Definition / Explanation
We can also use there is / there are in negative sentences and questions. This lets us say that something does not exist, is not present, or ask if it is present. Use there isn't with singular nouns and there aren't with plural nouns. In questions, we usually change the order and say Is there...? or Are there...?
Key Rules
- Use there isn't or there is not with singular nouns.
- Use there aren't or there are not with plural nouns.
- For questions, use Is there...? and Are there...?
- Use any often in negatives and questions: There isn't any milk.
- Short answers are common: Yes, there is. / No, there aren't.
Examples
- There isn't a bus stop near my house.
- There aren't any clean cups.
- Is there a toilet here?
- Are there any eggs in the fridge?
- There is not a problem now.
Common Mistakes
- ❌ There don't have any chairs. -> ✅ There aren't any chairs.
- ❌ Is there any tickets? -> ✅ Are there any tickets?
- ❌ There isn't books on the desk. -> ✅ There aren't books on the desk.