Language/English/Grammar/There-is-or-There-are?

Understanding the Use of 'There is' and 'There are' in English Grammar

There is often confusion among learners, and even some native English speakers, regarding the correct usage of there is and there are. This short explanation aims to clarify this.

Usage of There

There is used to indicate the position or existence of something.

Singular Form

• There is a book on the table. - Is is used to describe the position or existence of a single item, in this case, a book.

Plural Form

• There are books on the table. - Are indicates that we are describing the position or existence of multiple items, in this case, books.

However, there are exceptions:

Mixed Plural and Singular

• There is a book and pens on the table. - Is is used because the first item listed is singular, a book.
• There are books and a pen on the table. - Are is used because the first item listed is plural, books.

Object of There is/are used as a Subject

Using book as the subject of the sentence implies a different emphasis compared to using There is/There are:

• Books are on the table. - This emphasises that Books are the primary focus, with their location being secondary.
• There are books on the table. - This implies that our primary concern is the position (or existence) of Books.

Past Tense Forms

• There was a book on the table. - The simple past form of There is.
• There were books on the table. - The simple past form of There are.