There is / There are

Basic · Foundations

When you want to say that something exists or is present somewhere, English uses "there is" or "there are". It is the natural way to introduce new information.

The choice between "is" and "are" simply depends on whether the thing that follows is singular or plural.

How to build it

There is + singular/uncountable · There are + plural

Rules & examples

1. Use "there is" with one thing or an uncountable noun.

   Also contracted to "there's" in speech.

   • There is a book on the desk.
   • There's some milk in the fridge.
2. Use "there are" with more than one thing.

   Match "are" with the plural noun that follows.

   • There are three chairs.
   • There are many people here.
3. For the past, use "there was" (singular) and "there were" (plural).

   Same rule, past tense.

   • There was a party.
   • There were lots of guests.
4. Questions flip the order; negatives add "not/any".

   Move "is/are" to the front for questions.

   • Is there a problem?
   • Are there any questions?
   • There isn't any bread.

Tips to remember

• In a list, the verb usually agrees with the FIRST item: "There is a pen and two books on the desk."
• Do not confuse "there" (existence/place) with "their" (possession) or "they're" (they are).

Common mistakes

• ✗ There is many cars. → ✓ There are many cars. — "Cars" is plural, so use "there are".
• ✗ It has a book on the table. → ✓ There is a book on the table. — To say something exists, English uses "there is", not "it has".