there. (猫的位置)
- Go over there. (方向)
何时使用 'There Is/Are' vs. 'It Is'
如何选择 'There is' 或 'There are'
你是在第一次引出某物或陈述其存在吗？
后面的名词短语是单数、不可数还是复数？
如果是单数/不可数：
如果是复数：
'There is/are' 的用途
新信息
- • There's a notification.
- • There are some changes.
客观存在
- • There is a God.
- • There are 7 continents.
可用性
- • There isn't much time.
- • Are there seats left?
描述
- • There is a lake.
- • There are mountains.
按水平分级的例句
There is a dog in the park.
There are four chairs in the room.
Is there a supermarket near here?
There are no students in the class.
There was a big party last night.
There weren't any eggs in the fridge.
Will there be a test tomorrow?
There is a lot of sugar in this tea.
There has been an accident on the highway.
There is something I need to tell you.
There used to be a cinema on this street.
Is there anything I can do to help?
There appears to be a slight delay with your flight.
There might have been a misunderstanding during the call.
There is no point in arguing about this now.
There are bound to be some objections to the new policy.
There remains much work to be done before the deadline.
There exists a fundamental flaw in your logic.
There arose a sudden conflict between the two factions.
There's no denying that the climate is changing.
There being no further objections, the motion was passed.
Should there be any changes, we will notify you immediately.
There lived an old fisherman by the sea.
There is but one path to true enlightenment.
容易混淆
Learners use 'It' to introduce new things because their native language uses one word for both.
In fast speech, 'There are' and 'They are' can sound similar.
Many languages (like Spanish or Chinese) use the verb 'to have' for existence.
常见错误
It is a book on the table.
There is a book on the table.
There is two cats.
There are two cats.
Is a park near here?
Is there a park near here?
There are no some chairs.
There are no chairs. / There aren't any chairs.
There was many people.
There were many people.
There is not some milk.
There isn't any milk.
Will be a party?
Will there be a party?
There has been many changes.
There have been many changes.
There is no point to go.
There is no point in going.
I think that there's a lot of problems.
I think that there are a lot of problems.
There remains some issues.
There remain some issues.
句型
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
Is there a washing machine in the apartment?
There seems to be a bug in the latest update.
There were several instances where I had to lead the team.
Are there any nuts in this dish?
There's a new trend going around on TikTok.
There has been an accident! Is there a doctor here?
主谓一致是关键
There are some books on the shelf.
别把 'There' 搞混了
There is a restaurant over there.
拥抱缩写形式
语境决定一切
There is a possibility we might win.
被动式引出
There is a leak in the pipe.
避免过度使用
A solution exists for this problem.
Smart Tips
Use 'There seems to be' instead of 'You have'.
Start with 'There was' to paint a picture for the reader.
Just match the verb to the very first noun you say.
Always use 'any' in the question.
发音
The 'There's' Contraction
In natural speech, 'There is' is almost always contracted to 'There's'. The 's' sounds like a /z/.
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.
记住它
记忆技巧
T-H-E-R-E: To Highlight Everything Recently Entered.
视觉联想
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
挑战
Look around your room right now. List 5 things using 'There is' and 5 things using 'There are'. Then, turn them into questions.
文化笔记
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.
对话开场白
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?
日记主题
常见错误
Test Yourself
___ a lot of cars on the road today.
Find and fix the mistake:
There is three main points in her argument.
Choose the correct sentence:
Score: /3
练习题
8 exercises_______ many reasons why I love this city.
How should you mention a possible error?
Find and fix the mistake:
In the fridge it is some milk.
A storm is coming.
1. Is there any coffee? 2. Are there any cookies?
A: Excuse me, _______ a bank near here? B: Yes, _______ one just around the corner.
Select the existential use.
Present Perfect form:
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesIn my hometown, ___ a beautiful park near the river.
Before the invention of phones, ___ no instant communication.
There was many opportunities for growth in that company.
It is a problem with the Wi-Fi.
Choose the correct sentence:
Choose the correct sentence:
将这句话翻译成英语：'下周将有一场考试。'
将这句话翻译成英语：'毫无疑问。'
将这些单词连成句子：
将这些单词连成句子：
将场景与正确的 'there' 形式匹配：
匹配句首与正确的句尾：
Score: /12
常见问题 (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
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Hay
English requires subject-verb agreement (is/are), whereas 'Hay' is invariant.
Il y a
French uses the verb 'to have' (avoir), while English uses 'to be'.
Es gibt
The German structure uses 'It' as the subject and 'gives' as the verb, which is very different from English.
あります (arimasu) / います (imasu)
English distinguishes by number (singular/plural), while Japanese distinguishes by 'aliveness'.
هناك (hunāka)
In Arabic, the verb 'to be' is often omitted in the present tense.
有 (yǒu)
Chinese does not use a placeholder like 'there'; the verb 'have' starts the sentence.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Learn These First
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