"there is" vs "there are"

Question

"there is" vs "there are"

The phrases 'there are' and 'there is' are both correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'There are' is used when referring to multiple items or people, while 'there is' is used when referring to a single item or person. It's important to match the verb with the number of items being discussed.

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

Use 'there is' when you are talking about one item or person. It is followed by a singular noun.

Examples:

There is a book on the table.
There is a cat in the garden.
There is an apple in the basket.

Alternatives:

there exists
there stands
there lies
there remains
there sits

Use 'there are' when you are talking about more than one item or person. It is followed by a plural noun.

Examples:

There are many books on the shelf.
There are three cats in the garden.
There are some apples in the basket.

Alternatives:

there exist
there stand
there lie
there remain
there sit

Answer 1

there is

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to a single item or person.

Answer 2

there are

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to multiple items or people.

"there is" vs "there are"

there is

there are

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