A1 · Lesson 12 · 20 min
There is and there are
In this lesson
- I can say that something exists in a place.
- I can make questions and negatives with there is and there are.
Grammar in context
Maya is showing her cousin a new community café. There is a small garden behind the café, and there are two tables outside. Inside, there is tea, but there are not any sandwiches today.
Which words does Maya use before one thing, an uncountable noun, and two or more things?
Saying something exists
Use there is with one thing or an uncountable noun. Use there are for two or more things. Put the place after the thing when it helps the listener. We often use a or an with one countable thing.
- There is a bike outside the library.
- There is milk in the fridge.
- There are four cups on the table.
Negatives
To say something does not exist, use there isn't or there aren't. You can also say there is not or there are not. Use any before plural or uncountable nouns in many negative sentences.
- There isn't a pharmacy on this street.
- There aren't any clean plates in the kitchen.
- There isn't any milk in the fridge.
Questions and short answers
For questions, put is or are before there. Use Is there for one thing or an uncountable noun, and Are there for more than one thing. Short answers repeat there and the correct form of be.
- Is there a bus after eight o'clock? Yes, there is.
- Are there any children in the park? No, there aren't.
Common mistakes
Compare the incorrect and corrected forms.
Avoid
There are a new shop near my house.
Use
There is a new shop near my house.
Use there is with one singular thing.
Avoid
Is there any chairs in the room?
Use
Are there any chairs in the room?
Chairs is plural, so use are there.
Put it into practice
Try the exercises, write your own examples and check your understanding.