Mastering "There is" vs. "There are": A Simple Guide for English Learners

Welcome to your essential guide on using "There is" and "There are"! Understanding these phrases is crucial for constructing sentences in English. Whether you're a beginner or just brushing up on your skills, this article will help you grasp the differences and use them correctly. Let's dive in!

Understanding the Basics

In English, we use "There is" and "There are" to indicate the existence of something. The choice between them depends on whether the noun that follows is singular or plural.

"There is" is used with singular nouns.
"There are" is used with plural nouns.

Rules Explained

Here are the main rules to remember:

Phrase	Usage
There is	Used with singular nouns (e.g., a book, an apple)
There are	Used with plural nouns (e.g., books, apples)

Examples of Correct vs. Incorrect Usage

To help you understand better, here are some examples:

✅ There is a cat in the garden.
❌ There is cats in the garden.
✅ There are two dogs in the park.
❌ There are a dog in the park.
✅ There is a teacher in the classroom.
❌ There is teachers in the classroom.
✅ There are five apples on the table.
❌ There is five apples on the table.
✅ There is a movie on TV.
❌ There are a movie on TV.
✅ There are many stars in the sky.
❌ There is many stars in the sky.
✅ There is a problem we need to solve.
❌ There are a problem we need to solve.
✅ There are several options available.
❌ There is several options available.
✅ There is a new restaurant in town.
❌ There are a new restaurant in town.
✅ There are three cars in the driveway.
❌ There is three cars in the driveway.

Pro Tip: Always remember to check if the noun is singular or plural before choosing between "there is" and "there are." This will help you avoid common mistakes!

Conclusion

Now you know the difference between "There is" and "There are"! With practice, you'll be able to use these phrases confidently in your conversations and writing. Keep these rules in mind, and don't hesitate to refer back to this guide as you continue your journey in learning English grammar. Happy learning!