Question 1

When do I use "there is" and when do I use "there are"?

Accepted Answer

Use "there is" when the noun after the verb is singular or uncountable: "There is a problem" (one problem), "There is water on the floor" (uncountable). Use "there are" when the noun is plural: "There are problems" (more than one), "There are five people waiting" (plural). The key is to look at the noun that follows, not the word "there" — "there" is not the real subject. In the past tense, use "there was" (singular) and "there were" (plural): "There was a mistake" and "There were several mistakes." This pattern appears regularly in A1 and A2 examinations.

Question 2

What verb form do I use with a list after "there"?

Accepted Answer

When a list of items follows "there is" or "there are," match the verb to the first item in the list. If the first item is singular, use "is": "There is a chair, two tables, and a lamp in the room." If the first item is plural, use "are": "There are two tables, a chair, and a lamp." This is the standard rule in British English and the form expected in formal writing and exams. In everyday speech, some people use "there are" whenever the list contains more than one item in total, but for grammar exercises and tests, match the first item.

Question 3

Is "there is" with a plural noun ever acceptable in informal English?

Accepted Answer

In casual spoken English, many native speakers use "there's" (the contracted form of "there is") with plural nouns: "There's lots of people here" or "There's two options." This is very common in everyday conversation and is generally understood and accepted. However, in formal writing, academic English, and grammar examinations, this is considered incorrect. The correct forms are "There are lots of people" and "There are two options." If you are preparing for a Cambridge or IELTS examination, always use "there are" with plural nouns. Save "there's" with plurals for relaxed, informal conversation only.

There Is / There Are Exercises

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There Is / There Are - Easy

There Is / There Are - Intermediate

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-ed vs -ing Adjectives

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