Understanding “There is” and “There are”: Basic Grammar Rules

At the core of English grammar, “there is” and “there are” are used to indicate the existence or presence of something. They serve as introductory phrases that point out or introduce a subject. The choice between “there is” and “there are” depends primarily on the number of the noun that follows.

The Singular Form: “There is”

“There is” is used when referring to a single item, person, or concept. It introduces singular countable nouns or uncountable nouns, depending on context.

• Example with singular countable noun: There is a book on the table.
• Example with uncountable noun: There is water in the glass.

The Plural Form: “There are”

“There are” is used when referring to multiple items or people, i.e., plural countable nouns.

• Example: There are three apples in the basket.
• Example: There are many students in the classroom.

Common Mistakes When Using “There is” and “There are”

While the rules are straightforward, learners often encounter confusion when deciding between “there is” and “there are.” Awareness of typical errors can help avoid misunderstandings and improve grammatical accuracy.

Mixing Singular and Plural Forms

One of the most frequent mistakes is using “there is” with plural nouns or “there are” with singular nouns.

• Incorrect: There is many people at the party.
• Correct: There are many people at the party.
• Incorrect: There are a cat on the roof.
• Correct: There is a cat on the roof.

Using “There is” with Uncountable Nouns

Although uncountable nouns are singular, they require “there is” rather than “there are.”

• Correct: There is sugar in the bowl.
• Incorrect: There are sugar in the bowl.

Subject-Verb Agreement in Complex Sentences

When the subject is a phrase or clause, it’s important to identify the noun that determines singular or plural usage.

• Example: There is a book and two pens on the desk. (Singular subject listed first—use “there is” if referring to the first item only.)
• Example: There are a book and two pens on the desk. (Plural is correct if referring to all items collectively.)

How to Use “There is” and “There are” in Different Tenses

The expressions “there is” and “there are” are commonly used in the present tense but can be adapted to other tenses to describe existence in different times.

Past Tense: “There was” and “There were”

• There was a meeting yesterday. (Singular past)
• There were many guests at the event. (Plural past)

Future Tense: “There will be”

• There will be a concert next week. (Singular or plural context)
• There will be several opportunities to participate. (Plural)

Present Perfect and Other Tenses

Sometimes, “there has been” or “there have been” are used to indicate existence over a period up to the present.

• There has been an increase in sales this year.
• There have been many changes recently.

Practical Tips for Mastering “There is” and “There are” with Talkpal

Using Talkpal’s interactive lessons and conversation practice can significantly enhance your understanding of “there is” and “there are.” Here are some practical strategies to get the most out of your learning experience.

1. Engage in Real-Life Dialogue Practice

• Practice forming sentences about your surroundings using “there is” and “there are.”
• Example: Describe your room or office using these expressions.
• Talkpal’s voice recognition helps correct your pronunciation and usage.

2. Use Visual Aids and Flashcards

• Create flashcards with singular and plural nouns.
• Practice pairing them with “there is” or “there are” to reinforce correct grammar.
• Talkpal’s multimedia resources support this method for better retention.

3. Complete Interactive Grammar Exercises

• Regular exercises on Talkpal help identify common mistakes and improve accuracy.
• Focus on exercises that contrast singular and plural forms.

4. Learn Through Contextual Examples

• Talkpal provides real-world sentences and scenarios.
• Analyze examples to understand when to use “there is” versus “there are.”

Advanced Uses: Combining “There is” and “There are” with Other Grammar Points

Using Quantifiers and Modifiers

Quantifiers like “some,” “any,” “many,” “few,” and “a lot of” often accompany “there is” and “there are” to specify quantity.

• There is some milk in the fridge. (Uncountable)
• There are many books on the shelf. (Countable plural)
• There aren’t any chairs available. (Negative plural)

Negative Forms: “There isn’t” and “There aren’t”

Expressing absence or non-existence is equally important.

• There isn’t a problem with the report.
• There aren’t enough seats in the room.

Questions with “Is there” and “Are there”

Forming questions using these expressions is common in conversations.

• Is there a bank nearby?
• Are there any questions?

Conclusion: Why Mastering “There is” and “There are” Matters

Mastering the correct use of “there is” and “there are” is a fundamental step for any English learner to communicate clearly and accurately. These expressions help describe existence, quantities, and locations with simplicity and precision. With Talkpal’s immersive and interactive learning environment, learners can practice extensively, receive instant feedback, and build confidence in using these essential grammatical structures. Whether you are a beginner or looking to refine your skills, focusing on “there is” and “there are” will enhance your fluency and open doors to more effective English communication.