Definition / Explanation
We use there is and there are to say that something exists or is available. This structure helps us introduce things in a place, not describe them directly. Use there is with singular nouns and there are with plural nouns. It is very common when talking about rooms, towns, food, furniture, and everyday situations.
Key Rules
- Use there is with a singular noun: There is a chair.
- Use there are with a plural noun: There are two chairs.
- The real subject comes after there is/are.
- Use a/an or a number when needed: There is a park. / There are three parks.
- This structure is often followed by a place phrase: There is a cafe near here.
Examples
- There is a bank on this street.
- There is an apple in the bag.
- There are two windows in my room.
- There are many people outside.
- There is a problem with my phone.
Common Mistakes
- ❌ It is a bank on this street. -> ✅ There is a bank on this street.
- ❌ There are a cat in the garden. -> ✅ There is a cat in the garden.
- ❌ There is two cars outside. -> ✅ There are two cars outside.