“There is/there are” is used to describe that something is present, exists, or helps give direction to where something is or what something is doing.
For example:
There is/there’s = Singular nouns
There are = Plural nouns
Quantifiers are words and phrases that indicate an amount/number of something.
For example: many, a lot of, some, any, much, most, few, a few, and lots of.
With negative forms, we use “any” before uncountable nouns and plural nouns.
To form questions, we flip the word order of “there is/there are,” and we use “any.”
Using “there is/there are” with lists is common. However, there is some debate on when to use “there is/there are” based on whether the first item in the list is plural or singular.
Subscribe to our newsletter and get writing tips from our editors straight to your inbox.
Let’s look at some examples:
If you notice, “there is/there are” is used based on whether the first item in the list is singular or plural.
● If the first item is singular, use “there is.”
● If the first item is plural, use “there are.”
However, please be mindful because some teachers/educators will say that since a list is composed of many items, the sentence should always start with “there are” to follow strict grammar rules. However, this is debated because using “There are a pencil, notebook, etc.” can be awkward phrasing.
Generally, we can remove “there is/there are” from a sentence to reduce wordiness or make it more specific. Often, “there is/there are” can make a sentence vague, so by removing it, we need to add additional and more specific information for our readers.
Using “there is/there are” in a sentence is a fundamental speaking and writing skill in English. In addition, it is important to understand when to remove it from your sentence to make your writing more concise and specific.
If you want help with using “there is/there are” or other English grammar rules, Proofed will proofread your first 500 words for free.
Δ
2-minute read
If you’re writing about health issues, you might need to reference the Centers for Disease...
5-minute read
Introduction If you’re involved with ecommerce, you’re likely familiar with the often painstaking process of...
3-minute read
Are you interested in learning more about the role of a content editor and the...
4-minute read
Proofreading is important to ensure your writing is clear and concise for your readers. Whether...
Creating presentations can be time-consuming and frustrating. Trying to construct a visually appealing and informative...
No matter your industry, conducting market research helps you keep up to date with shifting...