How to Use “There Is” and “There Are” Correctly: A Simple Guide with 100+ Examples

Mastering the phrases “there is” and “there are” is fundamental for clear English. This guide provides a complete breakdown of how to use there is and there are, with straightforward rules, practical tips, and 100 real-world examples to build your confidence and accuracy in both writing and speech.

Introduction to How to Use There Is and There Are

Understanding how to use there is and there are correctly is a cornerstone of English grammar. These common phrases, known as existential constructions, are used to state the existence or presence of something. While the rule is simple, applying it instinctively requires practice. This article will clarify the rule, provide extensive examples, and offer strategic advice for students and exam candidates to eliminate this common error from their usage.

The Basic Rule
The rule is straightforward: use “there is” for singular nouns and uncountable nouns. Use “there are” for plural nouns.

• There is a book on the table. (Singular)
• There is milk in the fridge. (Uncountable)
• There are three books on the table. (Plural)

Important Tips for Students and Exam Candidates

1. Identify the True Subject: In “there is/are” sentences, the subject comes after the verb. Find the noun phrase that follows the verb to determine if it’s singular or plural. This is the key to correct agreement.
2. Proximity Rule Caution: When the first item in a list is singular, informal speech often uses “there’s” (e.g., “There’s a pen and two books”). While common in conversation, in formal writing and competitive exams (like IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, or banking exams), always base the verb on the first item listed or recast the sentence for clarity. For exam safety, stick to the standard rule: “There are a pen and two books on the desk” is technically correct, though “A pen and two books are on the desk” is smoother.
3. Uncountable Nouns are Singular: Words like information, advice, furniture, water, and software are uncountable and always take “there is.”
4. Questions and Contractions: The rule applies in questions and contractions. Is there a problem? Are there any issues? There’s a car. There’re some apples. (Note: “There’re” is used in speech but less common in formal writing).

100 Examples of How to Use There Is and There Are

1. There is a cat in the garden.
2. There are many stars in the sky.
3. There is an apple on the counter.
4. There are two apples in the basket.
5. There is some water in the bottle.
6. There are several options available.
7. There is a good reason for this.
8. There are many reasons to smile.
9. There is a problem with the software.
10. There are children playing outside.
11. There is a lot of traffic today.
12. There are few opportunities like this.
13. There is something I need to tell you.
14. There are things we must discuss.
15. There is no time to waste.
16. There are no cookies left in the jar.
17. There is a person at the door.
18. There are people waiting for you.
19. There is milk in the refrigerator.
20. There are eggs on the shelf.
21. There is a museum in the city center.
22. There are several parks nearby.
23. There is always hope.
24. There are always challenges.
25. There is a key on the table.
26. There are keys in the drawer.
27. There is dust on the shelf.
28. There are books scattered everywhere.
29. There is a new student in class.
30. There are new students in the hall.
31. There is sugar in this tea.
32. There are lumps in the batter.
33. There is a wonderful opportunity here.
34. There are numerous benefits to this plan.
35. There is a fly in my soup.
36. There are mosquitoes in the room.
37. There is honesty in his words.
38. There are lies in that statement.
39. There is a hole in my sock.
40. There are stains on your shirt.
41. There is a message for you.
42. There are emails in your inbox.
43. There is some truth to that story.
44. There are facts that contradict it.
45. There is a noise coming from the engine.
46. There are strange sounds at night.
47. There is a bank across the street.
48. There are ATMs on every corner.
49. There is kindness in her heart.
50. There are good people everywhere.
51. There is a mistake in this calculation.
52. There are errors in the document.
53. There is a light on in the house.
54. There are lights on in every window.
55. There is some pizza left.
56. There are slices in the box.
57. There is a bus stop nearby.
58. There are many buses on this route.
59. There is ice on the road.
60. There are potholes to avoid.
61. There is a difference of opinion.
62. There are differences between them.
63. There is a cloud in the sky.
64. There are clouds gathering.
65. There is furniture in the room.
66. There are chairs around the table.
67. There is some progress.
68. There are milestones to achieve.
69. There is a phone call for you.
70. There are messages on your phone.
71. There is a hair in my food.
72. There are hairs on the brush.
73. There is a deadline tomorrow.
74. There are deadlines every week.
75. There is salt in the shaker.
76. There are spices in the cabinet.
77. There is a warranty on this product.
78. There are conditions attached.
79. There is a smile on her face.
80. There are smiles all around.
81. There is some confusion about the rules.
82. There are clear instructions on the page.
83. There is a passport in the drawer.
84. There are documents in the file.
85. There is paint on the floor.
86. There are brushes to clean.
87. There is a story behind this.
88. There are chapters in every life.
89. There is a guest in the lobby.
90. There are guests at the party.
91. There is butter on the knife.
92. There are crumbs on the plate.
93. There is a ladder in the garage.
94. There are tools on the workbench.
95. There is some space in the trunk.
96. There are bags to pack.
97. There is a ring on her finger.
98. There are rings in the jewelry box.
99. There is a need for action.
100. There are ways to solve this.

FAQs on How to Use There Is and There Are

Q1: Do we use “there is” or “there are” with a list of things?
A: Formally, use “there are” if the first item in the list is plural or the list is perceived as plural. However, if the first item is singular, “there is” is often used in informal speech. For exams, it’s safer to match the verb to the first noun or rewrite the sentence.

Q2: What should I use with uncountable nouns like ‘money’ or ‘information’?
A: Always use “there is” with uncountable nouns. For example: “There is some money on the table.” “There is useful information in this article.”

Q3: How do I use “there is/are” in questions?
A: Invert the verb and “there.” For singular/uncountable: Is there…? For plural: Are there…? Examples: “Is there a problem?” “Are there any questions?”

Conclusion on How to Use There Is and There Are

Mastering how to use there is and there are effectively will significantly improve the clarity and grammatical accuracy of your English. By remembering the core rule of singular/plural agreement, paying close attention to the true subject, and practicing with examples like the 100 provided, you can confidently use these structures in everyday communication and high-stakes examinations alike.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes. Grammar rules can have exceptions and variations in different styles of English (e.g., British vs. American). Always refer to the specific style guide or exam instructions when in doubt.

Also Read: How to Use Much and Many: The Ultimate Guide with 100 Examples

Mastering Comparative and Superlative Adjectives: The Ultimate Guide

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