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there is / there are

Hi, I often hear non-native speakers use “there is” + some noun in plural. So far I thought it’s just a bad use of language when it should actually be "there are". But recently I heard a presumably native speaker (australian) saying “there is no roads”. Can you confirm this and what are the grammar rules when to use "there is" versus "there are" if not singular versus plural noun?

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DavydO profile picture DavydO2 weeks ago

Wolkenspringer: You're correct. The rule is that ”there is” should be followed by a noun in the singular and ”there are” should be followed by a noun in the plural.

 

Based on recent interactions that I’ve had with an allegedly native speaker of Australian English, I’m tempted to add that Australians speak a very low quality version of English -- but only an idiot would make a sweeping generalization like that.