Have you ever wanted to describe something but weren’t sure how to start? Enter “there is” and “there are”—the superheroes of simple description. These structures make it easy to talk about what exists in a place, from the objects in your room to the animals in the jungle. Imagine being able to confidently say, “There are two cats under the couch” instead of nervously mumbling something about “two cats… there… couch.”
In this guide, we’ll break down how to use “there is” and “there are,” share practical tips, and even throw in some humor (without labeling it) to make learning fun. Let’s dive in!
1. The Basics: “There Is” vs. “There Are”
The rule is simple:
- Use “there is” for singular nouns and uncountable nouns.
- Use “there are” for plural nouns.
Examples:
- There is a spider on the wall. (singular noun)
- There is milk in the fridge. (uncountable noun)
- There are cookies on the plate. (plural noun)
Practical Tip: If you’re not sure whether to use “is” or “are,” think about the noun. If it’s just one thing (or something you can’t count), use “is.” If it’s more than one, use “are.”
2. Negative Forms: When There’s Nothing There
Sometimes, you need to say something doesn’t exist. Here’s how to do that:
- There isn’t: For singular or uncountable nouns.
- There aren’t: For plural nouns.
Examples:
- There isn’t a dog in the house.
- There isn’t any water left.
- There aren’t any chairs in the room.
Practical Tip: When using the negative form, remember that “any” often comes before uncountable and plural nouns: There isn’t any milk. / There aren’t any apples.
3. Questions: Is There? Are There?
Want to ask about the existence of something? Easy! Use:
- Is there: For singular or uncountable nouns.
- Are there: For plural nouns.
Examples:
- Is there a problem?
- Is there any sugar in this coffee?
- Are there any good movies on tonight?
Practical Tip: In questions, “any” is your best friend when asking about uncountable or plural nouns.
4. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even native speakers slip up with “there is” and “there are,” so don’t worry if you make mistakes. Here are some common errors:
Mistake #1: Mixing Up Singular and Plural
- Incorrect: There is two cats on the bed.
- Correct: There are two cats on the bed.
Tip: Double-check the noun. If it’s plural, use “are.”
Mistake #2: Using “Any” Incorrectly
- Incorrect: There isn’t water left.
- Correct: There isn’t any water left.
Tip: Use “any” in negative statements and questions with uncountable or plural nouns.
Mistake #3: Forgetting “There” in Questions
- Incorrect: Is a problem here?
- Correct: Is there a problem here?
Tip: Always start your question with “Is there” or “Are there” when asking about existence.
5. Quick Recap Table: “There Is” vs. “There Are”
| Structure | Use With | Example |
|---|---|---|
| There is | Singular/Uncountable nouns | There is a book on the table. / There is water. |
| There are | Plural nouns | There are three dogs in the yard. |
| There isn’t | Singular/Uncountable nouns | There isn’t a cloud in the sky. / There isn’t any juice. |
| There aren’t | Plural nouns | There aren’t any kids at the park. |
| Is there? | Singular/Uncountable nouns | Is there a train coming? / Is there any hope? |
| Are there? | Plural nouns | Are there any snacks left? |
Conclusion: You’re Ready to Describe the World!
Congratulations! You now have the power to confidently use “there is” and “there are” in your sentences. Whether you’re talking about what’s in your fridge, what’s missing from your closet, or asking about the best places to visit, these structures will be your trusty sidekicks.
Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be describing everything around you with ease. And remember: When in doubt, check your noun—is it singular, plural, or uncountable? That will tell you whether to use “is” or “are.” Happy describing!